by When most people think of Microsoft, entertainment isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. However, over the past two decades Microsoft has quietly established itself as a major player in digital entertainment through its Windows platform. While Microsoft got its start in the PC software business, it had the foresight early on to realize that consumers wanted their computers to be about more than just work.
One of Microsoft’s first forays into digital entertainment came in the 1990s with the release of Windows Media Player. This free software allowed Windows users to play audio and video files on their PCs. While basic by today’s standards, Media Player was revolutionary at the time by bringing multimedia capabilities to the masses. It helped usher in the era of digital music and video and paved the way for online streaming services.
By the late 90s and early 2000s, DVD technology had taken off. Microsoft enhanced the multimedia experience on Windows further with the introduction of Windows DVD Player. This allowed Windows Films computers to play DVD movies straight from disc. DVD Player streamlined the DVD viewing experience on PCs and helped turn them into home entertainment hubs before dedicated players and game consoles had caught on.
The Rise of Online Entertainment
As broadband internet access became more widespread in the mid-2000s, Microsoft shifted its focus to online and streaming media. A major milestone was the 2005 launch of the Windows Marketplace for mobile and PC. This digital storefront allowed Windows users to purchase and download full-length movies, TV shows, apps and more – helping launch the era of online content distribution.
To further court digital consumers, Microsoft acquired video platform Giant Spoon (later renaming it Xbox Video) in 2011. This expanded Microsoft’s selection of streaming movies and TV beyond just what was available on the Windows Marketplace. Xbox Video was later rebranded as Microsoft Movies & TV and became a key component of Microsoft’s entertainment strategy across Windows, Xbox and other devices.
Microsoft’s Film Acquisitions and Productions
In more recent years, Microsoft has taken a more direct role in funding and producing original film content through its Windows Films division. Some notable projects include:
– Sundance Hit Hell or High Water (2016) – Microsoft Films provided financing for this critically acclaimed crime thriller starring Chris Pine and Ben Foster.
– Interactive Film Movies like Blacksmith (2017) – An experimental “interactive narrative” film where viewers use their phones to influence the storyline.
– Acquisition of Entertainment Software Publisher inXile (2018) – Bringing established video game studios like inXile under the Microsoft umbrella opened up opportunities for game-movie adaptations.
– Holiday in the Wild (2019) – A romantic comedy film starring Kristin Davis and Rob Lowe that was released exclusively on Netflix. It showed Microsoft’s willingness to partner with major streaming services.
– Anthropic Acquisition (2021) – Microsoft’s purchase of AI safety startup Anthropic gave its film efforts access to cutting-edge AI techniques for visual effects, animation and more.
Windows Films as a Home Theater Platform
Through partnerships with Hollywood studios and its own original productions, Microsoft aims to bring high-quality films to consumers across Windows devices as well as Xbox and other platforms. Windows continues to enhance its multimedia capabilities as well, with features like:
– 4K streaming and display support for sharper, more immersive viewing quality.
– Support for HDR colors and Dolby Vision/Atmos for enhanced visuals and cinematic sound.
– Integration with smart TV platforms so Windows users can access their movie library on the big screen.
– Family sharing options so multiple users can access the same digital library of movies and shows on their devices.
With its universal reach across PCs, tablets, consoles and beyond, Microsoft aims to position Windows Films as the ultimate connected home entertainment ecosystem. And with big investments in both software and original films, Microsoft Films looks poised to be a major player in the digital Hollywood landscape for years to come.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
