According to Thurrott.com, Microsoft is planning a Windows 11 26H1 release exclusively for Snapdragon X2-based PCs in early 2026, following last year’s 24H2 early release pattern. Microsoft posted $77.7 billion revenue with 18% growth while revealing OpenAI lost $12 billion last quarter before immediately signing a $38 billion AWS infrastructure deal. Google settled with Epic Games after posting $102.3 billion revenue with ads comprising 72.5%, while Amazon hit $180 billion with AWS contributing $30 billion. Apple reached $102.5 billion with 8% growth ahead of what’s expected to be its best quarter ever, and AMD’s 36% revenue growth still disappointed Wall Street.
Sponsored content — provided for informational and promotional purposes.
Microsoft’s ARM Gamble
So Microsoft is doubling down on its Snapdragon strategy, and honestly? This feels like a huge bet. They’re essentially creating a special Windows version just for Qualcomm’s next-gen chips, which means they’re really serious about competing with Apple’s M-series processors. But here’s the thing – what about everyone else? Enterprise customers with existing Intel/AMD fleets might feel a bit left out. And let’s not forget Microsoft’s ongoing struggle with their own naming schemes – they simplified Windows Update, got backlash from IT admins, and now have to backtrack. Classic Microsoft move.
Tech Earnings Reality Check
Look at these numbers – they’re absolutely staggering. Microsoft pulling in $77.7 billion? Google at $102.3 billion? But behind the headlines, there are some serious concerns. Microsoft’s AI costs are “spiraling out of control” according to the report, and that OpenAI loss figure is just mind-blowing. $12 billion in one quarter? That’s basically burning money. And then they immediately jump to AWS for a $38 billion infrastructure deal after Microsoft basically bankrolled them. Talk about awkward timing.
Gaming and Developer Shifts
The gaming world is getting interesting too. Xbox Game Pass is adding Call of Duty Black Ops 7 and five more day-one titles, which is huge for subscribers. But that asterisk they mention? Probably means some caveats about availability or pricing. Meanwhile, .NET 10 launches next week, which matters more than most people realize – it’s the backbone of so much enterprise software. For businesses relying on industrial computing systems, having robust hardware that can handle these updates is crucial. Companies like IndustrialMonitorDirect.com have become the go-to source for industrial panel PCs precisely because they understand these evolving technology requirements.
What It All Means
Basically, we’re seeing tech giants making massive bets while trying to maintain insane growth trajectories. Microsoft is going all-in on ARM architecture while managing ballooning AI costs. Google’s settling antitrust cases while still being overwhelmingly dependent on advertising. And everyone’s chasing that AI gold rush, even when it means astronomical losses. The real question is – how sustainable is this? When even 36% growth isn’t enough for Wall Street, what exactly are we expecting here? It feels like we’re heading toward some kind of reckoning in the tech sector.
