Microsoft is weaving AI into the tools many workplaces already rely on, which could make its software and cloud services harder to live without. But big bets in cloud, gaming, and AI also bring real hurdles—from tougher competition and regulation to the chance that AI excitement cools before the payoff shows up.Read more

Microsoft’s core PC and console businesses may be heading into a slower era as people keep laptops longer, lean more on smartphones, and shift gaming time toward mobile and PC. At the same time, the company’s big bets in cloud services and AI-powered Office features could soften the blow—or flip the story if they catch on.Read more