So what's next for Microsoft after the sudden departure of former Xbox chief Don Mattrick to lead Zynga? The move is reportedly related to an executive restructuring that will be announced soon, directed by CEO Steve Ballmer as part of a shift in strategy towards devices and services. Bloomberg sources suggest detailed plans of at least one possible version of the future, putting current Windows leader Julie Larson-Green at the head of hardware engineering for the company. That shift would also give Windows Phone corporate VP Terry Myerson more control over the Windows OS across platforms, and Skype president Tony Bates the lead in acquisitions and developer relations.
The report claims Mattrick was a contender for the hardware post before he left, while an earlier Fast Company article tied his exit directly to not receiving an expanded role once all the new seats are filled. The Wall Street Journal has its own speculation over who may take over all things Xbox -- Marc Whitten,Yusuf Mehdi and Nancy Whitten are all name dropped -- but if the rumors are true we could find out who is leading this new direction for Microsoft as soon as next week.
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After shedding several senior execs over the last few weeks, it looks like HTC is looking to recruit, albeit for a different role. In a bid to capitalize on the positive momentum behind its excellent One smartphone, Bloomberg reports that HTC will be recruiting no less than (an actor who plays) Iron Man. Robert Downey Jr. will allegedly feature in promotional campaigns as himself (not the aforementioned Avenger or even a time-travelling Holmes) and will even claim final say over creative elements -- hopefully ensuring any appearances Downey Jr. does make aren't as awkward as some recent efforts. when.eng("eng.perm.init")
Given the success of the original Galaxy Note and its sequel, there's little doubt a third installment of the super-sized handset line is on Samsung's to-launch list. Korean site ETNews claims to have heard the first legitimate confirmation of the Note III's existence, however, citing a Samsung official as its source. The insider apparently had much to say on plans for the camera, too. It's expected to be a 13-megapixel affair and could see other upgrades over its predecessor, including optical image stabilization and 3x optical zoom. According to the official, no final decisions on the camera have been made yet, but with less than four months to go until IFA (where the previous Notes have debuted), it's probably time to start nailing those specs down. when.eng("eng.perm.init")
