Why Microsoft’s reorganization closes the books on an era of computing

Re:Why Microsoft’s reorganization closes the books on an era... by pedalpete on Sunday July 14, 2013 @07:33PM (#6042722)

That's an interesting perspective, but I have to question how much value Microsoft research alone has added versus the many start-ups that Microsoft has worked with in bringing new technology to market.

Microsoft didn't invent the Kinect, it was developed by PrimeSense and brought to market by Microsoft (if I've got that right).

As the cost of much of the large technology plays comes down, and it can be done easier, I think we'll continue to see large companies continue to rely on start-ups to provide the initial impetus of ingenuity. I suspect it has always been that way. Don't forget Microsoft was a start-up which took advantage of IBM's scale to build their market advantage.

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Re:Why Microsoft’s reorganization closes the books on an era... by kabdib on Sunday July 14, 2013 @09:57PM (#6043220)

The Kinect is a depth camera. Nothing new there. PrimeSense had one that was a lot cheaper than existing ones, and Microsoft bought it. It was primarily the cost of the device that had PS in the running.

The skeletal tracking was totally Microsoft's stuff; in fact, it was an utter surprise to PrimeSense when it was announced (that was fun -- they had no idea what we were really doing with the camera until very late in the game).

So: PrimeSense: Depth camera.

Microsoft: EVERYTHING else (from the firmware and the drivers on up, including a /bunch/ of manufacturability stuff that PS had little experience in).

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Re:Why Microsoft’s reorganization closes the books on an era... by pedalpete on Sunday July 14, 2013 @11:27PM (#6043524)

Thanks for clarifying that Kabdib, I wasn't aware that was the story.

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