This is embarrassing. Not only are the Microsoft Stores a clear copy of Apple Stores, but now the employees are trying to be spontaneous and stir up customer reactions with a weird bastardization of Improv Anywhere.
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This Microsoft store is trying too hard - Gold-Collar Worker
November 17th, 2009 at 11:49 -
hyperlinks: November 17, 2009 « Vitkun Brands
November 17th, 2009 at 11:55 -
netzmelder
November 18th, 2009 at 04:05 -
Microsoft versucht wirklich alles
November 18th, 2009 at 04:36 -
Schweinegrippe ist garnix gegen neuen MS-Virus « 11tech
November 18th, 2009 at 07:21 -
Anonymous
November 18th, 2009 at 15:55 -
Chrome OS And The Microsoft Squeeze
November 23rd, 2009 at 07:02 -
Online Business Management Software and Services » Blog Archive » Chrome OS And The Microsoft Squeeze
November 23rd, 2009 at 09:17
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Too Hard? How can a business try too hard? I didn’t even have to watch the videos to know that you’re biased. I’m a total Mac fan but I understand the need for Microsoft to reach out… regardless of whether Windows 7 is a copy of OSX, it is pretty nice. You’re about as “Fair and Balanced” as Fox News.
Yeah, I think its a bit corny, but I’m not going to hate on them for it. I’m just impressed they got such a large staff to do something like that without any blatant signs of apathy (that day will come, I’m sure.) Now if Microsoft was smart, they would have hired that musical crew from the grocery store to come in and do it right!
Whats so hard about that? Hell, Joe’s Crab Shack servers burst out into song hourly. And many a bad performer got their start at Coldstone Creamery.
No, they were trying too hard and it was embarrassing. Marketing gone wrong.
Joe’s and Coldstone, ok, it fits with their kitschy aesthetic.
Clapping, dancing, and other forms of celebration within a retail context are not wrong in and of themselves, but should be tied to some event. It is the spontaneity (and duration) of this event that makes it so awkward and unappealing.
At Apple stores, the staff used to applaud, but it was anything but spontaneous: it was tied to the purchase of an Apple computer. When it happened to me, it was a bit strange at first, but it had a clear purpose that I, and all of the other customers, understood as I walked out of the store, MBP in hand.
Plus, the MSFT staff were doing the Electric Slide to a Black Eyed Peas song. Heresy, I say.
Actually, it’s OK. What’s really amusing is the whining by the fucking little pansies in this topic who think ‘being cool’ is defined by how much aluminium and brushed plastic you own.
Lighten up a bit, kids. It’ll save on the Senokot.
Actually, its way over the top. What’s more amusing is the whining by that single fucking little pansy above me who thinks everyone buys on “cool factor”.
Lighten up, old man. And use a lighter instead and save a match.
Actually, Mark B, I’m not a pansy as your mother knows well. In fact I could even be your dad.
Well me and about half the western world I suppose.
:)
in the new Microsoft, if you stop singing because you just can’t take the stupidity any longer you get fired the next day. see don dodge for example.
well, unless you are a “partner” or VP, in which case you are actually encouraged to not sing or do anything remotely useful for years on end.
so true ….
You know, I like people who don’t use capitals. It means you know that since they haven’t taken care to construct a sentence properly that their opinions are probably worthless too.
Although, in fairness, not as worthless as Matt’s tedious observations.
I agree – this is a biased post as all hell.
When it comes down to it Microsoft has to do something about their image and I am glad they are finally doing something about it. 3 yrs. from now, when MS Stores are all, I am sure they will be thought of as one of the pioneers. However, in all actuality they are morphing with the trends we as consumers demand.
I so agree with you.
This image you speak of is exactly like big masculine genitalia. Overrated.
That being said, his post effectively emits an opinion, and does seem to critic Microsoft’s actions, dismissing them as a clone of existing initiatives in the past. The point he tries to make is that they try to appeal to the general public using an idea not spawned by themselves, which is, pardon my observation, a constant in Microsoft’s past.
Also, nowhere in this post have I seen the mention of it being an analysis. Hence your condamnation of it as being biased is foolish and uncalled for, as opinions imply the taking of sides.
In conclusion, and to be add the proper trolling that should belong in such lengthy and well-formed comments, you’re a fag and I hate you.
OMG….A Nerd Chorus Line gone bad.
I would RUN. Just another reason to buy your PC online!
Will they actually service your computer there in the store, or do they just dance and sing about your crashed OS???
It’s corny and it’s another example of Microsoft taking other firms’ ideas and trying to make them their own. They do it with Windows and Xbox. That said, I own and like both products :)
+1
It’s unbelievable all the positive news they fail to report on about MS.
I bet they will skip the news about Paul Allens fight with cancer going on…everyone here was sucking tit when this guy helped invent what everyone else is reaping today!
Not sure Paul Allens cancer qualifies as positive news.
And I understand where you may be frustrated. But you have to understand that MS has a well earned reputation of completely ripping Apple off… at least in theory. See what people don’t understand about the mystique and the fuel that drives “Apple Fanboism” is that we have, for the longest time, been able to carry the underdog card. Whether it is real or not, we carry it. And it feels good when we win, and bad when someone comes along with something that is “us” and tries to make it theirs. It feels good when that attempt falls flat on it’s face and the dipshits in Microsofts PR department make a half ass attempt at a viral video. When I want to watch a 5-minute electric slide, I’ll go to a wedding. Imagine how slighted Palm lovers would feel if Apple introduced “Cards” into the iPhone…. just saying.
