Microsoft this morning confirmed plans for an upcoming wave of product updates known inside the company as “Blue,” and announced plans to hold its next Build developer conference in June, where it will provide a first look at what’s next from the company.
The company didn’t provide any details about the Blue updates, which have been reported to include a refresh of Windows 8, designed in part to optimize the Microsoft operating system for Intel’s next-generation processors. It’s part of an attempt by Microsoft to make more regular updates to its flagship products.
Microsoft communications chief Frank Shaw wrote in a blog post this morning, “With a remarkable foundation of products in market and a clear view of how we will evolve the company, product leaders across Microsoft are working together on plans to advance our devices and services, a set of plans referred to internally as ‘Blue.’ ”
He described the initiative as part of Microsoft’s effort to transition “from a software company to a devices and services company.” He noted that the ultimate products are not expected to use Blue as an actual product name.
The company didn’t provide a timeframe for the updates, but it looks like we could get a sneak peek in June. Microsoft today also announced plans for the next Build developer conference in late June in San Francisco, giving developers a “first look at what’s next.”
ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley has more on the announcements and the implications.
