As Microsoft turns 40, what does the future hold for tech giant?

Microsoft and Bill Gates are the matriarchs of the modern technology era. Alongside Steve Jobs and Apple, they're most likely the first names you think of when someone says "tech" to you.

The company behind Windows turns 40 today, having contributed a huge amount to the world over the past four decades. From the rise of the PC to pioneering home desktop software, building one of the world's leading games consoles and now disrupting the smartphone and tablet market.

Bill Gates (Lauren Victoria Burke/AP)

But that's the past and the present – what about the future?

HoloLens (Elaine Thompson/AP)

At their Windows event in January Microsoft chief Satya Nadella led a presentation that appeared to show new life in the firm – most starkly through the unveiling of HoloLens, the augmented reality headset that will enable users to work and play via a device that places interactive holograms on the surfaces and in the world around you.

Longer term, this could pave the way for more immersive software for all manner of productivity and leisure activity, via Microsoft products.

Travel comparison site Skyscanner last year produced a series of reports on the future of travel, and this included the ability to use virtual reality to "visit" potential holiday destinations ahead of booking a trip. Via their native search engine Bing and HoloLens, could this be an area that Microsoft begin to move into – offering 3D search results to users.

Facial recognition technology is also something that is on the rise – being trialled and even used by some firms already. Again with HoloLens perhaps we could see content appear and disappear depending on who you encounter while wearing it – work colleagues prompting services like Dropbox, for example.

Windows (AP)

It's still the premiere desktop software around, but it's starting to get an almighty fight from Apple's iOS. There have been some blips along this iconic road too; while Windows 95 set the standard for personal computing software, the mention of Vista or 7 might make some start to shift uncomfortably.

However, Windows 8 was a corner, and the upcoming Windows 10 looks like completing the turnaround. Integrating Cortana, working fluidly across Microsoft devices both mobile and desktop, and combining classic things like the Start button with the tiles of modern Windows have all received positive response from users. Many commentators suggested the Windows event in January was the first time in years they'd walked away from a Microsoft event truly excited.

Looking further ahead, Microsoft will be keen to keep levels of integration high. Continuum is the first step towards making it seamless to jump from one device to another. Where does this level of technology eventually end up? Perhaps it is with every single piece of data you have seamlessly running across all your devices, no lag or delay in plucking it from the cloud. Everything within a touch or click, and on devices smart enough to evolve as you change between keyboard and touchscreen. Of course this means desirable hardware to go with it, which brings us neatly to…

Mobile Devices (Microsoft)

A curious case within the Microsoft business. The company's own Windows Phone is still very much stuck under the bracket of work in progress. Microsoft execs probably prefer not to create iPhone comparison charts right now.

But there is a ray of light, appropriately, in the Lumia brand. Absorbed as part of the Nokia takeover, as entry-level and mid-range smartphones Lumias are very, very good. The new 640 and 640 XL unveiled at Mobile World Congress in March prove that.

Going forward though, the Windows Phone has to begin to compete with the likes of Apple and Samsung's devices. It appears Microsoft thinks this could be through an invasion of software first. Cortana is coming to iOS and Android, and it remains the most intelligent of the voice assistants. Turn heads with software to lure them to the hardware.

(Eric Risberg/AP)

Given the current trend for full-metal bodies on smartphones, the Windows Phone could well move in this direction too in the future, as the hardware looks to follow the software and draw in new customers.

Better self-awareness is clearly taking hold at Microsoft, with the newly announced Surface 3 tablet running full Windows 8.1 – upgradeable to 10 – rather than the ring-fenced Windows RT that previously tablets have used. Fluid software and compatibility is where they'll make friends, and ensure that future birthdays are also happy.

Wearables (Microsoft)

We've already looked at HoloLens, but Microsoft is making strides on the wrist too. The Microsoft Band is already here, looking and working like a hybrid between a fitness band and a smartwatch thanks to the small screen it has on it.

But a full smartwatch feels inevitable at some point in the future. Cortana on your wrist, but also, how about the ability to edit Office files like Word or Excel from your watch – maybe through voice commands? Plus a link with your Xbox to turn on and pick a game as you walk in the house, ready to play. It could also have Kinect sensors in it for gaming.

Microsoft has made it to its 40th birthday by constantly innovating and producing products and services that consumers want. The business is built on some mainstays of modern life – Office, Xbox, Windows – but now more need to be added. It could be a smartwatch, it could be the next generation of Windows Phone. Satya Nadella and co are probably sat in a meeting right now discussing just that.

Take a break guys, it's your birthday.