Im not trying to get into a huge ideological debate about what is “true” and what isn’t, and who stole what from who and that I’m sipping Kool Aid and… yadda yadda yadda. I already know. I sip the Kool Aid cause it tastes damn good. I know Apple doesn’t give 2 shits about me, but you’re fighting with the underdog, and it’s bite is little bit sharper. Like the Manny Pacquiao of the Tech world…
So just to recap: No one gives a shit about the specs of your Windows laptop you bought for 400 dollars cheaper. No one gives a shit about a bootleg Apple stores unmotivated employees trying to dance. No one gives a shit about Microsoft users feeling ignored by the media. Why report bore?
- This rant brought to you by Dante Orpilla. Inventor of the Sham-Snuggie. The worlds first wearable sponge.
I stole this from a guy on Engadget…
We don’t hate on Macs, we hate on the stupid arguments that are put forth by the Apple faithful, and their derision of anything non-Apple.
We hate the arguments that somehow Apple gives you better quality hardware for the higher prices, when the hardware is the same as any Windows computer.
We hate the arguments that Microsoft is evil for some reason, but when Apple does the same, it is perfectly fine (e.g. activation of Windows vs. activation of an iPhone, or how Intel had unique identifiers in their chips accessible by software, but when they do the same in the iPhone – not a problem).
We hate the arguments that Microsoft is evil when 10 year old hardware is not supported (such as when Vista was released), but when Apple cuts suppoprt for 3 year old printers in Leopard, it is the user’s fault for not owning the latest hardware.
We hate the arguments that problems with 3rd party hardware drivers it is the fault of Microsoft, but when Apple has problems with 3rd party hardware drivers, it is the hardware manufacturer’s fault.
We hate the arguments that Apple never has any problems, but when a problem appears (such as not being able to activate a phone for hours), the user is at fault for not knowing the proper way of using a Mac, just plain stupid, or hate.
We hate the arguments when Microsoft services go down for an hour or two (such as Zune last week), it is said Microsoft provides horrible service and it is a Engadget front page mockery of Microsoft. But when iTunes goes down (http://www.tuaw.com/2009/07/07/itunes-store-and-app-store-problems/) nothing is said, and it really is not a problem.
We hate the argument that before the iPhone, the number of applications available for a platform does not make a difference, it is the quality of the software. After the iPhone is released, all that matters is the number of applications available.
We hate the argument that somehow Apple hardware will last forever, but other computers last only a year or two (this argument is used in this very article). I am typing on a 5 year old Dell laptop, how long does an iPod last?
We hate the argument that somehow Microsoft limits user choice, when many people use non-Microsoft products. But when Apple limits choice (such as installing alternative browsers on an iPhone), it is in the user’s best interest.
We hate the arguments that Microsoft keeps control over their products, but you need to jump through hoops just to develop for the iPhone.
We hate the arguments that Microsoft releases poor products that do not work and you need to wait for SP2 for it to be useful, is MobileMe working yet?
We hate the arguments that Microsoft does not deliver what was promised, Apple is just now delivering push notification – a year after it was promised.
We hate how some say everything was invented, created, designed, or innovated by Apple first, and everybody creates cheap knock-offs of Apple, when there is proof of it being done years before by other companies.
We hate the arguments that products such as Tablets, Netbooks, etc. are useless crap, but rumored products such as the Apple Tablet, or Netbook will be the savior of man.
We hate the argument that somehow opening a store, something that has existed for 1000s of years since somebody found they could trade a basket of vegetables for a chicken, is an Apple creation, and from now on no other company is permitted to open stores.
And, among the many others (but the last I will list), we hate the argument that somehow Apple is allowed to air commercials that lie about Microsoft and Apple’s own products, but when Microsoft airs commercials that are true (a Windows computer is lower priced than an Apple computer), somehow Microsoft is evil and must stop now.
So no, we do not hate Apple – I have a Mac, an iPod, and iPhone. We just get sick of the pathetic fanboys who attack anybody who do not drink the kool-aid and do not give glowing reviews of anything Apple.
When you use the word hate so many times to describe your feelings towards Mac fanboys, you actually come off as one of those prejudice Teabaggers proudly parading hateful and racist images.
Do you not even realize that displaying so much “hate” makes you sounds crazy???
It’s official….PCs are the new teabaggers.
You read the first line right? It’s not actually my comment (but the gist of it is on the money).
Jeez, thanks for clearing that up Sponge boy, I can now get on with my life!
You jerk, how can you say Allen’s cancer is positive news?
BTW: Nobody gives a shit about your product either.
LOL. Love the iPhone examples that are actually just telecom carrier issues (activation, id chips) and not actual “evil moves” by Apple.
But I do kinda like the idea that the Microsoft Store is going to be TGIFridays to the Apple Store’s Chipotle. Wear that Flair with pride!
What ever happened to Paul Allen???
Last I heard he was building his 5th or 6th zillion dollar yacht. Got to keep up with that oil rich Arab Royalty.
http://www.paulallenyachts.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motor_yachts_by_length
Hope he plans to do something in the future for mankind, rather than just buying huge toys and professional sports teams his whole life.
http://www.pgafamilyfoundation.org/
Bullshit, that was a sad and ridiculous attempt at being cool and relevant. The whole thing is a joke – copy apple stores verbatim and add primary colors, get fat awkward employees in too tight of shirts to square dance to a pop techno song….
Everything trickles down from the top. Until Ballmer is replaced, along with their incompetent and largely non-technical board, this embarrassing crap will go on and on. Hello! I am writing this on my Ballmer Signature edition WIN 7 I got with my even more ridiculous party pack.
