The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →8080 Books is Microsoft’s publishing imprint for books about ideas at the intersection of science, technology and business. Announced on November 18, 2024, it was presented as a nonprofit-minded publishing operation: Microsoft said it would pay professional publishing costs and donate remaining revenue to nonprofits through Microsoft Philanthropies. That is the company’s stated model, not a published record of audited donations or impact.
What 8080 Books publishes
Microsoft described the imprint as a home for original research, ideas and insights connecting science, technology and business. Its stated scope also reaches into questions about technology’s future, business process and productivity, and societal priorities such as law, ethics and policy. The official 8080 Books page says the imprint is interested in authors and thinkers both inside and outside Microsoft, including new and nontraditional writers.
The company’s rationale is that books can make room for sustained arguments and precise knowledge, and preserve ideas longer than short-form communications. It also says it aims to reduce the time between a final manuscript and publication and to experiment with technology in the publishing process. These are stated ambitions; the available official pages do not report measured publishing timelines or results.
Why the name is 8080
The name refers to the 8080 microprocessor, which Microsoft’s launch announcement described as a foundation for its earliest software breakthroughs. Microsoft also noted that 8080 is the final four digits of its corporate headquarters phone number. Both explanations come from the company’s November 18, 2024 announcement.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
How the nonprofit model is supposed to work
Microsoft said it would cover costs for publishing professionals and donate the remaining revenue to nonprofits through Microsoft Philanthropies. The current imprint page describes 8080 Books as a nonprofit publishing imprint. The official sources reviewed do not provide audited revenue, donation totals, recipient names or measured nonprofit impact, so the model should be understood as Microsoft’s stated policy rather than a quantified outcome.
Books announced at launch and the wider catalogue
No Prize for Pessimism
The first launch title was No Prize for Pessimism by Sam Schillace, whom Microsoft identified as its deputy chief technology officer. Clayton and Shaw’s announcement said it was available on launch day. This is a launch-era detail, not a statement about current stock or formats.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Platform Mindset
The announcement named Platform Mindset by Marcus Fontoura as the second title, planned for later in 2024. That was the announced plan at the time; the launch post alone does not establish its eventual publication date.
Other titles listed by the imprint
The current official page shows a catalogue broader than the two titles mentioned at launch, including Run Toward the Fire and Showstopper!. It links to retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop. Those links establish purchase paths, not current price, stock, format availability or shipping terms; check the listing for the edition and retailer you want.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Does 8080 Books accept submissions?
At launch, Microsoft said it was not accepting unsolicited manuscripts and mentioned evaluating out-of-print books that remained relevant. The current official imprint page describes interest in new and nontraditional writers and thinkers, but those statements do not establish a current open-submission policy. Authors should consult the imprint’s official page for its latest guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
What is established—and what is not
- Established: Microsoft announced the imprint on November 18, 2024, and set out its subject areas, early titles and intended revenue model.
- Not quantified in the official pages cited here: audited donations, amounts given, named nonprofit recipients, sales, or measured social impact.
- Not guaranteed by the stated aims: a particular publication speed, retailer availability, or an open manuscript-submission process.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
