i also forgot to mention in the OP that they also recently hired a new VP of design who was previously with Adobe and Nike. which seems like a good look as well.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/microsoft-hires-michael-gough-corporate-140000476.html

but yeah just curious to see if other folks are starting to see microsoft in a new light as well. i have never looked at them as being innovative but my view is beginning to shift.