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Comment by atmosx | Hacker News Reader

MS has had an 180 degree turn in policy since Balmer left.

Lately they released amazing open-source projects with VSCode being the most prominent one.

Looking at Windows 10, with stuff like telemetry that's impossible to disable completely and hidden behind every dark pattern imaginable, or ads in Start menu?

Microsoft of today is more Microsoft than ever.

Eh. Windows today might be more Microsoft than ever, but the rest of the org is spending lots of effort creating cross platform developer tools that's preparing Microsoft to remain relevant in a world that doesn't involve Windows PCs.

True, they went from Scroogled to mandatory telemetry, while focusing on renting out servers at ridiculous markups. Don't forget the new focus on the Windows Store either.

Meanwhile, all their non-developer-focused products are still Windows-only and closed-source.

I simply have little trust in MS. They did improve in some areas, but not enough to gain overall trust. They are still not on the same page with many FOSS efforts.

Company which actively pushes lock-in and patent aggression is not a good steward for FOSS projects.

particularly when most microsoft investors value microsoft stock for its earnings potential, as opposed to growth/revenue potential.

Add to that Microsoft's position about copyrightability of APIs. That alone should be a red flag for many FOSS projects to avoid Github if MS buys it.

They really haven't. Maybe like a 150 degree turn at best.

Honest question: do the still threaten Linux-related companies with suing for violations of unspecified Microsoft patents?

Last time I've heard, MS is still shaking down many mobile manufactures who use Android, using patent protection racket.

And TypeScript <3!

As i know it started under Balmer, but he have to left because the failed phone OS.

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