To try and improve the perception and image of it's brand, Microsoft is going to open a chain of retail stores, some in close proximity to Apple Stores.
So, despite not manufacturing computer hardware, they're gonna try to compete head to head with Apple? Are they stupid, or just high?
What are they going to fill their store with? 100 copies of Windows and Office to fill the shelves around a Zune kiosk, off to the side next to an Xbox alcove?
The Xbox is the only real hardware product they have to leverage, but if they focus too much on that, then they're pretty much competing with Gamestop in addition to Apple. And it's a pretty safe bet there will be a Gamestop in close proximity to an MS or Apple Store, as Gamestops are frelling everywhere.
It's not like they can provide any services as effective as Apple's Genius Bar. They'll just spend 20 minutes convincing you it's a hardware problem and not Vista.
Apple gaining a marketshare point musta really spooked them.
The funniest thing too is they've hired a former exec from Dreamworks Animation to run it. It's like they're not even trying to avoid comparisons/accusations of ripping off Apple anymore (ironically harming the brand image in their very effort to improve it!).
I have to assume the conversation went like this:
MS Guy #1: "Gee, Apple has nice retail stores owned by a guy who runs a hit 3D animation studio. We should get one of those."
MS Guy #2: "Which one? Stores or an animation guy?"
MS Guy #1: "Both!"
Penny-Arcade has also touched upon this story...
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