Any other company that did this crap without a near monopoly or impossible to screw up revenue machine like MS has had for the past decade would be toast.
x2, well said.
Careful, your comments might hit a little too close to home. Surveys show that 72% of Techcrunch readers are fat and awkward software guys
Were in good company! But you don’t see me doing pseudo viral in-store line dancing to I Gotta Feeling by the Black eyed peas!
Surveys also report that the other 28% are just awkward. (Me)
All this cpying Apple garbage, you forgot who Apple copied off of http://www.barconstruction.com/gateway.jpg
Windows was using an app dock years before Mac OS X come out.
You Apple dicks always stealing something, then try to claim it as being new:
Steve Jobs said “good artist create, great artists steal”. Thats all Apple has done..
Diamond Rio, sure they did not steal that idea for the ipod.
Microsoft is just resuming where Gateway left off.. Apple is the copier here.
Apple copied Gateway buildings? Where did you pull this thought from? Are you kidding us???
Apple does their buildings that fit in with the surroundings. They either make a super modern building or buy a historic one. Here is a link to back up my statement -
http://flavorwire.com/50353/apple-architecture-the-top-10-apple-stores
Gateway stores are generic buildings, nothing special about them. Just like Windows 7.
Save up your money to buy a clue. Mac OS X is actually the current version of Nextstep, another company started by Steve Jobs while he was away from Apple. Nextstep had an app dock back in the late 80’s, which is before Microsoft had even managed anything beyond a command line interface.
The reason why Apple Stores are such an over the top retailing success story is because they are so much unlike the Gateway Stores which cratered in a spectacular fashion. Probably the most important difference besides actually having superior products is that at an Apple Store you can walk in, buy a product and walk out with it. Gateway had the inane idea that their stores were a place to order their products. You could pay for a computer but it was just like mail order. You had to go home and wait for it to be built and shipped to your home.
I had a Diamond Rio. Anyone who compared it to an iPod, even the first models, had to be a moron or not actually familiar with either on a first hand basis. IPods quickly were supported by a complete ecosystem and always had a decent amount of storage. Diamond Rios were cheap, badly built, hobbyist toys. I enjoyed playing with it but I can tell the difference between a tricycle and a Harley.
They probably outsourced Geek Squad to do the song and dance?
We all know how Gate’s loves to outsource and bring in foreigner workers on Visas to work for peanuts.
They seem to be copying Baidu.com’s business model: “fuck innovation, let’s just steal our competitor’s idea”
go to baidu.com then go to google.com
go to a microsoft store then go to an apple store
hmm…..
Erika Baido. Just thought I’d share that with you. It’s a gift. Merry Christmas.
Adams comment just makes me laugh! hahaha Matt was just stating the facts; it is an exact copy of an Apple Store and yes they are trying too hard…to be Apple. They should at least be original. I will hand them the whole dance routine even though it made their employees look like a bunch of idiots. Secondly Adam, what news station do you watch?? None of them are “Fair” or “Balanced” aren’t you being biased yourself against Fox News? I am a Democrat and I’m not ashamed to admit that I usually watch Fox over most other stations because they do the best job of trying cover both sides of the story.
If you’re a “democrat” and you watch Fox News to get both sides of the story, you’re clearly confused.
+1
Idiot!
Here, here! +1 for you Sir! Clearly confused indeed.
If you are a staunch Democrat or Republican you are clearly confused. Another reason you poor guys just don’t get it…
What channel should I watch then??????? CBS? haha NBC?haha ABC?
Yes, this is embarrassing. Do something original…
Fox News isn’t supposed to be fair and balanced. Whoever decided to start that campaign was wrong. It’s a conservative news network, thankfully!!!!
“Fox News isn’t supposed to be fair and balanced. Whoever decided to start that campaign was wrong”.
You mean lying.
+ 1… million.
how can you comment if you didnt watch the video?
if i needed to buy a computer and i knew one of the shops i might go to was liable to have the staff burst “spontaneously” into dance, i wouldnt shop there.
whats the point, how does it improve service, how does it even make the place seem cooler?
Very simple it comes down to APPLE = creative or right brained and PC = left brained blackberry sheep type.
The great divide has just begun.
In my opinion, Apple people are worse than PC when it comes to lack of creativity. There is only one way to configure most Apple products where as PC computers offer a dizzying array of customizations. Just go to the Apple store on a Saturday morning. Ugh. Every body is walking holding there purse shaped computers like trophies. Its very, very sad…. That said, my main computer is an Apple, but I do use my $500 PC laptop quite a bit too…Both make me consider Linux every day.
Most PC’s offer a “dizzying” array of customizations (and here we’re talking build-to-order) as opposed to Macs is because Macs come with 95% percent of those options as standard equipment.
Most BTO options for Macs, other than Pros and XServe’s, fall into even faster processors, more RAM, and larger hard-drives.
But LED screens? Check. iSight cameras, check. FireWire, check. 802.11a/n/g, check. High-end Core Duo non-Celeron processors, check. DDR3 DC 1067MHz RAM, check. Build-in DVD SuperDrive, check. Built-in extended-life LiPo battery, check. Bluetooth, check. And so on.
Add all of those features to a machine of similar build quality, and the PC’s price differental pretty much vanishes.
Now, what you can’t do is remove all of those options to get a cheap-ass Mac. But the flip side to that is that developers and the hardware types know that every current Mac model supports all those features out of the box.
And that, in turn, simplifies their job immensely.
Oh, and I forgot to mention the single version of Mac OS X that comes with everything, as opposed to the Basic, Home, Professional, and Ultimate editions of Windows 7.
