Microsoft's Windows 11 event marred by buffering and streaming disruptions
The live feed of Microsoft's event on the company's own website started struggling soon after its start. It redirected visitors to watch on Twitter or Facebook.
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Microsoft's own livestream of its Windows 11 event Thursday appeared to struggle soon after its launch, marred by buffering and other streaming disruptions for viewers watching the feed on the company's own website.
Reports of problems accessing microsoft.com spiked as the event began at 8 a.m. P.T., according to Down Detector. About a half-hour into the company's event, Microsoft posted an apology for "technical difficulties" above the video player on its web page, which was supposed to be streaming the live feed there.
"You can also view the live stream on Twitter and Facebook," the message said. "We'll have the on-demand recording available shortly after the live broadcast."
The problems interrupted the first portion of the event, when Microsoft unveiled Windows 11 -- the company's first major refashioning of its keystone operating system in six years.
Microsoft didn't immediately respond to a message seeking comment.
During the pandemic, tech companies at large have flipped to virtual versions for their flashy product events. But problems with buffering, outages and other disruptions during the concentrated, high demand to watch them has become a standard snafu for many. Though these kinds of problems have plagued live-streamed events across industries, they're a bit more embarrassing for tech giants like Microsoft.
