Newest Windows Commercial

[Ricochet]

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[Salavat23]

These two commercials don't make much sense right now, but I have a feeling that they are building up to something that will focus more on Microsoft's technology, rather than humor.

[Ricochet]

These two commercials don't make much sense right now, but I have a feeling that they are building up to something that will focus more on Microsoft's technology, rather than humor.

i sure hope so or i will be really disappointed

ps - just FYI that is the long version. the tv version of the commercial will be 1 minute 30 seconds

[Tivon]

Windows.. a software about nothing?

[Manic Mouse]

I don't get it...

Is that commercial supposed to get me to buy Windows? Or scare me over to a Mac?

[Wookie Man]

I don't get it...

Is that commercial supposed to get me to buy Windows? Or scare me over to a Mac?

That is kind of what everyone is saying. There was a little thing of getting closer with the community, but not really.

Big announcement coming? Windows 7?

[Manic Mouse]

Gates should leave making commercials to the pros. He's doing more to hurt Microsoft's image with these commercials than Apple ever could.

[Salavat23]

Gates should leave making commercials to the pros. He's doing more to hurt Microsoft's image with these commercials than Apple ever could.

I believe Gates and Seinfeld are a funny duo, and it is at least bringing more attention to Microsoft, portraying Bill as a down to earth guy.

Anyways, they are clearly building up to something. I believe that at the end of each commercial, Bill Gates will give "a sign". Currently the signs don't mean anything, but overtime they could be used to market certain features of Vista or whatever future operating systems they wish to implement.

[Ricochet]

Gates should leave making commercials to the pros. He's doing more to hurt Microsoft's image with these commercials than Apple ever could.

microsoft hired Crispin Porter + Bogusky to make they ads. they also do/did ads for Burger King, Volkswagen, Coke Zero, American Express OPEN, Sprite, Geek Squad and Domino's.

[efernandez_98]

http://www.penny-arcade.com/images/2008/20080915.jpg (http://www.penny-arcade.com/comic/2008/9/15/)

[Nodspy]

lol........

[robodude666]

I believe Gates and Seinfeld are a funny duo, and it is at least bringing more attention to Microsoft, portraying Bill as a down to earth guy.

Anyways, they are clearly building up to something. I believe that at the end of each commercial, Bill Gates will give "a sign". Currently the signs don't mean anything, but overtime they could be used to market certain features of Vista or whatever future operating systems they wish to implement.

Well, there are a number of rumors about Microsoft planning to release Windows 7 on June 3rd 2009.

I'm going with Salavat on this one. Microsoft has a ton of money and they can afford to make really long pointless commercials now, but in the end they will all mean something as more of them come out. All of Apple's commercials have a young looking dude saying how Macs are for every day people but can also be serious and is trying to make PCs look boring and for business people only. By having Bill Gates in these random things they may be trying to make him look like a regular guy and make you connect with him in a way.

Either way, I wouldn't mind an edible computer.. mmmm cake.

[KusoSamurai]

Getting closer to the community? Psh yeah right from xp to vista its already more bothersome with UAC. More like get outta here.

[Manic Mouse]

So, to those who actually think these commercials mean something...

Assume you know absolutely squat about computers. Apple or M$-based. To you gaming is for consoles, you are not some secretary or other office clerk and you don't program. I know an awful lot of people like this. After watching both Apple's and Microsoft's commercials, which would make you feel more comfortable with their systems?

Somehow Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld carrying on with inane chatter about everything except computers just doesn't get that message of "Our system will make you more comfortable and competent with computers." across to me.

The Apple commercials on the other hand put the message across that Wintel PCs look like a royal pain in the butt while Apples are far more hospitable to less computer-literate people. It's right there. To the point with no guessing or hidden messages about it.

Now If Microsoft were smart, they would be looking for an advertising company that can get across simple, in-your-face message that a Wintel computer is far more flexible and hospitable to use than an Apple. Not spend the next month trying to figure out the cryptic message they are trying to get across (which come to think of it describes about every version of Windows released since the version they used to hand out free with their mice).

[Salavat23]

So, to those who actually think these commercials mean something...

