What is the Microsoft Garage?

Have you ever wondered where some of the ideas for Microsoft programs came from? You know, the apps that are on the cutting edge. There is a good chance they started in the Microsoft Garage.

Microsoft Garage is a platform for Microsoft employees to explore new technologies and get their ideas moving in the right direction. Some of the projects succeed, and some fail. But one thing is for sure; they are some of the coolest apps around.

The first thing you should know is all of the projects are called experiments and are run by one or more Microsoft employees in their spare time. Some are open to the general public, and some are by invitation only.

You have to remember that these experiments are strictly just beta tests. Once an experiment is complete, you can no longer download it. But it is an excellent opportunity to give a developer or team of developers a helping hand with some valuable feedback.

Now the experiments in the Microsoft Garage are not strictly for Windows. There are projects for all different platforms: iOS, Android, Xbox, and Windows.

And what is cool is that Microsoft has even built several facilities at some of its development centers around the world just for the Garage developer teams. Microsoft evens holds special events to help these developers explore new technologies.

Some of the ongoing experiments in the Microsoft Garage include Mouse Without Borders, a Windows program that allows you to control up to four (4) computers from one keyboard and mouse.

And there is Face Swap for Android and iOS devices that, as the name implies, allows you to take a photo of your face and apply it to another photo.

Also noteworthy is the What Dog experiment, that as the name implies, tells you what breed a dog is. Just take a picture of a dog, and What Dog will identify the breed.

So, if you would like to help in the development of some cool apps, take a look inside the Microsoft Garage. You might be surprised by what you find.

Microsoft Garage