Microsoft's offerings often leave me feeling conflicted, given my fondness for them, but I've decided to move forward with my latest purchase: the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
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In the world of technology, loyalty can often be tested, and this is especially true for Microsoft. The author's love for technology began around a decade ago, and during this time, they became a hardcore Microsoft fan, committing to the company's consumer offerings such as Outlook, Microsoft 365, Windows phones, Surface devices, and Xbox. However, over the years, the author has experienced numerous disappointments with Microsoft's products.
Microsoft's latest setback came with the announcement of the shutdown of its Movies & TV service. This move seems to echo a pattern of inconsistency and unreliability that users have come to associate with the company. Microsoft, it appears, is seemingly incapable of creating lasting consumer-facing products.
The author's history with Microsoft extends beyond software. They recall the excitement of their family's original Xbox and Xbox 360 S. Yet, the author's journey with Microsoft has been marked by half-baked first attempts, lack of continued investment, constant backtracking, overhauling, unnecessary cannibalization, inconsistent and unreliable communication, shameless trend-chasing, and a lack of learning from its mistakes.
One of the key reasons for Microsoft's perceived inconsistency lies in product issues and unreliability. Users report Microsoft 365 applications as glitchy, prone to crashes, and losing work unpredictably. For example, a user recounted losing half of a PowerPoint presentation without any error or recovery option, contributing to a perception of poor reliability in core software products.
Another factor is support lifecycle transitions. Microsoft’s commitment to product support is fixed and often time-limited, such as the 10-year support cycle for Windows 10 which is ending in October 2025. This forces users to upgrade to newer systems even if their current setups are stable, which some view as disruptive or inconsistent, especially when new versions introduce changes like AI-powered features that may not meet all expectations.
Internal organizational changes and layoffs also play a role. Recent Microsoft workforce reductions and restructuring lead to a loss of experienced personnel, affecting the company’s ability to maintain innovation and deliver consistent IT support. The reduction in expert staff can hamper product quality and support reliability, exacerbating negative customer experiences and perceptions of inconsistency.
Finally, Microsoft's frequent updates and shifting priorities add complexity for partners and users. While these changes aim to improve security and reliability, they can also add complexity and leave some legacy or productivity products feeling neglected.
In the face of these challenges, the author is taking steps to partially divorce from their Microsoft dependency. Google's ecosystem feels stable for consumers, while Microsoft has drifted from disappointment to disappointment. The author is cutting a bit of Microsoft out and will rely more on Samsung, Google, and other third-party solutions for their software needs moving forward.
The author's journey is a testament to the complexities of loyalty in the tech industry. The author initially wanted high-end Android devices, Windows laptops, and audio equipment, but their experiences with Microsoft have left them tired of fighting for loyalty and without much faith in the company's ability to regain their trust in the future.
As Microsoft continues to focus on its bottom line, rather than products like Windows, Office, Xbox, etc., it remains to be seen if the company can turn the tide and regain the trust of its users. For now, the author looks forward to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7, available at Samsung.com and BestBuy.com, as a potential step towards a more reliable and consistent tech experience.
[1] Microsoft 365: A User's Perspective
[2] The End of Windows 10 Support: What Users Need to Know
[3] Microsoft's Workforce Reductions and Their Impact on Product Support
[4] Microsoft's Shifting Focus and Its Impact on Legacy Products
- The author's PC is a Microsoft Surface Pro, a device they've come to rely on for work and gaming.
- The author recalls the days of using Windows XP, a operating system that felt user-friendly and robust.
- Teams within Microsoft seem to work in silos, with little coordination, leading to a fragmented user experience.
- Microsoft Azure, the company's cloud computing platform, has shown promise but lacks the polish and ease of use of its competitors.
- The author's Xbox gaming adventures were largely defined by the likes of Halo and Forza, two exclusive franchises that garnered critical acclaim.
- The Edge browser on Windows 10, a response to Google Chrome, has struggled to gain significant market share.
- The author often finds themselves using smartphones with Android operating system due to Microsoft's lack of commitment to the mobile market.
- The most recent software addition to the author's desktop is Windows 11, an update plagued with bugs and compatibility issues.
- Microsoft 365 Suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel, remains an essential tool for business and productivity, despite occasional glitches.
- The author's faith in hardware durability wanes when considering the fragile nature of Microsoft's wireless earbuds, compared to those from other brands.
- The author finds solace in the consistent updates and improvements in Google's hardware and software gadgets, which promises a more reliable tech experience.
