Microsoft Concludes a Week of Challenges

In the middle of January, Microsoft found itself in quite the whirlwind. The tech behemoth faced criticism from Salesforce, rebranded some of its classic apps, and increased the price of Microsoft 365 while pushing Copilot onto many of its paying customers. Even the silver linings for Microsoft last week were somewhat clouded, as a long-awaited Windows 11 taskbar update only arrived after smartphones had offered the same feature for years.

Adding fuel to the fire, Android co-founder Rich Miner highlighted how Bill Gates’ decisions cost Microsoft a whopping $400 billion as it lost its grip on the mobile market to Android and iOS.

There’s an old saying that any publicity is good publicity, and Microsoft seems to have decided to see if that’s true.

### Microsoft 365 Price Hike

Microsoft 365 saw its first price increase in a dozen years. While the company didn’t directly attribute this uptick to Copilot, the AI tool is now part of Personal and Home subscriptions, albeit with restrictions. The monthly cost for Microsoft 365 Personal rose to $9.99, and Family subscriptions now stand at $12.99.

As these new prices take effect, subscribers will receive a limited amount of Copilot credits. If you’re eyeing unlimited access to Copilot, however, you’ll need to opt for the Copilot Pro plan, which sets you back an additional $20 monthly. For those who aren’t interested in Copilot or who prefer a cheaper option, there’s a “classic” subscription tier available—but only for a short time.

### Microsoft Rebrands Its Office Apps

Microsoft 365 underwent a rebranding spree, though not exactly in a literal name-overhaul sense. Its apps on Windows, iOS, and Android now sport the title “Microsoft 365 Copilot.” This change replaces the previous, somewhat awkward “Microsoft 365 (Office)” name, which lingered as many users still hunt for “Office” in app stores when seeking Microsoft 365 programs.

With this rebranding comes a fresh app icon and the update went live on January 15, 2025, along with a revamped URL. This shift also ties in with Microsoft’s provision of AI credits to Personal and Home subscribers, tying the new identity stronger to its AI endeavors.

Critics, including Jez Corden, our executive editor, were vocal about the change. “The idea of renaming it Microsoft 365 itself was puzzling, given its cultural significance,” noted Corden. “And calling it Microsoft 365 Copilot before the brand’s well-established is downright bizarre.”

I can’t say I disagree with Corden. Copilot is not yet cemented in the market, and some folks aren’t keen on all-encompassing AI integration. This rebrand feels like a hasty attempt to boost Copilot’s recognition by pairing it with popular Microsoft products.

### Salesforce CEO Takes a Swipe at Microsoft

Salesforce’s CEO, Marc Benioff, wasn’t shy about openly criticizing Microsoft once more. Benioff has been notably vocal about his views on Microsoft’s AI strategies, particularly as he took another swing at them recently. “Microsoft’s approach to AI has left everyone disappointed,” Benioff remarked in a recent interview. “Their handling of Copilot is just dropping OpenAI into Excel with a shiny package.”

Previously, Benioff likened Copilot to the infamous Clippy, so his latest critique is consistent with his opinions about Microsoft’s AI initiatives. It’s worth noting that Salesforce is a significant competitor in AI space, so any critique between these companies should be considered in context.

Salesforce’s ad campaign, currently running during the NFL playoffs, emphasizes that Agentforce is the AI’s true purpose. The ads stop short of naming Microsoft or Copilot directly, but Benioff’s scornful tone is unmistakable.

### Windows 11 Finally Displays Battery Percentage

Windows 11 is about to have a feature many might have assumed existed for ages. Microsoft started testing an option to display a PC’s battery percentage on the taskbar recently. A staple on macOS, iPadOS, iOS, and most Android devices, this feature was conspicuously absent in Windows 11 until now.

Currently, the option is hidden within the latest Dev Channel Windows Insider build. Provided it functions smoothly without significant hiccups, we expect this addition to grace Insiders officially soon and hopefully reach all users without delay.

### Microsoft’s “Greatest Blunder” in Mobile

Bill Gates, Microsoft’s iconic co-founder, has frequently mentioned that missing the mobile market, yielding to Android, was his “greatest mistake ever.” Rich Miner, an Android creator, offers an alternative perspective on these historical events.

“I played a part in developing Android to prevent Microsoft from monopolizing mobile the way they did PCs, curtailing innovation,” Miner shared. “Gates lamenting over losing mobile to Android always brings a smile to my face.”

Standing firm, Miner added, “Sorry, Bill, you’re more responsible for that $400 billion loss than you seem to acknowledge.”

Both Gates’ and Miner’s views hold undeniable truth, even though their tones couldn’t be more different.

### Reviews

Our experts dive into the latest gaming trends and gadgets each week. Recently, we explored the AVerMedia Elite Go GC313Pro, a dual-function capture card and charging brick, which caught our attention.

According to our own Cole Martin, “The AVerMedia Elite Go GC313 Pro is the ultimate accessory mashup—a charging brick and capture card merger that’s a must-have for any gamer frequently on the move.”

We also tested out a top-tier laptop bag by Tomtoc, a HyperX gaming headset famed for extended battery life, and Lenovo’s ThinkPad X12 Detachable PC.

### Deals

Here at Windows Central, we’re always on the lookout for savings on laptops, apps, and games. Fortunately, plenty of great deals are available now to help you snag essential apps, a hit game, or a Copilot+ PC without breaking the bank.