Assume you know absolutely squat about computers. Apple or M$-based. To you gaming is for consoles, you are not some secretary or other office clerk and you don't program. I know an awful lot of people like this. After watching both Apple's and Microsoft's commercials, which would make you feel more comfortable with their systems?

Somehow Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld carrying on with inane chatter about everything except computers just doesn't get that message of "Our system will make you more comfortable and competent with computers." across to me.

The Apple commercials on the other hand put the message across that Wintel PCs look like a royal pain in the butt while Apples are far more hospitable to less computer-literate people. It's right there. To the point with no guessing or hidden messages about it.

Now If Microsoft were smart, they would be looking for an advertising company that can get across simple, in-your-face message that a Wintel computer is far more flexible and hospitable to use than an Apple. Not spend the next month trying to figure out the cryptic message they are trying to get across (which come to think of it describes about every version of Windows released since the version they used to hand out free with their mice).

You would have a decent point if Microsoft just stopped and remained airing the two commercials that they have right now. But remember, that this is a series of ads, almost episode-like.

After computer illiterate people have seen several of these commercials, they will warm up to Bill and Jerry, thus leaving them as prime bait for Microsoft. That is when Microsoft can pull out their artillery and promote Windows, or whatever other product they'd like to advertise.

I still stand strong about the fact that Microsoft is just building up with light comedy in their commercials that make Bill appear as a very appealing, down to earth guy that many can relate to. Once the relationship develops between the commercial and the viewer, Microsoft can add in the technical aspects, luring customers to their products.

[Manic Mouse]

I would concede your point if most people treated watching commercials as a soap opera where you won't get the point until you have watched a few of them in order.

In the real world though, Joe sixpack is not going to sit thru half a dozen commercials. I know I sure wouldn't. You might catch his attention for one or two, but not them all. If you can't get your marketing message across in a single commercial, that commercial is a failure.

Beyond these youtube vids, I haven't seen a single Microsoft Windows commercial on my TV. The chances of my seeing the entire series on TV is extremely low. Thus the entire message would end up being lost on me. However I only need to see a single Apple commercial to get the message that a Mac is way better than a PC.

[Ricochet]

I would concede your point if most people treated watching commercials as a drama series where they would actually sit thru them all.

In the real world though, Joe sixpack is not going to sit thru half a dozen commercials. I know I sure wouldn't. You might catch his attention for one or two, but not them all. If you can't get your marketing message across in a single commercial, that commercial is a failure.

even if the tv commercials dont do too well, the 'series' has a nicely sized internet following, as demonstrated by every post in this thread

[Manic Mouse]

So what is the point of a commercial? Why do they exist?

[efernandez_98]

So what is the point of a commercial? Why do they exist?

I dunno... that's analogous to the questions, "What is the point of life? Why do we exist?"

[Salavat23]

In the real world though, Joe sixpack is not going to sit thru half a dozen commercials. I know I sure wouldn't. You might catch his attention for one or two, but not them all. If you can't get your marketing message across in a single commercial, that commercial is a failure.



That's too blown out of proportion. Think about the millions of overweight-couch-potato Joes that dropped their remote on the floor. What would they do?

Also, the commercials on TV seem to be lagging behind the commercials on YouTube. I have only seen the "Shoe Cirrcus" on CNN, BBC News, Comedy Network, History Channel, and the Discovery Channel.

But, you have to remember that the net views of the commercials have already gotten 2+ million views online. That number is sky-rocketing every day.

[egarrard]

I think it's a better example of what people are willing to accept. We have HD video yet what is quickly becoming the biggest form of video today? YouTube. It reaches more people. Besides Microsoft never said that Bill stopped working for them, just that he stopped being responsible for the company. Bill Gates acting like a robot? Come on! That's funny enough for people to at least watch the commercial.

I agree with Salavat23. It's building up to something that's bound to be more interesting than an Apple product (iPhone?).

[Tivon]

I think it's a better example of what people are willing to accept. We have HD video yet what is quickly becoming the biggest form of video today? YouTube. It reaches more people. Besides Microsoft never said that Bill stopped working for them, just that he stopped being responsible for the company. Bill Gates acting like a robot? Come on! That's funny enough for people to at least watch the commercial.