Or, for that matter, the server version of OS X that supports unlimited users out of the box, as opposed to Windows server with 5/CALs, 25/CALs, 50/CALs, and so on.
Michael, have you ever considered taking a deep breath, shutting the fuck up and actually thinking for a change?
You pay a premium for those ‘features’ whether you want them or not just as your cost includes the OS. Yes, that’s right, Apple can afford to charge $29 for Snow Leopard because they know that about a third of their customer base are going to have to buy new hardware to run it and the rest have already heavily subsidised the purchase cost when they bought a Mac.
Also, if you find a choice between two or three variants of a product different then I suggest you don’t go anywhere near a Baskins and Robbins, k?
P.S. When you’re talking about CAL costs you may actually want to look at the entire licensing and support costs for Microsoft’s enterprise solutions and not just cherry pick the ones that give you a hot flush. We do and the total cost is generally cheaper than any Apple or, unfortunately, Linux solution.
Just so you know.
Mark: Nice language.
And as I pointed out, while it may be a premium it’s not as high as most would insist. Especially once you include all of the “options” that come as standard features on a Mac.
Look at the Adamo, Dell’s attempt to build a machine up to the quality of a MacBook Air. And guess what? All of those little design features and materials and standardized options add up to a machine that’s just as expensive.
And Apple builds their own boards, designs their own ASICs, doesn’t use cut-rate caps and resistors and fans and ram chips and other parts, uses Intel’s best processors, and generally speaking builds excellent hardware with a high resale value and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings.
And that, to me, is worth the money. And, judging from Apple’s sales and stock price, it’s worth it to plenty of others as well.
And finally, I’m (unfortunately) all too familiar with MS’s “enterprise” solutions and pricing. I especially love it when you decide, say, that you want to cluster your SQL Server box, only to find out that you now need the “Enterprise” version of SQL, which in turn will no longer install on the same hardware because you aren’t running the “DataCenter” version of Windows.
@ Michael Long
“… to build a machine up to the quality of a MacBook Air.”
That was a funny sentence (fragment).
“Mark: Nice language.”
Well, in fairness, you are a total fucking goon.
Sorry, but you are.
Right, the schmucks willing to pay a 300% markup on their components for a walled garden with a stylish case and a logo aren’t sheep at all.
Read the above on pricing. Your hyperbole is wearing thin.
I say “talent borrows genius steals” (O. Wilde). It’s all good for the consumer…
I think it was rediculous, but I now have a real temptation to go rubberneck a Microsoft store…I doubt I would actually enter during that kind of trainwreck though.
risky risky.
Your spelling ability is a train wreck.
You need to watch the video. This is embarrassing. I would literally leave the store if this happened when I was there.
Literally? Really? Instead of figuratively?
+1
To everyone who says they would “leave the store”. Stop acting like pompous bitches… you KNOW you would stay, and probably smile.
When you guys go shopping, you go with serious attitudes because you are ONLY there to buy a product. Like 5 minutes of silliness is really going to piss you off?
If a store that you were loyal to did this would you react the same way? Honestly… would you?
Stop being ridiculous everyone.
And Jesse.. walk out, no one gives a shit.
how is it a clear copy from apple stores? you mean they used tables too??? zomg they should have totally hooked up the laptops to chains hanging down from the ceiling so apple fanboy bloggers wouldnt confuse them.
and maybe instead of employees they have self checkouts like grocery stores! And maybe they don’t sell their OWN product… but a different company’s product.
Or instead of having prices, they could just GIVE everything away.. Because selling things for money is patented by Apple and shouldn’t be copied.
You know.. maybe Microsoft should just give up because nothing they do is right.
The layout of that store is almost a carbon copy of the Applestore at Iona shopping mall in Honolulu or for that matter any single level Applestore.
When they do this.
They’re trying to cash in some internet meme but it just sucks. I would feel uncomfortable being in the store like this trying to sample their products while people are awkwardly singing and dancing around me.
It’s like a retail version of when they sing happy birthday to you at a restaurant. No one wants it to happen.
Don’t they have product to sell and customers to help?
How can a business try too hard? The same way a comedian, actor, or really any other service in the world can try too hard.
I would have walked out of that store. There is just no excuse for such a major company to always have such subpar marketing tactics.
Windows launch parties? Seinfeld commercials? A Family Guy episode? These are all TERRIBLE IDEAS.
you’re such a pussy dude
why is it wrong if anyone tries too hard? This is common practice is most retail outlets, but you only recall apple?
I can’t believe no one has commented on shoplifting happening at @2:14
thats cool, except that I would have to wait 4 min to get help to buy a computer….I dont want to be entertained when I shop, just want my stuff!
Slow down a bit.
Anyway, You wait at the Apple store too.
Yes, because everyone wants to take their time in a mall arround christmas time…
And you are waiting because the employees are working, which is fine. When they are just goofing off is when it ticks me off. They dont get paid to dance, they get paid to sell me computers. If I wanted to see someone dance I would stroll down to the Pepermint Rhino.
Beth, on the strength of that comment alone, I would like to father your children.
I love Beth, not only she looks hot, but she’s right. This embarrassing dance seemed like it went on forever. I couldn’t help but think what I would do if I was in that store, probably would’ve left.
Most people in the store were trying to ignore them, then the girls who probably watch wayy too much “so you think you can dance” joined in.
Ya it was awkward at best, and definitely won’t help them sell any computers, or software, or whatever they’re selling.
yup and another classic case of reverse-branding
it’s spearmint rhino. know your facts.
You don’t wait at the Apple Store at all anymore.
Both the helpers(yellow shirts) and sales people can sell things now.
