TechRadar send word that on their way to a meeting at Microsoft's head quarters in Redmond, Washington they spotted a model of the planned Microsoft retail store.
Image credit: TechRadar
The model is a 1/18th scale of what Microsoft is planning for the future. In a light and airy atmosphere and crammed with laptops, PCs and the essential copies of Windows and Office it looks all a little too corporate for a retail store.
Interestingly from TechRadar's pictures you can spot pear shapes set as the desktop wallpapers on the laptops dotted around the store. Microsoft regularly takes digs at Apple in internal fun posters and internal videos so it's not surprising to see.
Image credit: TechRadar
We first unveiled the Microsoft retail store concept back in January and have since reported that Microsoft is planning to open retail stores, specifically in Europe.
Same here, it doesn't look very appealing.
Also, I don't see the need for a MS-exclusive store either. They have Windows and Office and... well, that's it already - a shop for two products! Whee!
I see it more of "Microsoft going pear shaped". More a sign of the times?
Or worse: both.
Sadly...I thought that too. Amazing what you pick up while watching TV with your kids.
I was going to say the same thing too. As I sit here watching iCarly!
I think a water balloon... pop
Obviously a nudge towards the Apple store, probably just Microsoft showing their humor for once.
Of course, Apple had nowhere to go but up when they opened their stores.
Of course, Apple had nowhere to go but up when they opened their stores.
MS has to compete with all the PC stores already out there, as well as the almighty Newegg and online retailers. Apple is much more exclusive so Apple can get away with it.
apple has patented and trademarked every possible apple logo (might as well add all fruit in there). Even Johnny appleseed cant put apple in his logo
Or a rotten apple with a worm coming out of it hehe.
It is insane to think that anyone could make an operating system that would work flawlessly with any possibly hardware configuration imaginable. I think that Microsoft has done a wonderful job over the years, but just imagine, if they built their own brand of computers.
This line of computers and laptops would be tested extensively against a known set of hardware configurations. The result would be an incrediblly stable and reliable product line. The cost would like go up considerablly, but think many would pay for the privelage. Throw in direct customer support for the products from the Microsoft Store, and you have a winning business model (that has already been proven).
It may sound far-fetched, but really think this could ultimately be a great move for Microsoft. They basically create their own line of systems while selling and directly licensing their software to private consumers and corporate vendors. The result could be more competition (better prices) and better products for the consumers.
Last edited by bradsday on 04 Jun 2009 - 12:15
All I need is 5 hours battery life, like the Macs I've experienced
I doubt MS will ever make their own since they pioneered the current OEM situation in the 80s.
The Xbox's RROD pretty much shoots down that argument IMO.
Well there was a Sony Vaio in one of the ads...
I hope Microsoft puts some more mid-range to high-end computers. None of that cheap crap.
Plus, how is that a bad thing?
Takes up a lot of floor space, must be expecting huge crowds... Its a bit stark and uninviting if you ask me, but all brand specific stores are. Too corporate and expensive looking... I prefer a store like JB HI-FI (I'm Australian) where they have pretty much everything electronic and good deals and prices.
Hope they will sell more Media Center stuff.
There still are shopaholics
Hey, you are not supose to see that... That's where MS does all their top research... in space
This would also mean less/no bloat and rubbish which companies like Toshiba, Dell and Sony usually install onto the operating system to start with.
The best Microsoft can and should do, is just work closely with the vendors, and try to create a great Windows experience and ensure the hardware is more top-notch.
Apple scored big with less is more design; MS should pick up on that theme.
A lemon.
MS never had a face to them before, you just went to a store and got a PC with some software on it. You want real answers and they tell you to contact the OEM for support.
At the MS store, employees will look clueless if they can't answer your questions, and if they send you on a support chase, they'll just make people upset. On the other hand, they can't answer every crazy question about what can go wrong with Windows. What are they going to do?
Are they going to really give customers that old stinker where they can't really tell you anything if you have 3rd party software on your system?
...and where's the Zune section? The 360 section? The Surface station? The cell phone center? Is this just a Windows/Office store?
It looks Cool!
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