I agree with Salavat23. It's building up to something that's bound to be more interesting than an Apple product (iPhone?).

I liked that power down part. :KICK ASS

[Salavat23]

Well now according to MacRumors, Microsoft will soon be dropping Jerry after a few more commercials will be made. Then they will go the same route as Apple and have two representatives in their ads talk about both platforms in a comedic fashion.

Valleywag was one of the first to report that Microsoft will be officially moving away from the use of Jerry Seinfeld in "phase two" of their $300 million ad campaign, though there appears to be some debate about whether or not this was part of the original plan.

The two Seinfeld Microsoft ads, Shoe Circus and New Family, generated over 2000 comments on MacRumors alone.

The NYTimes confirms this plan but also reveals that Microsoft will be taking direct aim at Apple's "Get a Mac" ads in which John Hodgman who plays "PC" opposite Justin Long as "Mac".

One new Microsoft commercial even begins with a company engineer who resembles John Hodgman, the comedian portraying the loser PC character in the Apple campaign. “Hello, I’m a PC,” the engineer says, echoing Mr. Hodgman’s recurring line, “and I’ve been made into a stereotype.”
The new ads will have some appearances from Bill Gates but will also show other celebrities as everyday PC users in "fast-paced, upbeat vignettes" about their use of Microsoft Windows based PCs.

The NYTimes cites a number of research companies who felt that the buzz surrounding the first two ads were sufficiently positive and accomplished their goal.

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/17/microsoft-dropping-seinfeld-directly-targeting-get-a-mac-ads/

[efernandez_98]

Well now according to MacRumors, Microsoft will soon be dropping Jerry after a few more commercials will be made. Then they will go the same route as Apple and have two representatives in their ads talk about both platforms in a comedic fashion.

http://www.macrumors.com/2008/09/17/microsoft-dropping-seinfeld-directly-targeting-get-a-mac-ads/

I have a quote of my own.


Microsoft Ads Featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld Not Canceled (http://gizmodo.com/5051682/microsoft-ads-featuring-bill-gates-and-jerry-seinfeld-not-canceled)

From a Crispin Porter (http://www.cpbgroup.com/) source, we've learned that the internet has jumped the gun and that the Microsoft Gates/Seinfeld ads have not been axed. It's true, Microsoft apparently asked the agency to focus on the new "I'm a PC (http://gizmodo.com/5051549/first-screenshot-of-the-new-microsoft-ads-im-a-pc-and-i-shark-dive)" spots. And it's true, the agency has gotten plenty of "I don't know what this means (http://gizmodo.com/5045703/the-first-bill-gates-%252B-jerry-seinfeld-microsoft-ad-makes-no-sense)" response in their measured statistics of the Gates/Seinfeld ads. But no one has pulled the plug (http://gizmodo.com/5051517/seinfeld-and-gates-are-out-im-a-mac-counterattack-ads-are-in) on the dynamic duo just yet.

In fact, Crispin Porter has another completed spot featuring the lovable, affluent couple in the can, ready to air (even though it won't quite yet). And while the agency has prioritized development to the anti-Mac ads, there are still full plans to go ahead and produce more Seinfeld/Gates spots unless Microsoft were to pull the plug first (which, once again, they have not at this time).

It's good to know that in a time of economic uncertainty, Gates and Seinfeld haven't been laid off just yet.

[Manic Mouse]

In fact, Crispin Porter has another completed spot featuring the lovable, affluent couple in the can...

Do I really want to see that? http://www.ultimatecomputingonline.com/images/smilies/itaintso.gif Yikes!

[efernandez_98]

Do I really want to see that? http://www.ultimatecomputingonline.com/images/smilies/itaintso.gif Yikes!

it "depends"

[Salavat23]

I have a quote of my own.

But to be fair, that article was written 3 hours after my post.

[efernandez_98]

But to be fair, that article was written 3 hours after my post.

No doubt. I'm not trying to prove you wrong. Mearly, adding more wood to the fire in this drama.

[Nodspy]

Here is microsofts new "I'm a pc" add. Its quite good.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/windows/

[G~man]

2 words...

