Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:27 PM/CST
Microsoft rolled out a revised version of its MSN home page on Nov. 4, embracing in the process the same ethos of personalization and streamlining that governed Yahoo's own home page redesign in September. Microsoft also cut down on the number of hyperlinks and seeded the interface with in-line connections to Twitter and Facebook.
Monday, November 02, 2009 5:02 PM/CST
Microsoft's most recent deal, with OpenX Technologies, which will see OpenX promoting Microsoft's Content Ads, is another partnership on Redmond's part designed to more effectively challenge Google in the online space. Just as with its July Yahoo deal, Microsoft could see partnerships as the best way to gain market share in online search and advertising.
Thursday, October 29, 2009 1:40 PM/CST
Microsoft and Yahoo have announced a delay in their search-and-advertising partnership deal, as both sides continue to work out "finalizing the definitive agreements." Despite the agreement to have Microsoft's Bing powering Yahoo's search once the deal is complete, Yahoo is attempting to assert its online identity by rolling out new features for its front-end applications, including Yahoo Messenger and Yahoo Mail.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009 10:20 AM/CST
Microsoft decided to pull out of sponsoring a Seth MacFarlane program that would have married "Family Guy"-style humor with Windows 7 branding, over concerns that jokes about deaf people and other topics would be too edgy for their intended audience. However, Microsoft will likely continue its branding relationship with Fox. MacFarlane, meanwhile, is looking for a new sponsor.
Thursday, October 22, 2009 2:03 PM/CST
Microsoft used its Windows 7 launch to brand itself as a warm and fuzzy software conglomerate, running its family-friendly ads and having 5-year-old Kylie, the star of some of those spots, introduce Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. Ballmer re-emphasized that Microsoft's ultimate strategy is to create a cloud-based environment for consumers, centered on Windows 7-powered devices.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:18 PM/CST
Microsoft and Fox are collaborating with "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane on a Windows 7-themed comedy program that will premiere on Nov. 8. The show, "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show," will likely make more sense to audiences than the inscrutable Jerry Seinfeld ads crafted by Redmond to help promote Windows Vista.
Friday, October 02, 2009 3:26 PM/CST
Bill Gates had his signature added to a limited edition of Windows Vista, so it's perhaps no surprise that the current CEO will do the same thing with Windows 7. Those who sign up to throw a Windows 7 launch party could very well find themselves receiving a Signature Edition of Microsoft's new operating system.
Friday, September 11, 2009 5:16 PM/CST
Microsoft's opening Windows 7 TV spots feature Kylie, the tyke who starred in a few of Redmond's previous "I'm A PC" advertisements. The targeting of the new ad towards a specific demographic and time slot suggests that Microsoft's ad campaign may be more effective with audiences from the outset than its previous efforts, such as the esoteric Jerry Seinfeld ads.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009 3:46 PM/CST
Microsoft has confirmed that a leaked slide deck for Best Buy employees, demonstrating the ways in which Windows 7-equipped PCs are supposedly superior to Linux-loaded devices, is in fact genuine. The slides suggest a possible strategy for Microsoft with its retail stores as it moves into a fall season that could see it competing against not only the Apple Store, but Best Buy as well.
Friday, September 04, 2009 1:07 PM/CST
Microsoft is attempting to promote Windows 7 to consumers through a series of house parties taking place between Oct. 22 and 29. Hosts will be given free copies of Windows 7, as well as a chance to win a PC worth $750. However, Microsoft's attempts to introduce hip or funky ad campaigns often meet with less success than its traditional marketing pushes, which have historically seen some traction.
