From the Forums: Microsoft YouTube, octo-cores and 2012

We're heading past CES and into 2013 where a lot is planned in the near future. Not just Microsoft either. We've got BlackBerry 10 on the horizon, but also a strong start of the year for Windows Phone marketing and hardware being pushed in multiple markets. The Lumia family of hardware will prove to be valuable assets in the struggle for marketshare, while HTC and Samsung devices compliment Nokia's investment. Let's not forget Huawei too!

With all this action, there must be some hot threads on the forum, right? Correct! We'll be rounding up a handful for you to check out today.

So who do we have featured in this edition of the FTF? Windows Phone Central member 12Danny123 has put forward an interesting question in a new thread that has caught on. Why doesn't Microsoft just create / launch their own YouTube? He asks if it would be feasible for the company to possibly purchase the likes of Hulu or Vimeo.

"Would it be cool if MS launched a brand new Video service and just called it Xbox Videos. like the one in Windows 8. MS should also integrate them into the Xbox Video hub on Xbox 360, Win 8/RT and Wp8. where it can show new uploaded videos, subscriptions, Play videos, Comment them and liking them. you will need a MS account to do this. you can do this one a Web version of Xbox videos. but you can buy videos. like real ones like movies."

Of course, Microsoft would definitely be biting off more than it can chew as it needs to focus on Windows, Windows Phone, Bing and more right now. But looking to the future it could be worth considering whether the company should attempt to combat Google in the video sharing realm.

YouTube is a massively popular destination, but a competitive product could provide Microsoft a useful tool to help push Windows Phone. Then again, it might not be such a great idea. What are your thoughts? Be sure to add them over in the "Should MS launch a Brand new youtube competitor? or buy Vimeo or Hulu" thread. 

Octo-cores are the new thing

Funny Phone

Windows Phone Central reader BIGPADDY has highlighted an interesting product for smartphones in the future - octo-core processors. Now, we're just getting used to 4 and 8 cores for desktops, let alone smartphones. With Windows Phone just getting the dual-core treatment, are we ready for octo-cores?

"I think it incredible what there pushing in CES I was just expecting an improvement performance and graphics shock to me when I read about Samsung Octa 8 processor exynos 5250."

Are quad-cores more than enough power for daily tasks and gaming requirements? Or should we be looking to expand on capabilities of hardware? Be sure to add your opinion over in the "OCTA 8 CORE PROCESSOR in a MOBILE" thread.

Miscellaneous: What do you want to see from Microsoft in 2013?

2012 has been an important year for Microsoft, no matter which way you look at the past 12 months. The company has attempted to go under heavy rebranding, of not only its products but the main image. We've been closely following Windows Phone, Windows, Office, Bing and other products moving forward into grounds of further integration and unity.

So what has been your highlight of 2012 for Microsoft, and would you like to see in 2013? Be sure to add your thoughts in the "2012. What a year for Microsoft!" thread. 

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.