While communication from Microsoft about its layoffs and reorganization lacks a certain amount of clarity, one statement made in its earnings call yesterday did appear to be straightforward: “We will streamline the next version of Windows from three operating systems into one single converged operating system for screens of all sizes” said CEO Satya Nadella.

The immediate reaction was twofold. From some parties, there were congratulatory noises, praising Nadella for this new strategy that moved away from the Ballmer-era multiple operating system. From others, there was glee that the “confusing” line-up of Windows, Windows RT, and Windows Phone would soon be gone and that in future users would no longer need to worry about what their devices were using. Some are even cheering the “fact” that this means that Windows RT will be killed off forever.

That Nadella’s remarks provoked headlines and column inches is ever so surprising, however, because what he said isn’t new, isn’t really being interpreted properly, and wasn’t really his idea.