In the News

BC Platforms, a world leader in genomic data management solutions, announced its collaboration with Microsoft to provide integrated genomic data management solutions in healthcare using the Azure cloud platform and services. The two companies will build the first proof of concept case with Helsinki University Hospital in 2016. David Heckerman, a distinguished scientist at Microsoft said, “We are delighted to be providing these genomics solutions on Microsoft Azure, in collaboration with BC Platforms. Together, we can provide a complete platform for the interpretation of complex genomic and clinical data across key international markets.”

Microsoft and Raspberry Pi are teaming up to provide an entire package needed to build Internet of Things and smart devices, including hardware, OS and cloud services. It is to assist Raspberry Pi 3 users take their envisioned devices from concepts to the end market. Microsoft is previewing a new edition of its Windows 10 IoT Core operating system for the Raspberry Pi 3. The credit-card sized Raspberry Pi 3’s new features include a 64-bit ARM CPU, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth which make it easier for smart devices to communicate with sensors and pull information to the Cloud for analytics.

Microsoft announced another update for the Xbox One and the Xbox app for Windows 10, including a change for players of Xbox 360 backwards compatible games. One can now purchase games directly on Xbox One from the store. The changes will allow – Twitch users to broadcast the chatter happening within their party, host bigger parties than before, broadcast the party chat audio from headset and speakers simultaneously, in-game DVR recording, access to the Gamerscore Leaderboard feature and several other changes.

Microsoft will be testing the strength of its Xbox gaming franchise to see gauge its reach outside the living room. The company recently outlined plans to grow a business built primarily on a game console to one also focused on the personal computer. The decision pushes its own studios to release games for the PC and positions Windows as a platform to buy games across device types. “We are 100 percent committed to the PC-gaming space,” said Phil Spencer, who leads Microsoft’s Xbox group.

Microsoft claims to possess one amazing app for the VR market – Minecraft. Minecraft is currently the most popular game in the world and it lends itself to multiple formats extremely well too.

NICE Systems (NASDAQ: NICE) announced deployment of the NICE Investigate digital policing solution on the Microsoft Azure Government cloud platform. The collaboration provides law enforcement agencies with a comprehensive Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS)-compliant cloud solution for managing investigations and digital evidence. “Offering the NICE Investigate solution on the Microsoft Azure Government cloud platform reinforces our shared commitment to providing law enforcement the most advanced tools available to help them do their jobs and better protect the public,” said Michael Donlan, Vice President, U.S. State and Local Government, Microsoft.

Infosys, a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services declared that it will collaborate with Microsoft Corporation, a global leader in platform and productivity offerings, to deploy advanced analytics solutions to support healthcare organizations in their digital transformation. “Cortana Analytics is a fully managed Big Data and advanced analytics suite that enables customers to transform data into intelligent action. The technology we have today at Microsoft, and the deep collaboration with Infosys, will enable novel healthcare solutions that make smarter decisions, improve customer service, and uncover new possibilities to transform patient care faster than ever before,” said Joseph Sirosh, Corporate Vice President of the Data Group, Microsoft.

The Indian School of Design and Innovation (ISDI) powered by Microsoft Ventures presented the graduation of the first batch of market-ready startups of its Creative Accelerator. ISDI and Microsoft Ventures brought together all key stakeholders, academia, students, entrepreneurs, investors, and corporates to provide mentorship as well as the most critical resources in design and innovation that these startups needed to be successful.

Mass Innovation Nights (MIN) is collaborating with Microsoft on the second annual civic technology Mass Innovation Nights in Boston. The 84th monthly Mass Innovation Nights event will be held on March 8, 2016 in Boston’s Innovation District. “Massachusetts is growing a diverse Civic Tech ecosystem that includes solutions that enable government transparency, improve services to citizens and support the business of government. This MIN event is a fantastic opportunity to see a sampling of the solutions that make up this emerging industry,” said Cathy Wissink, Director, Civic Engagement, Microsoft.

Microsoft’s HoloLens will start to make its way to developers at the end of March. The company will begin shipping a developer’s kit, including its augmented-reality HoloLens headset, to selected developers by March 30. This will be the first wide distribution to date, of a barely revealed product, by the software giant. Releasing a developer’s kit is a major milestone on the road to making new hardware commercially viable.