How Microsoft Stole My Heart: A Confession from an Apple Fan

I have a confession to make: I'm a long-time Apple fan who has recently fallen in love with some of Microsoft's products. Yes, you read that right. Microsoft, the company that I used to associate with clunky software and frustrating updates, has actually impressed me with its offerings for Mac, iPhone and iPad

Let me explain how this happened. I was aware of Microsoft's products for iOS devices, but I never gave them much attention. I tried them a few times in the past, but they didn't seem to offer anything better than Apple's native apps or other alternatives. I was happy with Safari, Mail and the default keyboard on my devices.

But then, something changed. I don't know if it was curiosity, boredom or a recommendation from a friend, but I decided to give Microsoft another chance. And boy, am I glad I did. Here are some of the products that have won me over:

Bing app

This app is more than just a search engine. It's a smart assistant that helps you find what you need, when you need it. You can use it to scan QR codes, translate text, identify objects, get directions, check the weather, play games and more. It also integrates with other Microsoft apps like Edge and Outlook, so you can easily switch between them.

Edge browser

This browser has become my default browser on my iPhone and iPad. It's fast, secure and customizable. It syncs with my Microsoft account, so I can access my bookmarks, history and passwords across devices. It also has some unique features like Collections, which let me organize and share web pages; Immersive Reader, which simplifies and enhances web pages for better reading; and Vertical Tabs, which let me see more tabs at once.

Outlook app

This app is not only a great email client, but also a powerful organizer. It connects with my calendar, contacts and files, so I can manage everything in one place. It also has a beautiful design that adapts to dark mode and different screen sizes. I love that I can customize it with different colors and themes, like making it green to match my brand.

Microsoft SwiftKey

This keyboard is a game-changer for typing on my iPhone. It learns from my writing style and suggests words and emojis that match my tone and context. It also supports swipe typing, which makes it faster and easier to type with one hand. It boosts my productivity and creativity on the go.

The only product that I'm not fully satisfied with yet is Microsoft SwiftKey on my iPad. It works well on a small screen, but it feels too big on a larger one. I wish there was an option to make it smaller or split it in half. I hope Microsoft will improve it in the future.

So, there you have it: my surprising journey from an Apple loyalist to a Microsoft admirer. I'm not saying that Microsoft's products are perfect or better than Apple's in every way, but they have definitely improved a lot and deserve more recognition. They have made my life easier and more enjoyable on my Mac, iPhone and iPad.

If you haven't tried them yet, I encourage you to give them a shot. You might be pleasantly surprised too...