Microsoft (MSFT) news recap: finalization of the LinkedIn deal, Band 3, Surface AIO and more

Microsoft (MSFT) news recap is a weekly feature highlighting the top Microsoft news stories of the past week. Sit back, grab some coffee, and enjoy the read!

Microsoft files for EU approval of LinkedIn acquisition

Salesforce has recently tried to block Microsoft from the LinkedIn acquisition in the EU by hiding behind antitrust issues. They are doing everything they can to crush their competition, as the LinkeIn deal could badly hurt them.

Microsoft now files for EU approval of the deal to shut Salesforce up and the deal has already been approved by government antitrust regulators in the United States, Canada, and Brazil which means that it should go well for the approval in the EU too.

Microsoft shows off cloud based data in feature on transforming golf

It seems like Microsoft may actually be into golf. Microsoft is thinking outside the box again and has announced that they now focus on golf enthusiasts by using cloud data. The data will be available by using the Microsoft Course IQ app and it will contain maps for over 30,000 different golf courses together with specific features for golf like score tracking and more.

With this information, golfers will be able to play the sport even easier, as they won’t have to worry about a lot of difficulties that they usually may have to deal with.

Indian government grants Microsoft cloud a rare provisional accreditation 

Microsoft can now do more to support the government of India. Microsoft has officially obtained a rare provisional accreditation from The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology in India, which means they now deliver a cloud computing solution in India that provides truly innovative digital services to a wider range of customers.

Microsoft involving itself into different governments is nothing new, but now, the company has a pretty good position over in one of the fastest technology-growing countries in the world.

Images of the apparently cancelled Band 3 published

Microsoft may have ended the Band product line, but that doesn’t stop leaks from happening. Windows Central got their hands on images of the cancelled Band 3, with even more images following a few days later. It is a shame that a product so good has potentially been buried alive.

Microsoft tapping Pegatron as its high-end Surface AIO manufacturer

One product may have apparently been killed off, but that doesn’t mean other ones can’t Surface. The Surface AIO device has been rumoured for quite a while and now, we might finally know who will manufacture them. The rumours say that Pegatron may be the company for the job, and Microsoft seems to trust them in the production of their flagship brand.

That’s it for Microsoft this week – we’ll be back next week with more.