Weekend Reading: Aug. 1st Edition — Hackathon heats up //oneweek, a new Microsoft board member, Imagine Cup finalists compete in Seattle

Buckle up, Weekend Reading faithful. It’s been a blockbuster. As the sun set on July, it’s doubtful we could’ve packed in much more, even if we tried. Check it out.

Chief Executive Officer Satya Nadella threw out the playbook on the traditional company meeting this year, opting instead for a week’s worth of events to get everyone fired up. With a hackathon and product fair, //oneweek did just that, while hatching some innovative ideas in the process.

Speaking of leadership, Microsoft, Wednesday, announced the addition of global wireless pioneer John W. Stanton, to the company’s board of directors. The move increases the board’s size to 11 members.

As Microsoft was reimagining the company meeting, 34 Imagine Cup finalist teams from as many countries were vying to be crowned champion. Grand prize? A private meeting with Bill Gates. Using code as their universal language, teams brought their ideas and their energy, and in one case, a robot panda.

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Also in the “new” category this week: an update to Windows Phone 8.1 that brings Cortana to China and the United Kingdom, while bringing everyone Live Folders for configuring your Start Screen; an Apps Corner for configuring your phone with specific apps and features; and Store Live Tile Updates to make finding apps even easier.

Microsoft also announced the addition of a two-star general to its ranks. As the company’s new vice president of military affairs, Chris Cortez will work to expand education and hiring efforts for vets, and be an advocate for new and existing Microsoft employees who have served in the military.

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In app news this week: Dig Evite? Meet Previte and make your summer party planning even easier, or earn rewards for watching T.V. and listening to music with Viggle, available now on Windows and Windows Phone. Also for music lovers, don’t miss a single show: Quello brings full-length live performances to you, on-demand, on Windows devices.

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This week on the Microsoft Facebook page, we got ready to go back to school by awarding a Surface Pro 3 to the first winner of our #8WordEssay contest! Join us on our page for the next chance at a prize.

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And from Snaps, this week, a candid shot of Nadella, getting ready backstage Monday at the Microsoft Company Forum, an employee event.

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Hope this edition of Weekend Reading inspires you to break tradition, create and innovate. See you back here next week.

Posted by Aimee Riordan
Microsoft News Center Staff

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