Microsoft Preps Windows 10, Office 365 And Skype Subscription Bundle For Consumers
Over the last few years, many consumers have complained that Microsoft has focused primarily on businesses. The company abandoned products like the Windows Phone and Microsoft Band Fitness Trackers, and has instead labored on its business applications, data, and AI. Microsoft recently stated that it would be working harder to attract consumers. A few recent job listings have hinted that the company plans to fulfill that promise, and Microsoft will likely release a 365 Consumer Subscription.
Microsoft has posted job listings for a Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription product manager and senior product manager. The responsibilities for both positions include understanding the needs of consumers and market trends, shaping a target audience, and developing a business plan. Microsoft insists that their goal is to build “a customer-focused subscription globally for Microsoft's various consumer services.”
Neither job listing describes the consumer subscription and Microsoft has not been forthcoming with details. The listings do state the positions are part of Microsoft’s new “Modern Life and Devices Team”. This branch includes the Windows platform, Office 365, Skype, Cortana and Bing, Microsoft Surface device, and Microsoft’s Education Team. Some have speculated that the Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription will likely include a combination of Windows 10, Office 365, and other features like Skype.
Microsoft already offers 365 bundles that contain Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Unfortunately, these bundles are primarily intended for businesses, government agencies, and students. Even though many devices include Windows 10, consumers often need to separately purchase Office 365. Subscriptions can range from $69.99 to $149.99 USD for personal use. Microsoft thankfully recently lifted its device limitation, but the home and personal subscriptions are still not as robust as other bundles.
The Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription appears to be part of the company’s plan to engage with “professional consumers”. Yusuf Mehdi, the corporate vice president of Modern Life and Devices, remarked that the target audience includes those who know how to use technology but need help to get more done.The Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription would potentially help consumers to be more productive and bring them fully into the Microsoft ecosystem.
Microsoft has posted job listings for a Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription product manager and senior product manager. The responsibilities for both positions include understanding the needs of consumers and market trends, shaping a target audience, and developing a business plan. Microsoft insists that their goal is to build “a customer-focused subscription globally for Microsoft's various consumer services.”
Neither job listing describes the consumer subscription and Microsoft has not been forthcoming with details. The listings do state the positions are part of Microsoft’s new “Modern Life and Devices Team”. This branch includes the Windows platform, Office 365, Skype, Cortana and Bing, Microsoft Surface device, and Microsoft’s Education Team. Some have speculated that the Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription will likely include a combination of Windows 10, Office 365, and other features like Skype.
Microsoft already offers 365 bundles that contain Windows 10, Office 365 and Enterprise Mobility + Security. Unfortunately, these bundles are primarily intended for businesses, government agencies, and students. Even though many devices include Windows 10, consumers often need to separately purchase Office 365. Subscriptions can range from $69.99 to $149.99 USD for personal use. Microsoft thankfully recently lifted its device limitation, but the home and personal subscriptions are still not as robust as other bundles.
The Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription appears to be part of the company’s plan to engage with “professional consumers”. Yusuf Mehdi, the corporate vice president of Modern Life and Devices, remarked that the target audience includes those who know how to use technology but need help to get more done.The Microsoft 365 Consumer Subscription would potentially help consumers to be more productive and bring them fully into the Microsoft ecosystem.