They changed over from the huge Windows driven hand-held devices with the B&W screens you can’t read, to IPod Touches.
That should add a few more billion in sales this holiday season.
I well visit the MS Store to watch their store Christmas Carolers. LOL
I speak from personal experience in apple stores. When you’re waiting in an apple store it’s because the employees are all very busy helping someone else, and have usually acknowledged your existence within the first minute of you walking into the store. And to Beth, Apple Retail employees are there to help you not just to sell you a computer.
When can we buy tickets for MS Momma Mia?
LOL
Matt, get over yourself. This store isn’t trying to hard, this is actually cool. Perhaps you made the title to make a apple/microsoft debate.
Congrats
I am not a MS fan but I agree with Ryan on this one. I just hope RIAA will not make MS pay for the “performance license fees” to the song. But knowing record labels, I don’t put it beyond them.
Cool??? You must be joking. It’s like they’re working at a Bennigan’s.
the microsoft store is more colorful at least
Yeah, more colorful like a nursery school.
They can sing “Color me grey” in the stores.
I think it was thoughtful, could have been better, but at least they used a good song!
To Adams point, I never used Windows 7, but you are way over biased than you should be. And I worked at Google!
Why is this so bad? I’m also an Apple fan, but there’s noting wrong in trying to get some life and joy into the stores.
What is bad however is how much Microsoft clearly was inspired by Apple stores.
What is bad about that? It shows Apple is worth copying.
Yes.
I would love to see the MS business plan for 2010. Something like this…
Marketing = Copy Apple’s
Future OS Look and Feel Design = Copy Apple’s
Store Look = Copy Apple’s
Tablet Design = Wait for Apple’s
Amount spent on R&D = None, just copy Apple’s
No wonder Steve Jobs and Apple are so protective
of their ideas and patent EVERYTHING.
Steve Jobs = Willy Wonka
Steve Ballmer/Gate’s = Slugworths
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xU8_TSmPCY
Apple didn’t invent retail, like Matt Burns and other fanbois seem to believe. The Microsoft store is as much a copy of the Apple Store as the Apple store was a copy of .
..as the Apple store was a copy of every single concept store ever created. Get over it, retain stores with a boutique concept tend to be similar.
Apple’s retail policy is a conglomeration of the ideas and policies of some of the highest rated companies in the service industry. SO yes apple did pull ideas from other companies, but with the permission of the companies from which they came, and Apple also doesn’t go and offer to pay Managers of other retail brands twice what they are making now just to get them to work for Apple.
poor employees, the mexian guy was embarrased and probably wishes he hadnt migrated to america now.
+1
to bad it was so repetitious, it was kinda boring. Waste of 4 minutes and 44 seconds. ;)
One word: FAIL!
It’s cool to try to do creative things but to break out in the electric slide to the Black Eyed Peas is nothing but fail. What was the ROI? :)
Sounds like someone in the marketing team said let’s dance during work hours and someone will put it on youtube, then it will go “viral” and now they are sitting back and saying, yeah, the electric slide was my idea…
Did it occur to anyone that the general dorkiness of the whole thing was totally on purpose? Coolness is a giant looping domain, where -∞ equals +∞.
Ok Nerd…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C3njjD41f48
like that fucking Bing song….
I think at Microsoft they believe that the shittier the viral video the more publicity it will get
(and sadly, it’s working for them)
but you have to admit that the name Bing is brilliant (B-ecause I-t’s N-ot G-oogle). And they never lowered themselves to using the homophone (’ala Monty Python)
Please make the clapping stop.
Yeah, if it ain’t Google or Apple, it’s not cool on TechCrunch.
I don’t care what website that is or what brand they’re selling, there is NOTHING cool about a bunch of chunky nerds doing a choreographed dance in a store.
What does your comment have to do with twitter????
It’s better than calling a store full of pompous half wits “geniuses” because they know how to install an operating system
+1 on that.
Also I see somethings the same about the Apple stores and flying on Virgin America. Did they copy?
Or the way Gap sales people interact with customers. Did Apple take notes?
Got to go with Pablo on this one — Good artists copy. Great artists steal!
As opposed to Microsoft’s “gurus”?
Or do you prefer waiting on hold for an hour to speak with someone who’s English is NOT is his first language?
Both suck, but Apple is more ridiculous to me because people believe it. It’s like Best Buy’s Geek Squad. Just because they’re a bunch of pimple faced virgins doesn’t mean any of them can do much more than reboot a computer.
lol i love the grocery store inprov it was beautiful i cried a little at the magical splendor showcased.
I got a bit misty too, thanks I don’t feel like such a putz now.
improveverywhere is the new place I will go to when I feel down and out. That place makes me smile.
I think it’s great. nice job MSFT
Hey, not to mention that the Microsoft Store came FIRST — there was the Microsoft store at the Sony Metreon ***LONG*** before Apple’s stores — before Steve Job’s 2nd coming, for that matter.
It was a pretty awesome store, too!
Damn those apple people and their stealing MS ideas!
Exactly! Hey MS bashers….when will you bash Apple for this?
So thats where employee’s go when the local Texas Roadhouse closes forever.
I am not 100% sure of this but was this some customer filming this and youtubed it? Or MS put this out?
It looked like customers got into the mix and as i was watching it i tried to think if i was there…
I would be like WTF! – this is wild and then told every person I came into contact about it for the rest of the day and night.
Keeping in mind 90% of the customers are not TC readers, computers to them are just tools – politically-free tools that they are moderately comfortable with.
At the end of the day, if you were there as one of these average customers, could it do anything but make you smile? – Really!
