macdavid pro

When I got word of this I was up in bed relaxing and doodling on my iPhone (by doodling, I mean reading up on some Tech news). Anyway, I came across this article this morning and totally perked up at what I read.

Hell froze. Microsoft is openly acknowledging Apple’s consumer electronics threat and going for the jugular. The company’s COO Kevin Turner has officially announced that they will open their own retail stores “right next door to Apple this fall”:

‘And stay tuned, because we’re going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall. Stay tuned, just stay tuned.’ via Gizmodo

I read that and thought, “What the french fry is goin’ on?” It’s not only that Microsoft is following in the footsteps of Apple, but that they plan to pull a McDonald’s vs Burger King. You know, the same way some McDonald’s and Burger King franchises just happen to have been built on direct opposite sides of the same street or even side-by-side. It’s not like Burger King joints opened up and finally noticed a McDonald’s nearby saying, “Oh! Well my word! There just happens to be a McDonald’s across the street!!”

Folks, this is really turning into some serious competition. Competition, might I add, that I really didn’t expect to be so aggressive. But looking back, the recent multi-million dollar ad campaign that Microsoft whipped out was, without a doubt, directly aimed at Apple and it’s “I”m a Mac” ads. According to Microsoft Watch, it was a campaign, dare I say a crusade, that was backed $300 million strong! Let’s process that number and re-cap one of Microsoft’s ads. Oh, and also there is the recent Laptop Hunters ads.

I am really interested to see what comes of this dedicated retail venture by Microsoft and everybody else should be too. It means good things in the future for the industry in my opinion; or good competition can breed growth and innovation.

Lastly, I have to share these hilarious “10 Ways Microsoft Stores Will Differ from Apple Stores” article excerpt from PC World.com:

1) – Instead of Apple’s sheer walls of glass, Microsoft’s stores will have brushed steel walls dotted with holes — reminiscent of Windows security.

2 – The store will have six different entrances: Starter, Basic, Premium, Professional, Enterprise, and Ultimate. While all six doors will lead into the same store, the Ultimate door requires a fee of $100 for no apparent reason.

3 – Instead of a “Genius Bar” (as Apple provides) Microsoft will offer an Excuse Bar. It will be staffed by Microsofties trained in the art of evading questions, directing you to complicated and obscure fixes, and explaining it’s a problem with the hardware — not a software bug.

4 – The Windows Genuine Advantage team will run storefront security, assuming everybody is a thief until they can prove otherwise.

5 – Store hours are undetermined. At any given time the store mysteriously shuts down instantaneously for no apparent reason. (No word yet on what happens to customers inside). [ROFL!!]

6 – Stores will be named Microsoft Live Retail Store with PC Services for Digital Lifestyle Enthusiasts.

7 – Fashioned after Microsoft’s User Account Control (UAC) in Vista, sales personnel will ask you whether you’re positive you want to purchase something at least twice.

8 – Xbox 360 section of the store will be organized in a ring — which will inexplicably go red occasionally.

9 – DreamWorks will design a scary in-store theme park ride called “blue screen of death.”

10 – Store emergency exits will be unlocked at all times so people can get in anytime they want even if the front doors are locked.

Loves it!

I also saw this and must share this Mr. Bean Apple video with you because I like it because *sing with me – to the tune of “It’s My Party” *

It’s my blog and I’ll have fun when I want to,
Fun when I want to, fun when I want to.
You’d have fun too if you blogged like I do!

…Well okay, maybe not, seeing how I get backed up with bajillions of posts in draft a lot. Me and this blog are a work in progress, so don’t judge! Are you synced yet? Subscribe, Comment and Tweet Me!

@bbautista asked a really interesting question of me as a comment on one of my random “at the Apple Store” videos. Here is what he said…

Shocking as this may be, I really do believe in what I said to him, as it’s what I’ve actually experienced.

Care to share your experience or the lack thereof about an Apple Store employee. I’d love to know. Leave a comment! ^_^

Finally, I spotted an article on Current.com with a headline that reads, “Steve Jobs is a Horrible Manager”. There’s no story per se on Current, but the original article originated at the Harvard Business blog written by Bill Taylor and he kinda chews into Jobs. However, I can’t cast my vote one way or another because Mr. Jobs isn’t my boss.

But anyway, here is a little piece of what Bill Taylor said…

Humility is not part of the Steve Jobs leadership repertoire — and that’s worked out fine for him. But humility has become a crucial part of the job description for leaders who aren’t Steve Jobs. So marvel at his products, applaud his feel for design, wonder at his capacity to cast such a large shadow over so many industries — and, by all means, pray for his speedy recovery and long health.

But don’t think you’ll do better as a leader by acting more like Apple’s leader. Trust the art, not the artist.

Ouch!

That’s all.

I went shopping specifically for a nice “cheap” hoodie, and well at the mall cheap means no less than $20 dollars. But anyway, since I was at the mall I decided I’d go see what the line was like at the Apple Store, and there was no line. However, I learned from one of the iWorkers (that means a store employee in my crazy made-up Apple language) that the place was over-run with iPeople (also known as Apple users).

Also, it’s good to know that Steve Jobs is doing well, although I doubt that he will ever go back to doing the amount of work that he did prior to taking a leave of absence.

Welcome back Steve!!

Word is that Microsoft is going to start retail stores. “What?!” I know right! That took me by total surprise, but then again I shouldn’t be, as Microsoft has been copying Apple for a long time now.

According to a little article on mercurynews.com, Walmart veteran, Dave Porter will be the retail store strategist for Microsoft. Read more…

Other sources:
Mercury News
Computer World