Microsoft has today launched Xbox Music on Android and iOS almost a year after the music streaming service made its debut alongside Windows 8. The apps allow subscribers to stream tens of millions of songs straight to their mobile devices, and create playlists that sync across your smartphone, tablet, PC, and Xbox 360.
Microsoft has also updated its Xbox Music web app to offer free, ad-supported streaming for all.
The Droid X was Motorola’s flagship Android smartphone back in the summer of 2010, and many of us have already forgotten about the handset. However, after a year and a half of inactivity, Verizon has officially announced that it has started rolling out a security update for those who are still using this somewhat outdated device.
Microsoft has a weird business model, and a fragile one.
Their model is: Get people to need Microsoft software, then sell that software at high prices.
Contrast this with Apple’s model, which is: Get people want your consumer electronics so bad they’ll pay a lot for it, then sell the hardware, software, services and content at high prices.
And finally, Google’s model: Get people use the Internet more by making it awesome and free, and make money when people use the Internet.
All three companies make operating systems for phones, tablets and desktop computers.
But which models will succeed in the future and which will fail?
I think it’s clear that Google’s model is most likely to succeed and Microsoft’s most likely to fail. And Apple will do just fine.
Here’s what’s happening.
Just two days ago, Samsung officially unveiled its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note III, during its Unpacked event in Berlin. And today, U.S. Cellular has officially announced that it will be carrying the South Korean company’s new flagship smartphone in October.
If you’ve been tapping that update button on your Galaxy S III or Galaxy S4 every day, eagerly anticipating the release of Google’s latest Android 4.3 Jelly Bean release, then it’s time to give yourself a rest for a few weeks. Samsung confirmed at IFA this week that the update was indeed on its way — but it won’t be available until next month.
