Microsoft is marking a major milestone this week, celebrating 50 years since its founding in 1975. The tech giant has come a long way from its humble beginnings, evolving from a small startup to a global powerhouse with a market capitalization of over $2 trillion. To commemorate this occasion, Microsoft's senior editor and author of Notepad, Tom Warren, has shared his personal journey of covering the company for 25 years, offering a unique perspective on Microsoft's transformation.

Warren's fascination with Microsoft began in his teenage years, when he would build PCs and experiment with prerelease versions of Windows. This curiosity eventually led him to join online forums, where he connected with fellow enthusiasts and even helped bypass Microsoft's product activation software for Windows XP. This brief moment of fame caught the attention of Microsoft's legal team, which attempted to shut him down. However, Warren persisted, and his passion for Microsoft eventually turned into a full-time career as a tech journalist.

Over the years, Warren has had a front-row seat to Microsoft's most significant milestones, including the launch of Windows Vista, Windows 8, and Windows 10. He has also covered the company's forays into mobile devices, such as Windows Phone 7, and its more recent focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud-connected features. Warren's reflections on Microsoft's past successes and failures offer a unique insight into the company's evolution and its ability to adapt to changing market trends.

As Microsoft looks towards the future, it is clear that AI will play a central role in its strategy. The company has already made significant investments in AI research and development, and its Copilot AI tool is being integrated into various products, including Windows and Office. Microsoft's president, Brad Smith, has also spoken about the company's antitrust struggles and its efforts to ensure that AI is developed and used responsibly.

In addition to Warren's personal reflections, Microsoft is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a range of events and announcements. The company has released a list of the 50 best things it has ever made, which includes iconic products like Windows 95 and the Xbox console. Microsoft has also redesigned the Windows BSOD, dropping the traditional blue color and frowning face in favor of a more minimalist design.

Other announcements include the expansion of AI features across Intel and AMD-powered Copilot Plus PCs, new Xbox themes and wallpapers, and the testing of a new Quick Machine Recovery feature to restore PCs that can't boot. Microsoft has also released the original source code for Altair BASIC, its first product, and has used its Copilot AI tool to roast its three CEOs, Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and Satya Nadella.

As Microsoft embarks on its next 50 years, it is clear that the company is committed to pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. With its focus on AI, cloud computing, and gaming, Microsoft is well-positioned to continue shaping the tech industry and beyond.