Microsoft has announced that it will no longer produce mice, keyboards, and webcams under the Microsoft brand and will instead create PC peripherals under the Surface brand, which will include mice, keyboards, pens, and more.
According to The Verge, the decision ends the tradition of PC hardware bearing the Microsoft name that was introduced in 1983 and included both Word and Notepad.
According to Dan Laycock, senior communications manager at Microsoft, “Moving forward, we are focusing on our Windows PC accessories portfolio under the Surface brand.”
“We’ll keep selling various Surface-branded PC Accessories, such as mice, keyboards, pens, docks, and other items. In addition, while stocks remain, Microsoft-branded PC accessories, including mice, keyboards, and cameras, will continue to be offered in current markets at the same sell-in rates,” the official stated further.
The article also mentioned that although the Surface family of peripherals would offer several excellent keyboards and mice, they will cost more than Microsoft-branded alternatives.
It is still being determined whether Microsoft will continue to provide more affordable Surface accessories or completely switch to more expensive ones.
Meanwhile, Microsoft reported USD 52.9 billion in sales, an increase of 7%, and USD 18.3 billion in net income, a rise of 9% (year over year), for the three months ending March 31, 2023.
Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has the potential to revolutionize numerous industries, has become a global phenomenon.
According to the firm, Microsoft Cloud reported revenue of USD 28.5 billion, an increase of 22% from 2022.
However, sales in the ‘More Personal Computing division were USD 13.3 billion and fell by 9%, while Windows OEM revenue fell by 28%.
The tech giant has also announced the end of support for its popular Windows 10 operating system (OS), adding that the current version of Windows 10 will be its last.
The support for all Windows 10 editions will be discontinued in October 2025, the tech giant said on April 27, 2023.
“Windows 10 will reach the end of support on October 14, 2025. The current version, 22H2, will be the final version, and all editions will remain in support with monthly security update releases through that date. Existing LTSC (long-term servicing channel) releases will continue to receive updates beyond that date based on their specific lifecycles,” the tech behemoth said in an official blog post.
According to Microsoft, users must now transition to Windows 11, as there will be no further updates to Windows 10.
For those wishing to continue to use Windows 10, the company said that those users must update their Operating System to the 22H2 version, and use it through October 14, 2025.