SERENITY NOW!!
:spin


http://techtalk.pcpitstop.com/2008/09/14/seinfeld-and-gates-star-in-blockbuster-flop/

[efernandez_98]

Here is microsofts new "I'm a pc" add. Its quite good.

<iframe src="http://www.microsoft.com/PressPass/SilverlightApps/videoplayer_3/standalone.aspx?xml=mms://msstudios.wmod.llnwd.net/a2294/o21/presspass/PRIDE60_MBR.wmv&r=embed&id=1&layout=top" width="350px" height="360px" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" ></iframe>

:camera :nuts

[Tivon]

I just want to put this out in to the internet. A friend of mine that I work with, but on another shift has come back from the Mac side.

Now he got a MacBook just this year for himself that has the Tiger Os. He could not wait until SPORE was out, that's all he would talk about. So he paid the 130$ to have the Leopard OS because that's what SPORE needed to play. It's not like a Major jump or anything, just a new skin and few more tricks.. but whatever. Anyway, Time passes, pre-order the game, then he tries to play the game, Nothing, Zip, Nada, Butt-Kiss. Seems that someone put out a small clause at the bottom. "GMA 950 not supported on Mac, but is supported on Windows". WTF? It's an Intel Video Chipset why is this not supported? Probably just Lazy programmers from EA, I don't know?

Wait.. there is more. So now he buys Windows XP to run a Dual Boot on his Macbook. He tried to partition it about 5 times. It would start partitioning and then 1 or 2 hours into the run it was bomb out and say that it could not move some files. Dam this was starting to sound like Windows. So we looked around the net and found a possible fix that requires a 3rd part disk defrag program. Let me remind you that none of this was free. We did that and it ran for 4 hours and still bombed out.

There is more trust me. So now he tries to move files off of his MacBook. Fills up his small 120GB external drive. And tries again.. no go, some files can't be moved. So he buys a 1TB external drive and backs all of his files off the MacBook. This time it partitions fine and he installs windows xp. After awhile using the OS disk he had the windows drivers and everything worked. That's right, a MACBOOK running Windows to play a Game. Maybe it's cool of APPLE, MAC, whatever to have added that support into their systems, but at the same time it's kind of disappointing.

A week later his wife has a MacBook that is 2 years old and it crashes at random times. The Apple techs told her there was nothing they could do they would need to replace the laptop motherboard ect. That's just unexceptionable to have wireless Airport problem crashing the Mac on a regular bases. I think it even fell outside of their warranty period. As much money as those MacBooks cost you would think they would do a better job with the hardware. We even went so far as to take it apart and do a patch for it on the Internet. Talk about removing alot of screws. All said in done it was all for not, because it crashed the next day.

I'm getting to the point of this I promise. So he decided to give her his Macbook and got himself a new Laptop with Windows to play SPORE. Now if we only knew the horror it would take to get a MacBook to play SPORE. I'd have told him to buy a Windows Laptop and probably saved money and time.

This is his new Laptop: ASUS G Series G50V-A2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834220377

[efernandez_98]

Meh, I play Spore on my iPhone.

[Tivon]

Meh, I play Spore on my iPhone.

Does it play on all models of iPhones. Probably looks washed out and lacks the eyecandy. And what about the battery life?

[efernandez_98]

Does it play on all models of iPhones. Probably looks washed out and lacks the eyecandy. And what about the battery life?

Yes, it plays on all iPhones and iTouch. Its actually not the entire game, technically its called "Spore Origins". Just 30 levels of play where you take your organism from the primordial ooze to the sandy beach. It uses the accelerometer and the touchscreen to play. It's not all that battery intensive.

Btw, now I'm playing, "Star Wars: Force Unleashed"

[Manic Mouse]

Here is microsofts new "I'm a pc" add. Its quite good.

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/windows/
Now THAT's more like it! That gets the message across without having to talk to Microsoft so they can 'splain it to me.

[Salavat23]

Now THAT's more like it! That gets the message across without having to talk to Microsoft so they can 'splain it to me.

Yeah. Even the Mac guys are saying that its a good ad. And you usually can't get them to say anything good about Microsoft.