It might be corny. But seriously people, look at all the mac ads out there. All they’ve turned into is a response for all the Microsoft Ads that are running.
they use to be pretty dang funny at first. But now, I have to say, they’re becoming pretty lam.
Yes, I’m a Macbook Pro user!
100% agree with you. Mac ads are lame now, and just starting to look pathetic. Time to retire that played campaign with “nerd #1″ looking geeky and “nerd #2″ trying to look Mac cool but really is a nerd who probably got beat up in high school.
Totally agreed. And its not that Snow Leopard was the universal Panacea that Apple promised. Leopard was ok and I got totally screwed by upgrading to S.L. Different programs crash or lock up at different times, I see the beach ball spinning all the time and feel like throwing my MacbookPro out of the window.
apple needs to clean its mess before pointing fingers at MSFT.
The only problem I have with it is it’s about 3 and a half minutes too long
i’d definitely do that chick in the green!
Oh dear. This is beyond embarassing, it is excruciating. It’s like a troupe of trained monkeys.
The things people do for a paycheck. Some corporate guy at Microsoft HQ shows a Powerpoint presentation explaining how if store reps do a line dance, it will create a ‘fun, hip, upbeat atmosphere’ in the stores.
So these poor Joes who just want a job to pay the rent have to go to line-dancing school, and pretend they don’t feel extremely silly doing this. You could see their embarassment.
This must count as some form of employee abuse. The poor fat guy was ready to collapse after 3 minutes. Microsoft, Microsoft, please stop trying to be Apple. You just look like a middle-aged daddy trying to be a cool teenager.
Is Apple any better? Their whole existence is based on the fact that they appeal to people who need something to be snobby and elitest about. They never market anything but their image. So, MSFT is the middle-aged daddy trying to be a cool teenager (I agree), but Apple is just a corporation exploiting your inferiority complex to make you feel edgy and relevant if you spend twice as much on all your high tech hardware. Congratulations on buying into it.
Yah, except you left out the fact that Apple actually makes really good, well designed products. Microsoft couldn’t ‘innovate’ itself outta a trash bag..
+10 owned!
I meant “Rich” was doing the owning. Not Mark.
You’re need for clarification reeks of Douche.
“The things people do for a paycheck.”
Since when people work in Apple store doesn’t work for money?
Let’s face it, whatever Microsoft did you would have criticized it. It’s either ‘Not trying hard enough’ or ‘Trying too hard’.
I’m a Mac fanboy, but seriously. Like Adam said, there’s no such thing as trying too hard in business.
I didn’t see anything wrong with it. A little sloppy at first, but they got into it towards the end, it’s all about competition and representin’!
Lil Mama, your thoughts?
I went to the Microsoft store, and all I got was The Clap.
win
Jee man, I don´t understand you gringos.
This is seriously sad and embarassing.
I know in every gringo restaurant they do this “please make me disappear through the floor” singing and clapping stuff.
But, no chance in my life I will walk into one of those Microsoft stores.
I’m a Mac user, avid Xbox 360 gamer and a big Android supporter (I’m all over the map). I’m pretty tired of the back and forth though. I wish they would each just do their own thing and leave it at that. At the same time, it’s marketing. Part of me agrees that I’d rather just shop when I go into a store, but at least they’re going in a different direction. Whatever works. It works for Joe’s Crab Shack and Improv Anywhere is great. It’s obvious that MSFT is competing hard with Apple but they have to. Apple is stomping all over everyone with awesome hardware.
“Awesome hardware”
- in phones yes
- in OS – no way. overpriced, over expensive laptops are hardly “stomping all over” along with charging $29 for service pack updates – its a joke. i refuse to pay $29 to upgrade for something that is a simply a fking bug fix.
- if anything i am thinking moving back to PC – win 7 great reviews and i am sick of “paying” premium prices for lockdown hardware.
I’m pretty sure the phrase “awesome hardware” doesn’t contain information about prices. Apple is clearly overpriced, but that doesn’t change the fact that their hardware is indeed awesome. Two separate issues there.
Want to put ” ” over a word other than paying?
Why is it overpriced? I think it’s fair priced. Sure, not as cheap as a plastic Dell or HP (who themselves come up with no original designs, just copies), but still, not too bad. I’m over crap plastic machines that fall apart in a year, retaining little value. Not to mention all the time wasted trying to keep any version of Windows ’safe’ so I can actually be productive.
The Windows world is rife with copying. Nothing original. Just look at the Dell Zino or HP Envy. Yawn…
People are so addicted to the cheapest junk. They think ‘cheap is a deal’, but when you really add it up, they would have been better off saving their money and going for something that’s designed and just works better; a machine that does its job and isn’t trying to catch up to the latest trend (usually set by Apple). But alas, such is the Windows world and the irrefutable evidence for this is everywhere. Especially in their stores.
If I have to replace my laptop in two years to keep up with the tech, it doesn’t really matter if my machine has a titanium case. At least with a cheaper Windows machine I can save $1500 every two years.
“latest trend”? Apple sells commodity junk at a premium. If you want “the latest trend” you will have to go to a custom PC shop or build it yourself.
Chris, you’re forgetting that Macs have an extremely high resale value. Check out Craig’s list.
In fact, I’m strongly tempted to upgrade my 24″ iMac to the new 27″ quad-core i7 version. Should cost me about $700.
@passerby: First, you have never built a PC in your life. You assemble a PC from a few pre-built components (yes, I know of this from first hand experience). Second, you will never assemble a product as awesome as a MacBook Pro or iMac. It is simply not within the range of an individual unless you have incredible machine shop skills and would still be doubtful. It would appear you don’t value industrial design and execution where Apple excels so you choose other products. That is one of the virtues of a robust market, wide choice. So why do you waste time trolling an Apple focused site? Oh, how is that project progressing for you to build your own iPhone clone?
