Focusing heavily on developers, the company continued to push its cloud-driven vision, with technologies that bridge the gap between electronic devices and the real world.
However, one of the most striking aspects of today's keynote was the wide range of platforms used ... or rather, the scarcity of Windows Mobile devices. Throughout the various demonstrations for cloud-based technologies, iPhones took center stage and appeared to be the preferred platform for showcasing upcoming mobile services and applications. Even in pre-recorded concepts of AI technologies, iOS-based devices were used as exemplary mobile devices in the workplace.
And there wasn't a single Windows 10 Mobile device in sight.
Multiplatform support and the 'intelligent edge'
This doesn't come as a huge surprise, following Microsoft's push in recent years to distribute its services across a wide range of platforms. No longer developing exclusively for its own platforms, the company's "mobile-first, cloud-first" proposal foresees experiences that transition smoothly between a wide range of platforms.
Although they're both competitor OSes, iOS and Android are still huge pillars of completing this vision. The Build demos simply highlighted the ubiquity of Microsoft services between devices, reinforcing that second-class support won't be provided to third-party platforms.
Looking at the broader scope of Microsoft's cloud offerings, these devices all fall into the "intelligent edge" – a concept heavily stressed by CEO Satya Nadella throughout the keynote. All of our internet-connected devices serve as an "interface between the computer and the real world" and bridge the gap between cloud technologies and our daily lives.
With Microsoft's traditional in-house mobile efforts depleting, today's keynote only reinforced its push for universal services across multiple ecosystems. While Windows still plays a huge role in this vision, the company isn't shy about showing its commitment to other platforms.
