Tag: Microsoft

Media companies are getting better at generating attention, but the real business challenge is turning that interest into repeat behavior. Netflix’s push into short-form publisher content, weaker second-season retention, the rise of AI-driven discovery, Hollywood’s reliance on built-in fan communities,…

Microsoft is restructuring Xbox to improve profitability, cutting roles, reducing management layers, and moving several studios out of its portfolio as the gaming division shifts from expansion to efficiency. Xbox’s lower margins, rising capital competition from AI, and pressure to…

Roku appointed Patrick Harris as SVP of Global Media Revenue, hiring the former Snap and Meta executive to lead global advertising growth and media innovation. The move follows stronger than expected quarterly results and a positive 2026 outlook, signaling deeper…

Streaming economics are shifting from content-driven strategies to control over systems like discovery, access, and monetization. With rising marginal costs in areas like cloud gaming and AI, ads are reappearing at points of access rather than within core experiences. Discovery…

Microsoft is testing an ad-supported tier of Xbox Cloud Gaming that lets users play short sessions in exchange for pre-roll ads. This model addresses the high marginal costs of cloud gaming by using advertising to fund access, creating a free…

From the Archives revisits Microsoft’s early attempt to make the Xbox a digital media hub with the launch of the Xbox Live Video Marketplace in 2006. Long before streaming took over, Microsoft pushed digital ownership through its ecosystem of Xbox,…

From the Archives revisits how Beam set out to revolutionize game streaming with real-time viewer interaction, only to be acquired and eventually shuttered by Microsoft after rebranding it as Mixer. Despite superior tech and exclusive streamer deals, Mixer couldn’t build…

Microsoft posted $76.4 billion in revenue for fiscal Q4, up 18% year-over-year, driven by strong performance across all segments, including a 21% jump in advertising revenue. The gains were fueled by increased demand and new AI-powered tools enhancing ad targeting…

Microsoft has officially shut down its Movies & TV store on Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, ending new purchases as of today. Users can still access previously bought content via the Movies & TV app, though no refunds will be…

Touchcast, acquired by Infinite Reality (now Napster Corp) for $500M, is powering a new AI push via its cCDN tech, developed with Microsoft. The platform, now called Napster AI, uses generative AI to deliver content across distributed networks and builds…