They probably spent 3-6 months on this. To me it comes across like an "innovation center" put together by building a project team out of different skill sets and giving them some leash.
I'm not sure how this fits into the mobile first or cloud first strategy however. The cube, while I suppose with a team of engineers could be moved and re-displayed, isn't "mobile" at all.
Seriously... I bumped into one of the guys on the opening night. He never said anything about "strategy", only "art". Decibel fest was exactly right place for the cube.
I'm not saying the team doesn't have its own mission, I was pondering how things like the Cube, which is being promoted within the Microsoft brand, fits into their corporate strategy. Its a valid question to ask when its clear they won't consider this project a source of revenue generation in any future timeline.
I'm not sure how this fits into the mobile first or cloud first strategy however. The cube, while I suppose with a team of engineers could be moved and re-displayed, isn't "mobile" at all.