CES Brings Microsoft, Samsung Together For IoT

For the most part, companies take CES as an opportunity to show all the ways they’ll be different from their competitors over the next year. However, Microsoft and Samsung decided to bury at least one hatchet during a conference speech.

During Samsung President Dr. Won-Pyo Hong’s keynote address, he was joined by a special guest, Terry Myerson, executive vice president of Microsoft’s Windows and devices group. The two otherwise rival executives went on to discuss their companies’ joint efforts to not only integrate Samsung devices and software with Windows 10 devices, but also to tackle upcoming development hurdles keeping the Internet of Things from achieving its full potential.

“Along with Samsung, we share a common vision for millions and millions of devices and Things all communicating together using open protocols and standards within inclusive ecosystems, inspiring the creativity of software developers, device manufacturers, and rising star Makers around the world,” Myerson said during the keynote. “CES is a perfect event to showcase ideas that we’re collectively exploring and today we were honored to showcase how Windows 10 is the ideal platform for intelligent IoT devices. Our demo on stage highlighted Windows 10 and Samsung IoT-ready appliances working together through a potential scenario of openness and collaboration, creating a future where people have more choice and ultimately can be more productive at home.”

While the optimistic observer might applaud both companies’ altruistic strategy for IoT development, TechCrunch examined some of the possible ulterior motives at play. For one, after years of being beaten by Apple, Microsoft has begun to perform in all areas except mobile, which is exactly where Samsung has made its name. On the other hand, Samsung’s burgeoning IoT tech doesn’t have an existing platform for further real-world testing, and the brand has shown little interest in developing its own proprietary platform to play around on — so why not borrow one or more of Microsoft’s?