Overpaid?

Microsoft has laid off employees due to the bad economic times. However, if it is not bad enough getting laid off, Microsoft added insult to injury by telling these former employees that they were given too much severance pay and needed to give it back. Having a position working at Microsoft you would not expect to be laid off at all. But when it happens and they want money from you, which is just salt in the wound. Microsoft admitted that it was a mistake on their part and they should have handled the situation better and in a more thoughtful way. Microsoft now contacted the employees that received a notice to pay back the money that it was no longer necessary for them to pay. It was terrible of Microsoft to not only take the people jobs but take money that was a product of their own mistakes. I think that when they realized the bad publicity it is causing they decided it might be best to allow the employees to keep it and then be more careful in the future layoffs with how much severance is given. I believe it makes Microsoft looks selfish and heartless to ask for the money back after it was their own fault, and then turn around and take back their decision when it seems it's getting a negative reaction form the community. Not a good move on Microsoft's part!

Video Games Are Educational?

Devin Krauter is said to be one of the best players of “Gears of War 2” which is a shooting video game. He claims that it “teaches him to think on his feet — and that he thinks about succeeding, not slaying.” (1) Microsoft found this intriguing. Microsoft, who published the game, is “studying the reactions of avid gamers to see whether video gaming can promote learning skills that carry over to the classroom.” (1) Microsoft has invested $1.5 million to start up The Games for Learning Institution. “The goal of the research is to see whether video games — and not just software specifically designed to be educational — can draw students into math, science and technology-based programs.” (1) Despite the fact that Microsoft is not the first to research this, they will bring in some much needed money as well as credibility. They are hoping that these games show that they are using cognitive skills as well as other motor skills. Many shooter games cause you to think in depth, keep track of health and bullets, navigate through underground tunnels, and find somewhere to take cover. Hopefully the games will focus more on the skills and not so much on the violence in the future to come.
I think that Microsoft’s involvement will be beneficial to the study. I think many kids engage in playing video games on a daily basis. There is something behind these games that is captivating and can hold their attention for hours. I do not believe the reason is to see the violence or see someone get shot. I think there is much more to why they are playing these games. Maybe it is a certain feeling of being in control and being able to survive by using specific tactics and skill you learn. Microsoft is bound to place a good name on this research simply because they are a main corporation who is interested in such a research. Some parents may feel that these games are nothing but bad influences on their kids. However, some may be more open-minded due to the fact a credible and wealthy company believes there is more to the game then meets they eye.

1. http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jDQ-SWd6OPxfVg2xMiYzMvPxF5UgD96FCQL82

Microsoft Xbox "lacks longevity"

According to Kazuo Hairai, Sony Computer Entertainment’s chairman, the Xbox “lacks longevity.” Hirai believes that the PS3 will finish ahead of the Xbox, which is one of Microsoft’s biggest competitors on the gaming industry. Hirai claims that regardless of who sells more and when they get sold doesn’t matter. He still feels as if the PS3 is the leader in the gaming industry. Sony doesn’t believe that Nintendo, another big name in gaming, is really a competitor because they use different components. The main competition is between the Xbox and the PS3. Hirai states, “Last time I checked, they’ve never had a console that’s been on the market for more than four or five years and we’ve committed to a ten year life cycle, so you do the math.” (1) This is a strong stance against Microsoft’s Xbox and the name behind it. However Microsoft didn’t take this claim lightly. Aaron Greenberg, group product manager for the Xbox 360, responded by stating “Hirai’s comments are indicative of an old hardware company that is comfortable with its market position.” (2) He went on to say that “Sony’s complacent attitude is out of touch with where the industry and consumer is today.” (2) Greenberg feels that “their ability to “out innovate” in terms of online capabilities and software strength will be the main defining factors.” (2) He concluded by saying that he stands strong behind the Microsoft Xbox and their ability to outsell the PS3. Also that their gaming library and leading online network is more efficient and advanced then PS3 making them on top in the industry. By taking this stance it shows that they are not afraid of standing up for their products and showing confidence in it as well. Acknowledging the competitors allegations and shutting them down with their own personal abilities that outshine the PS3 was a good move in showing proof of their capabilities.

As a personal user of both systems I have to agree that the Xbox 360 has had its share of problems. Having to send the Xbox 360 back twice for repairs only to have it break again doesn’t show me that the product is very high and mighty. However, the online community and their trophy and gamer score program makes you want to buy the games for their system because it keeps a score on your profile of how good you are on games and other people online are able to see that. This also allows you to keep track of your game score as well. This isn’t a big deal to me, but I know many people that will specifically buy a game for this system for the mere fact of the online community. I have not experienced any problems with the PS3 and the games are of good design and game play. However, with the comparison of the games on both systems I must admit that the 360 appears triumphant. That is, if you don’t mind having your system break down on you multiple times!

1. http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=206201
2. http://www.thetechherald.com/article.php/200904/2824/Microsoft-responds-to-Sony-s-recent-Xbox-360-criticisms

Microsoft Sells Comcast Stake

Microsoft has sold its 7.26 % of its Comcast stake. Comcast is the largest U.S. cable operator and Microsoft no longer has any traces of being involved with them. Microsoft invested $1 billion in Comcast to make the "deployment of high-speed data and video services via cable delivery network." Microsoft was able to sell its stocks over a 12 month period. It was said that they owned 150.9 million shares of Comcast stock. An important factor may have caused Microsoft to lose interest in Comcast. "Microsoft's initial investment in Comcast required the company to buy 500,000 set-tops with Microsoft software and, while Comcast purchased them by 2004, it eventually replaced them with its own alternatives." The question arises, where are those boxes? Some may have been used and sold, but others may remain in a warehouse rotting away. Microsoft was extremely interested in getting into the TV scene. This was one initial reason they joined forces with Comcast. However, Comcast was more interested in using their own designs and programs. It's an important decision for Microsoft to pull their shares out of the Comcast Corporation. If a shareholder is not living up to their end of the bargain it makes for bad business to remain with them. When a company fails to represent their investors they do not belong having a stake in their company. Comcast could have made not only themselves profitable, but Comcast as well by joining forces. I think that Comcast will regret the decision to not live up to the deal with Microsoft because it is such an important and strong company to have on your side. Comcast could have placed a TV on the desktop of many computers with the powerful name of Microsoft behind them. I think that Microsoft did what they had to do to make sure their investments are a profitable one.

http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSBNG40896020090121

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/01/during-2008-microsoft-sold-150-million-shares-in-comcast.ars

http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/01/20/microsoft-sells-entire-comcast-stake/