When Microsoft asked me to be a Windows Champion, my answer was not only heck ya, but hell yes. This girl loves her tech! So, when they asked me to come to Seattle for an all expenses paid trip to look into the world of Microsoft the only answer was of course, yes!
I wasn’t quite sure what to expect visiting Microsoft. I’ve been on press trips before, but I have never been allowed to check out what makes a tech brand tick. My curiosity was piqued, and I was ready for an adventure.
The trip was amazing, not only because it was getting me out of the frozen tundra (aka Minnesota), but because I got to see Seattle and get to talk to a lot of Microsoft employees and associates. I got to see first hand the passion that exudes Microsoft and it’s employees.
While in Seattle, we had a chance to head to Microsoft headquarters. We also had lots of mini session to teach us about Windows 8.1, and the great touch devices that you can expect when you shop at the Microsoft stores countrywide.
I was already a fan of Windows 8 because it had the functionality of a phone. What I mean by that is the Windows apps were a lot like the apps you might see on your smart phone. It did take some getting used to, but now that I understand how to use the operating system I am a true believer.
When we headed over to the Microsoft headquarters, we were able to take a peak into the Microsoft Envisioning center. The stuff in there is so top secret, I can’t even share any of it with you, but I will share two words MIND BLOWING.
We also had a chance to check out the 3D printing department which was surreal. The things you can make from a printer is really hard to wrap you head around. There were all sorts of toys and shapes, and even a lamp that was printed as one piece. If you have a Microsoft Store near you, I highly recommend going to check out the 3D printers in the stores. They have great demos to show the neat stuff the printers can make.
Near the end of our day at headquarters, we were visited by Xbox, Bing, and the Surface team. Being a gamer, obviously I loved talking to the Xbox team, but I was really surprised how much I loved talking to the Surface team. The new Surface devices are amazing, but that wasn’t what struck me. What struck me was the passion the Surface team had for their product. In fact, you could tell each division was passionate about their projects. That wasn’t something I was expecting from a big corporation like Microsoft. The passion their employees have for what they do was really pretty awesome.
The trip as a whole was pretty rocking. It gave me a chance to meet some of the other Windows and Office Champions, and it gave me a glimpse into what Microsoft was all about. You might think you “know” a brand, and what they are about, but I don’t think you truly get it unless you meet the people behind the brand.
As a Windows Champion, I will be sharing lots of great information and exclusive details about Microsoft and how their technology makes my family’s lives so much easier. Make sure to check out the Crunchy Frugalista technology section for all the goodies about Microsoft!
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