Bug Fix?
It takes half the space and runs significantly faster. It is a complete rebuild. So, because a lot of graphics didn’t change and there isn’t 5 gigs of bloatware it is just a service pack update?
Regardless, if you like Windows, shut up and buy Windows. If you like Apple, shut up and buy Apple. Please, just stop this complaining. Oh, and the people judging Apple users as elitists make me laugh the hardest. Keep quiet and make yourself happy.
Not true. Maybe on the newer macbook pros. I have a two year old Intel MBP and all I have is issues. I run Windows 7 in boot camp and now I find myself using Win 7 more than Snow leopard.
I seriously wish I can get my $30 back from Apple for S.L. Such a disappointment.
Overpriced is opinion. I’d rather pay more for better hardware and I’ve never had a problem since switching entirely. The hardware is solid. Coming from a Windows background, I was locked into a cumbersome junk festival for years and years. PC after PC, Windows release after Windows release. I’m tired of it and I’m tired of hearing the same old recycled complaints. Most of them come from the same people that still think Macs can only use a single-button mouse. Annoying and old. People have opinions that differ.
Um… Windows 7 was a bug fix. That bug was called Vista.
It’s one thing after another. Microsoft releases software. It gets criticized. Microsoft uses the criticism and makes a better product (i.e. Win 7), but now making a better product is seen as copying? You say that that Vista was horrible, which I wouldn’t exactly disagree with you, but Microsoft releases a way better OS, with no bloatware mind you, and you still have nothing but negative comments.
Could they just pass out food instead?
+10
Yeah, great idea. Pass out food in a store where people are trying out computers.
They are doing this to copy the success apple has had with tubers like ijustine, sxephil..etc who make a habit of doing videos from apple stores. ijustine has done numerous dancing vids.
Seriously? Some butterface airhead and a straight edge douchebag? This is who you think Microsoft is trying to copy? Man, they are in trouble.
can I just say not only does apple make better looking computers but their customers and employees are way better looking than the fat pin heads at the MS store…
I guess if you are feeling down about yourself stopping by the MS store might make you feel a whole lot better.
Yup, nothing but super models over at the Apple store.
http://www.geekculture.com/joyoftech/joyimages/joystuff/MacGenius600.jpg
Haha… super owned
LMAO. You mean they don’t all look like the guy from Dodgeball???
What type of phones and computers do they sell at the MSFT store? Also do they provide tech support?
It is not worse than going to apple store and getting “vapor ware” for the anything NEW and GREAT that most people have to wait for, except the first 5 that show up at 7 a.m. to get the new “super mouse” then the rest of us have to wait for 3 months.
What I noticed was how the employees seemed to outnumber the customers. That’s probably more news-worthy than their lame “improv.”
Agreed. It also says a lot that they even had time to goof off like that. I guess nobody was buying anything or needing any assistance at the time.
it’s embarrassingly lame. there are a million other ways to be inspirational and fun. please, don’t patronise me when i shop.
As opposed to Apple’s television commercials when I’m trying to watch TV?
Those commercials pay for the shows that you watch. It would help if you tried to find an analogy that actually works.
wow.. fanboys of all ages… i thought it was just the young, weak minded people that got caught up in Apple’s slavery.
I couldn’t even sit through one minute of the video I can only imagine my suffering if I was actually in the store. I agree with Matt. They are trying to hard.
What makes Apple stores so successful is that their products are what people line up for, not some gimmicky line dance. As far as their geniuses go, this was a real key to helping people get comfortable with a new operating system and provide a single location for customer support.
Microsoft needs to make products people lust for. Just today it was reported that they lost a full third of their market share in the smart phone market. Ballmer has no vision whatsoever. I must have seen the video of him laughing at the iPhone introduction on at least a dozen sites.
People like you are who pay for Apple’s lame ad campaigns. Keep thinking your edgy because you have a Mac. That along with your hair plugs, tribal tattoo and 1997 Corvette.
That’s, “Keep thinking you’re edgy…” You are. You’re.
There’s nothing worse that an idiot telling someone else that they’re lame. (grin)
Actually, Michael, there is – shitwits like you pretending to know things that you clearly don’t.
Nice command of the language. Debating team at the juvenile detention center?
No, Michael, it’s just that you really are a fuckwit. I actually do have a pretty extensive vocabulary, it’s just there’s little point in using flowing prose to describe someone like you when a bit of good old anglo saxon derived cussing will do the job far better.
So…How exactly do you convince yourself that Apple is “lame” and then watch Microsoft copy every aspect of the Apple Store formula?? You’ve got to be delusional.
“What makes Apple stores so successful is that their products are what people line up for, not some gimmicky line dance.”
Actually I thought it was chronically insecure people who think that being a cool person is pretty much accessory based.
ummm….. sorry. People do not line up for their products. They line up to be a part of the image of owning an Apple product.
Big difference — but if they wanna do it, then that is ok too….
“chronically insecure people”
…says the guy who defends Microsoft and their products over and over again. Feeling a little insecure about your love affair with Microsoft’s notoriously crappy products?
+1 to you, good sir.
Dude, I own hardware and software made by various companies including Apple and Microsoft and understand both their strengths and weaknesses.
That’s precisely why I can take the piss out of sad little wankers like you who are so insecure that they allow their own identities to be sublimated by an uncaring multinational corporation.
That is one of the funniest thing’s ive seen this week!! lol.
