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Microsoft Build 2013: What to expect

Vamien McKalin

Microsoft Build 2013 developer conference is right around the corner, and should be the event where Microsoft tries to regain consumer trust along with re-writing the wrongs made with Windows 8. It's going to be an interesting couple of days come June 26-28, but what are the things we should definitely look forward to from Microsoft? The company has its hands in so many ventures, but only a few these the consumers would be attracted to.

While Microsoft prepares to wow us, we'll take the time out to predict some things that might come to fruition at Build 2013.

Windows 8 - With all the madness happening right now with Windows 8 and the low sales, we expect Microsoft to place a lot of focus here. Microsoft will definitely officially announce Windows 8.1 and all its features that are meant to make users happy. If everything goes according to plan, the sales of Windows 8 devices should increase, but if not, Microsoft could find itself in a whole lot of trouble.

Windows Phone 8 - Another Microsoft platform that is in serious trouble despite its small amount of growth year over year. Nokia has done quite a lot to help boost the platform around the world, but it is still in no position to compete with Android and iOS. At Build 2013, Microsoft is expected to announce Windows Phone 8.1 along with all the things the new platform is capable of doing. Don't be surprised if support of quad core processors and 1080p display are few of the new features Microsoft puts focus on. Furthermore, the company could showcase the first Windows Phone 8 based phablet device that will fully support all the new features to come.

Xbox One - Nothing much has been going according to plan for the Xbox Team. The whole DRM debacle has turned focus away from what the Xbox One is capable of and all the new exclusive titles to come. Microsoft would want to use Build 2013 as a front to talk more about the platform and why the $499 price-tag is justified. Furthermore, the company would also want to talk more about the TV features, Kinect and other technical stuff since Build 2013 is not a gamer-focused event. Still, there will be a few gamers who will forget that Build 2013 is not their event, and thus whine and moan as expected.

In addition, it wouldn't kill Microsoft to announce a $399 price drop, but we doubt the company would budge on that end.

Internet Explorer 11 - Despite all the work put into Internet Explorer 10, the browser is still inferior to the likes of Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox. There are so many things Microsoft could do to make its browser better, but for some strange reason, the company is putting more focus on web standards instead of user experience and features. We expect Microsoft to announce a new synchronization feature for the new browser and things about HTML5, but if the company fails to announce a new extension system, then Internet Explorer 11 won't make too much of a difference.

Office 2013 - With Office 2013 making its way to Apple's iOS platform, we should see Microsoft making a big deal about this. Furthermore, there should also be some talks of Outlook coming to Windows RT-based devices along with some minor updates.

New Surface device - Microsoft's goal is to become a device and services company, so we are very confident a new Surface device will be announced at Build 2013. Expect an upgraded Surface Pro tablet with Intel Haswell processor inside, along with an all new Surface RT that is powered by the latest NVIDIA Tegra chipset.

In addition, Microsoft could surprise us all by showcasing the Surface phone, it's the only missing piece of the puzzle when it comes to Microsoft's device and services plan.

The Cloud - Cloud computing is gaining popularity all around the world, so there is no doubt that Microsoft would put certain amount of focus in this space. The company should talk up its 300,000 servers and what they can do, along with how Azure can help developers.

So much for Microsoft to do when Build 2013 comes knocking, but the questions is, can the company deliver?

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