ActiveX might not have been good, but it sure was innovative. Google is trying to do the same thing with its own technology now, almost 10 years later.

So your definition of "boring" is an established company that does some things the way they always are, but are innovating on other areas and doing good research (Microsoft Research).

Sure, not all of their products are something hippy and new, but MS does have areas where they do innovate. See .NET and ActiveX, for example.

Anyone remember those old MS keyboards and joysticks? They were and are always quality hardware, so I'm happy with these news. Another great hardware manufacturer is Nokia, who are partnering too.