August 21st, 2008
Seinfeld to host the Microsoft Makeover
Finally, Microsoft is responding to the long-running “Mac vs PC” advertising campaign and they’re tapping Jerry Seinfeld to be the pitchman. According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft’s $300 million campaign is kicking off with a $10 million bit with Seinfeld.
It’s too early to say whether the ads, set to debut September 4, can effectively counter Apple’s ads featuring the stodgy “PC” guy engaging in friendly, competitive banter with hip “Mac” dude. The campaign is well-established and widely recognized. Microsoft’s campaign, which the WSJ says will use some variation of the slogan “Windows, Not Walls,” appears to take a jab at Apple’s proprietary hardware and software products - namely the iPod and iTunes - and their inability to play nice with other products.
It’s money well spent for Microsoft, which has seen better headlines in its past. Windows Vista has had some technical shortcomings and critics have not been kind. A good campaign will tackle that perception head-on. At the same time, Apple - which is now seeing its own black eyes over iPhone problems - has picked up slices of market share in recent quarters. And the company’s failed takeover of Yahoo - and subsequent involvement, albeit from the sidelines, in Yahoo’s nasty proxy fight attempt - is the company’s last real public appearance.
We’ll be watching, Microsoft. And so will the guys in Cupertino, possibly to learn a thing or two for a makeover campaign they’ll likely be needing soon.
Sam Diaz is a senior editor at ZDNet. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
