The Global Innovation Exchange

Microsoft is investing $40 million in a new technology-focused academic institute in Seattle, in what is being touted as a “groundbreaking new partnership” between University of Washington and Tsinghua University, a research-focused institution from China.

The Global Innovation Exchange (GIX) will be built in Bellevue, around 10 miles from the main University of Washington campus, and is expected to open by the end of 2016, kicking off with a master’s degree program in technology innovation. According to a University of Washington press release, “this is the first time a Chinese research university has established a physical presence in the United States.”

While it’s expected that fewer than fifty students will enroll at the beginning, the longer-term vision is to have several thousand attendees and a range of certificates within a decade.

The GIX isn’t being pitched as your typical university — it says it will “bring together people from around the world to learn about and work on innovative ways to address some of our biggest global challenges,” which includes health care, energy, urban planning, and climate change.

Meet Microsoft Surface Hub, the powerful team collaboration device designed to advance the way people naturally work together. Watch as Microsoft Surface Hub unlocks the power of the group.

Microsoft resurrected Apple’s classic Mac vs. PC war today with a new ad spot comparing the Surface tablet to the Macbook Air.

The new commercial follows Apple’s familiar “Get a Mac” format, this time spun in Microsoft’s favor. Shown below, the spot criticizes Apple for not offering a two-in-one tablet/laptop device, and also digs at Apple for never accepting the stylus — Steve Jobs famously mocked them when he introduced the iPhone.

Microsoft’s Surface Pro 3 isn’t exactly a “laptop killer.” Microsoft has historically “struggled to hook consumers into buying Microsoft tablets.” Shortly after the Pro 3 was announced, Microsoft introduced a limited $650 trade-in program for users who were willing to swap their Macbook Air for a Surface Pro 3. That program ended July 31.

Connecting (Full Film) from Bassett & Partners on Vimeo.

The 18 minute “Connecting” documentary is an exploration of the future of Interaction Design and User Experience from some of the industry’s thought leaders. As the role of software is catapulting forward, Interaction Design is seen to be not only increasing in importance dramatically, but also expected to play a leading role in shaping the coming “Internet of things.” Ultimately, when the digital and physical worlds become one, humans along with technology are potentially on the path to becoming a “super organism” capable of influencing and enabling a broad spectrum of new behaviors in the world.