No, the corporate logo and Windows logo are both staying the same, but a trademark application has been unearthed describing Microsoft’s new logo that will brand its upcoming retail stores, two of which have already been announced. In simplified terms, the new logo seems to be a block representation, of the Windows logo we have all come to know and love. Sort of what you’d expect your seven years old child to build out of construction paper. As a glimpse into what the Microsoft Store will be selling, the official document also states that the logo will brand “retail store services and online retail services featuring computers, computer hardware, software, computer games, computer peripherals, portable music players and accessories, personal digital assistants, cell phones and accessories, video game consoles and accessories, webcams, books, clothing, back packs, messenger bags, computer bags and novelty items.” What about toasters?
…Microsoft Office and the like in the Apple Stores can we expect Microsoft will also be selling iPhones and Macs (seeing as though they are just PC’s according to many, and they do run Microsoft applications or give access to Microsoft services)
😉
For those interested, the cities to blacklist for your travel plans are Scottsdale, Arizona and Mission Viejo, California.
Too bad, really. Because I hear that the skies in Arizona are absolutely gorgeous. Filled with Little Fluffy Clouds, and all that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWMIXgCaJPQ
Edited 2009-08-11 23:26 UTC
Out of curiosity, why do you feel that way? Is it just a general dislike for Microsoft? I, for one, would be more likely to go out of my way to get there so I could see the Microsoft store rather than avoid it like you seem to want to.
General dislike for Microsoft, yes. But I was making a bit of a joke. Best not to take it too seriously. 🙂
Exactly, sbergman27 is usually known for his insightful (serious) commenting, which he does quite frequently. He’s not a basher, so a joke like this once in a while… well let’s just say that I could appreciate it 😉
I am guessing they are going to have to have the techs work in cages so angry users won’t acost them when they are approached with technical issues. Bars on the windows (store windows) wouldn’t be a bad idea either in case someone wants to chuck a problem-ridden PC that Microsoft refuses to help with, through the glass…
For some reason I don’t see these as ever coming close to the amount of business Apple does in their stores. What is Microsoft going to sell, software? If they sold PCs, they would have to agree on a hardware vendor and then sit back and brace for the deluge of technical help visits and returns.
Kudos to Microsoft for trying to actually get in “touch” with their consumers though, That’s something they have been out of touch with for a decade. Hope it works for them, but I just don’t see it.
I’m sorry but this is absolutely no news at all. In fact, I can go a bit further and show you how exactly Microsoft intend to implement this design.
Why? Because it’s been out there for two weeks already! OSNews reported on July 28th about leaked slides showing Microsoft Stores designs, which are available here:
http://gizmodo.com/5322328/leak-inside-the-microsoft-store-with-wal…
Especially see slide 17, but check out slides 6 and 28 as well. Now THAT was news! …two weeks ago.
I love the “Answer Bar”, especially the photo of the Apple Genius there – LOL…
Microsoft, love ’em or hate ’em cannot come up with new ideas (ok, maybe one or two in their history – lol).
This is going to fail as a store (note I said not fail entirely). The idea of “training centres” is appealing for customers however.
Why is it going to fail as a “store”?
Apple have hardware to sell. You go in there and buy a Mac or iPod or whatever.
Apple software isn’t as accessible as PC software, so people know that going to an Apple Store is a great one stop shop.
Apple get you in their to buy their hardware, but can also try and sell you their software too, of which they have a good selection. Pro Apps for example, but also a lot of useful 3rd party stuff too.
You can even buy XP or Vista (7 soon I will assume) from their shops too.
MS has a problem. They could sell you an XBox, but you can get them from a lot of different places, and probably much cheaper too. They could sell you a Zune, but no one wants one of those (iPods are loosing their flavour too btw, due to iPhones and the like). Keyboard or Mouse anyone?
Again, software can be bought from most places that sell computer equipment, and again, probably for a much lower price. Unless MS has a store on every corner, the convenience (once the “hey, lets check out that new MS store” factor has faded) will come into it too.
That leaves service.
I can see these stores as a frontage for helping people use their PC’s. If MS can get people to pay for that, then they might have something. But as far as retail goes, they will be one of many in that sector, and will be offering less while they are at it.
MS cannot afford to offer Dell or HP exclusively (or any other brand) as they will bring forth the wrath of the other PC makers crying foul.
MS has done well with their “open” to all policy, but this is one area where it has a draw back…
Another interesting idea. Could an MS store sell Macs preloaded with Windows, now there’s an idea. They are PC’s after all – lol…
I just noticed something interesting; they used Nokia (see this announcement: http://www.osnews.com/comments/21985 ) in sheet 16 for “competitive benchmarking”.