The article discusses Microsoft's recent strategic shift towards a more aggressive approach in the tech industry, emphasizing its push into AI and cloud services. This "big stick" era reflects a commitment to leveraging its resources and influence to dominate the market and outpace competitors. The implications of this strategy for both consumers and the industry at large are explored.

In 1997, Microsoft invested $150 million in Apple, which seemed like a lifeline for the struggling company, but the deal was part of a strategic negotiation that involved settling patent disputes and ensuring both companies' survival. The investment not only kept Apple afloat but also allowed Microsoft to avoid antitrust issues, ultimately shaping the tech landscape for the next two decades.