does microsoft own roblox
Roblox is a popular online gaming platform that has taken the world by storm. It allows users to create their own games and share them with others, making it a unique and interactive experience. With millions of active players and an ever-growing community, it is no surprise that Roblox has caught the attention of big corporations, including Microsoft .
Microsoft, founded by Bill Gates and Paul Allen in 1975, is one of the largest and most influential companies in the world. It is known for its operating system, Windows, and its suite of productivity software, Office. Over the years, Microsoft has expanded its reach into other areas, including gaming. So, does Microsoft own Roblox?
The short answer is no, Microsoft does not own Roblox. However, the relationship between the two companies is more complex than a simple yes or no answer. In this article, we will explore the history of Roblox and Microsoft, their current relationship, and the potential impact of a partnership between the two.
History of Roblox
Roblox was founded in 2004 by David Baszucki and Erik Cassel under the name “Dynablocks.” It was later renamed to Roblox in 2005, a combination of the words “robot” and “blocks.” The platform was initially created as an educational tool for students to learn coding and game design. However, it quickly gained popularity among users of all ages, and the focus shifted to creating a fun and interactive gaming experience.
In 2006, Roblox released its first version, which allowed users to design and play games within the platform. As the community grew, so did the features of the platform. In 2011, Roblox introduced a virtual currency called “Robux” that players could use to purchase in-game items and upgrades. This move proved to be a game-changer for the platform, as it allowed developers to monetize their games and attract more players.
In the following years, Roblox continued to expand, adding features such as in-game chat, a catalog of virtual items, and a mobile app. The platform also gained popularity among YouTubers and streamers, who showcased their gameplay and attracted even more players. By 2020, Roblox had over 150 million monthly active users, with a majority of them being under the age of 18.
History of Microsoft
Microsoft’s history dates back to 1975 when Bill Gates and Paul Allen founded the company. At the time, the company’s main focus was developing computer software, specifically for the Altair 8800 computer . In 1981, Microsoft launched its first operating system, MS-DOS, which became the standard for personal computers in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1985, Microsoft released its first version of Windows, a graphical user interface that revolutionized the way people interacted with computers. Windows quickly became the dominant operating system, and by the 1990s, Microsoft had become a household name. The company continued to expand, releasing products such as Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, and Xbox .
In 2014, Satya Nadella became the CEO of Microsoft, and under his leadership, the company has shifted its focus to cloud computing and services. In 2019, Microsoft became the third company in the world to reach a market valuation of over $1 trillion, solidifying its position as a tech giant.
Microsoft and Roblox’s Relationship
While Microsoft does not own Roblox, the two companies have had a long-standing relationship. In 2020, Microsoft announced that it would be partnering with Roblox to bring the platform to Xbox One consoles. This move was significant for both companies, as it allowed Roblox to expand its reach to console players, while Microsoft gained access to a massive player base.
In addition to the partnership, Microsoft also invested $150 million in Roblox’s Series G funding round, valuing the company at $4 billion. This investment further solidified the relationship between the two companies and showed Microsoft’s confidence in Roblox’s potential. However, Microsoft’s investment is only a small percentage of Roblox’s total funding, which has reached over $335 million to date.
Another factor that has brought Microsoft and Roblox closer is their shared vision of the future of gaming. Microsoft has been investing heavily in cloud gaming, with its service, Xbox Game Pass, allowing players to access a library of games on multiple devices. Roblox, on the other hand, has been working on its own cloud gaming service, Roblox Cloud, which would allow players to access their games from any device.
The Potential Impact of a Partnership
The partnership between Microsoft and Roblox has already shown positive results, with the platform’s arrival on Xbox One consoles being well-received by players. However, a more significant partnership between the two companies could have a more significant impact.
One possibility is that Microsoft could acquire Roblox in the future. This would give Microsoft access to a massive player base and a platform that has proven to be a success. It would also allow Microsoft to integrate Roblox into its ecosystem, potentially increasing its reach and revenue.
Another potential impact of a partnership is the integration of Roblox’s cloud gaming service, Roblox Cloud, into Microsoft’s xCloud service. This would allow players to access their Roblox games on any device, making it more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Microsoft does not own Roblox, but the two companies have a close relationship. Microsoft’s investment in Roblox and its partnership to bring the platform to Xbox consoles have shown the potential for a more significant partnership in the future. With both companies sharing a vision for the future of gaming, it would not be surprising to see a closer collaboration between them in the coming years. Only time will tell how this relationship will evolve, but one thing is for sure, both Microsoft and Roblox have a bright future ahead.
how to access blocked numbers on iphone
In today’s world, where communication is a vital aspect of our daily lives, having a mobile phone has become a necessity. With the advancement in technology, mobile phones have evolved into powerful devices that not only allow us to make calls and send messages, but also serve as our personal assistants, entertainment centers, and even cameras. However, as much as we value the convenience of having a phone, there are times when we receive unwanted calls or messages from certain numbers. Fortunately, for iPhone users, there is a feature that allows you to block these numbers, and in this article, we will discuss how to access blocked numbers on iPhone.