But lets be honest, Microsoft doesnt have a hope in hell of achieving the success that Apple has with their retail stores have they.
This was very creative. It’s not going to win a Tony but c’mon, it’s some retail employees having a good time and entertaining customers. I’m not seeing any reason to bash Microsoft for this.
Please read this comment before you say anything else if you don’t like how TechCrunch has covered this:
1) Shut up and WATCH the video.
2) If you think THAT is creating marketing, you don’t know anything about marketing.
3) That’s probably the worst use of 5 minutes of an employee’s time ever. You’d get a better ROI having two employees screw each other in the closet – at least they’d (hopefully) come out happy on the other end.
Yes, Microsoft had a store a long time ago. Yes, Apple’s stores are sparse. Yes, Microsoft’s stores are colourful. However, that doesn’t make having your employees do the electric slide for over 4-1/2 minutes a good idea and it still deserves to be slagged on TC.
I’m having way too many laughs reading these comments
This reply is so win. I laughed. Thanks, Facebook User.
The word “desperation” comes to mind.
…What a train-wreck. Makes my skin crawl like a clap-happy Tony Robbins crowd set to ‘Simply The Best’ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xs6ilhB_3Q8
Help me Jebus.
It worked. People are writing about it. People are sending out these videos. They’re getting brand awareness. Even my folks know they have Microsoft stores now, which they didn’t before.
Trying to hard, maybe? But tried they did. And it worked.
Awk-ward.
Whats wrong with this?? Almost, everything that Microsoft is criticized. Completely biased.
Please..stop using “biased”, let’s just kill that word now. I’m tired of it being used by people who don’t agree with a story. If you don’t agree with the story, don’t read it. The headline should give you fair warning
Who made you form moderator?
Well, who made YOU form moderator?
Huh? If there is logic there, please share it. Wow.
You need to get off that Hatorade boss. This is super cool.
You’re a dork.
You’re trolling gadget blog forums…so are you.
I troll comments that call out comments that troll gadget blog forums…. those penalties offset. Automatic…. First Down.
I don’t know, i’m not Steve Jobs fan, nor Bill Gates fan…i’m Linus Torvalds fan…and what i had seen on that video seemed pretty gay and lame ^.^
Apple is okay; Apple lover/fan boys/girls suck big time. Unless Apple pays you why do you do this?
Don’t exactly fall into the categories you describe, don’t even own a Mac. Own three Win machines, BUT I will not deny that when Apple does task A, more often than not, it appears to have done it well. Do not kid yourself, that appearance is ALL that counts.
For example, Apple’s flagship store, the 5th ave one, was reported to have $350 million in revenue last year. In terms of $/sq foot, that’s more than Best Buy. We can review this figure for MS a year from now.
Call a spade a spade. This store needs some more work from MS.
Apple does simple. Best Buy and MS do complicated.
Apple outsells and out innovates (yes, they do) because they focus attention on just a few things. They don’t have the ADD that BB & MS do. And when you focus on less, you make the few things or one thing you do better.
Right Billy. So that would mean that they’re outselling Microsoft in operating systems and productivity suites because they only have one (or two) versions against Microsoft’s multiple variants?
Another theory bites the dust, eh chief?
Best Buy does complicated? Well… maybe. You go in and stare at three dozen shiny plastic notebooks, trying to decide just how the shiny back-and-gray HP model 2345 is different from the shiny black-and-blue HP model 5432.
Finally, you give up and decide based on price (more must be better, right?), in which case you hunt down some teenage help, who in turn wanders around for 10 minutes trying to find a manager to unlock the cage that protects all of the boxes from the store’s own employees.
He then escorts you and your precious box to the cash register and stands guard until the cashier has explained the extended warranty program to you, you’ve accepted, and handed over your credit card.
Whereupon you take your reciept and box to the guard at the door who will (probably) grant you permission to leave the store.
And if you’re lucky, you won’t need to return because you got home to find that your new box is actually a returned box, and somewhere in the mix your power cord got lost.
Yeah, you’re right. Best Buy does complicated.
Ok I have to admit it is pretty cool. I think it would be cool to be there when something like this happened. I don’t believe its “trying to hard”. The publicity its getting, will draw people into the store, which is good for business. It’s a smart idea. Apple does something similar where the employees shout across the store about certain training going on and such. Happens at the store here anyway.
However, I have to agree with some of the others in saying that, that store is such a copy of Apple Store its ridiculous. The whole idea of the Microsoft Store and having the “genius bar” style support place is a direct copy of the Apple Store. I do realize some things would inevitably be similar because they are shooting for the same type of store, but this TOO much like an Apple Store to even remotely try to attempt to call it an original idea or store. Apple Store – Macs + Pcs + Dancing = Microsoft Store. :)
Not trying to down them or anything, and please, dont start the whole “Macs can get a virus too” stuff, that’s not the issue, but.. I do wonder how successful the Microsoft “geniuses” or whatever they are called will be when it comes to providing support due to things like that. Are they offering full computer support or is it just that they provide support with how to do things with the OS/PC and such, and don’t provide like.. tech support? Anyone know?
I’m glad they had some fun at work… but it just goes on way too long. Way too long.
This goes on for 4:45 which means no customers are being helped while they do their stupid dance.
That is exactly what I am saying….cool people are talking about you…but you cant even show customer service in 5 min….FAIL
The store barely had any customers in it.
Oh well…
doesn’t look like there were many customers anyway. staff was probably bored from standing around with nobody to help so they came up with the dance idea.
omg holy shit!! that is so bad! those poor poor customers..
poor customers? What about the poor staff?! imagine being forced to do that for retail wage?
i was being sarcastic