First and foremost, let us understand why you would want to block a number on your iPhone. There could be various reasons for doing so, such as receiving spam calls or messages, telemarketing calls, or even calls from an ex-partner or an acquaintance you no longer wish to communicate with. Whatever the reason may be, iPhone’s call blocking feature gives you the power to prevent these numbers from disturbing you.
Now, let’s dive into the steps on how to access blocked numbers on iPhone. The process is quite simple and can be done in a few easy steps. The first step is to open the Settings app on your iPhone. This is the app with a gear icon and can be found on your home screen. Once you open the Settings app, scroll down and look for the option ‘Phone’ and tap on it. This will take you to the Phone settings menu.
In the Phone settings menu, you will find various options related to calls, including ‘Call Forwarding,’ ‘Show My Caller ID,’ and ‘Call Waiting.’ However, the option we are looking for is ‘Blocked Contacts.’ Tap on this option, and you will be taken to a screen that displays all the numbers that you have blocked on your iPhone. If this is your first time blocking a number, this list will be empty. Now, to add a number to the blocked list, tap on the ‘Add New’ option.
This will open your contact list, and you can choose the number you want to block from your contacts. You can also block a number that is not in your contacts by tapping on the ‘Recent’ tab and selecting the number you want to block from the list of recent calls. Once you have selected the number, tap on the ‘Block this Caller’ option, and the number will be added to your blocked list. You can repeat this process for as many numbers as you want to block.
But what if you have blocked a number by mistake, or have changed your mind and want to unblock a number? Well, the process is just as simple. To unblock a number, go to the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option in the Phone settings menu and tap on the number you want to unblock. This will take you to a screen where you can see the details of the blocked number, along with the option to unblock it. Tap on ‘Unblock this Caller,’ and the number will be removed from your blocked list.
One important thing to note here is that when you block a number on your iPhone, it not only blocks calls but also messages and FaceTime calls from that number. This ensures that you are completely free from any contact with the blocked number. However, if you only want to block calls and not messages or FaceTime calls, you can do so by following a slightly different process.
To block calls only, go to the ‘Blocked Contacts’ option in the Phone settings menu and tap on ‘Add New.’ This time, instead of selecting a contact, tap on the ‘Block Contact’ option. This will bring up your contact list, and you can choose the numbers you want to block calls from. After selecting the numbers, tap on ‘Block’ at the top right corner of your screen. This will block calls from these numbers, but messages and FaceTime calls will still come through.
In addition to manually blocking numbers, iPhone also has a feature called ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ that allows you to block all calls from numbers that are not in your contacts. This is an excellent feature to avoid spam or telemarketing calls. To turn on this feature, go to the ‘Phone’ option in the Settings app, and toggle on the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ option. This will ensure that all calls from unknown numbers are automatically silenced, and you will not be disturbed by them.
Another useful feature that iPhone offers is the ability to create a custom list of numbers that you want to block. This is particularly helpful if you receive unwanted calls or messages from multiple numbers belonging to the same source. To create a custom list, go to the ‘Phone’ option in the Settings app and tap on ‘Call Blocking & Identification.’ Here, you will find an option to ‘Block Contact.’ Tap on this option, and you will be taken to your contact list, where you can choose the numbers you want to block. Once you have selected all the numbers, tap on ‘Block’ at the top right corner of your screen, and the custom list will be created.
In addition to these methods, there is also a way to block numbers directly from the Phone app on your iPhone. This is especially useful when you receive a call from an unknown number, and you want to block it immediately. To do this, simply go to the ‘Recents’ tab in the Phone app and tap on the ‘i’ icon next to the number you want to block. This will take you to a screen with details of the call, and you can tap on ‘Block this Caller’ to block the number.
One thing to keep in mind when blocking numbers on your iPhone is that the blocked numbers will still be able to leave voicemails. This is because voicemails are not considered as calls and are not affected by the call blocking feature. However, if you want to block a number from leaving voicemails as well, you can do so by contacting your carrier and requesting them to block the number from their end.
In conclusion, iPhone offers various options to block unwanted numbers, whether it’s through the call blocking feature, the ‘Silence Unknown Callers’ feature, or creating a custom list. With these features, you can easily avoid unwanted calls and messages and have a peaceful and uninterrupted communication experience. So, the next time you receive a call from a number you don’t want to hear from, simply follow the steps mentioned above, and you’ll be able to block the number in no time.