Full FeedMicrosoft cuts off Seinfeld commercials; John Hodgman look-alike takes over
The TV show Seinfeld was about nothing, and the ads Microsoft ran featuring comedian Jerry Seinfeld seemed to follow the same theme.
Now, CrunchGear is reporting that Microsoft is ditching Seinfeld. Sorry folks, we won’t be seeing any additional commercials of Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld. The problem is that the ads, for the most part, confused people, as Microsoft apparently forgot to clue people in on just what the commercials were about. I found the first commercial puzzling, as I was expecting it to focus on why users should purchase Windows Vista over Macs. Instead, the first commercial was set in a shoe store, and focused on shoes. Err…what? Vista wasn’t even mentioned. Was Microsoft’s point that even though we don’t always think about a good pair of shoes, they are essential and reliable, just like Microsoft?
I found it interesting that Seinfeld was even chosen for the ads. In his popular show of the same name, Seinfeld had a Mac displayed in his apartment. And, over the years, his Mac was upgraded. In fact, a 20th anniversary Mac made an appearance on the show. Seinfeld also appeared in Apple’s think different ad campaign. Obviously, Seinfeld was a switcher. Not that there is anything wrong with that…
Personally I was looking forward to seeing all the ads along with the two that aired. I was interested to see Microsoft’s comeback to the extremely popular Mac vs. PC commercials. So, what does Microsoft have in store for us now? The New York Times is reporting that Microsoft will feature a look alike John Hodgman, aka the PC guy from the Mac vs. PC commercials (Hodgman happens to be a Mac user in real life). Others making an appearance on the new commercials will be Eva Longoria, Deepak Chopra, and Pharrell Williams. I’m looking forward to the new Microsoft commercials, and hopefully this time we’ll actually understand what they’re trying to say.
Via [CrunchGear]
Subscribe to keep up with the latest Apple news and rumors! - 
Subscribe to our feed
Apple WWDC 2009
WWDC is arguably now the largest Apple event of the year, where Apple will be unveiling more details on iPhone 3.0 and "Snow Leopard," but what else? A new iPhone? An Apple Netbook? Stick with Appletell for complete coverage and in depth looks at the new technologies as they're announced.
Our new podcast: Meet...
We know. Podcasts are so last year - but this one you won't want to miss. Whether it’s a rumor that won’t die, a new product announcement, or just a really good Macintosh or iPhone app find that we have to let you know about, we’ll make sure it’s covered on Appletellcast.
iPhone App Reviews
iPhone Apps. They were great when the App Store was first announced and we could all pick and chose what we wanted, but the number is now overwhelming. Here at Appletell, we'll detail the great iPhone apps we find, and steer you clear from those that aren't worth it even if they're free.
iPhone Game Reviews
As Apple turns the iPhone into one of the most popular gaming devices, the staff of Appletell--gamers and Apple fans alike--are here to help you get the most entertainment value out of your app store purchases.
Oh no. They are going to try to rebut Apple’s ads with a fake Hodgman? That doesn’t sound promising, although it is sorta poetic given the long history of MS lifting ideas from Apple.
on September 18, 2008 at 12:35 PM - LINKStucco,
Initially (before I heard about Seinfeld being part of the deal), I thought Microsoft was going to do that then I thought “Nah people will just slam them for copying off of Apple. The Seinfeld and Gates duo were straight out of a Seinfeld episode. I think I’ve seen every one of those episodes. Some parts of the commercial made me chuckle but it didn’t make me think of Microsoft. I thought Microsoft was way off in selling themselves in the commercial. Then again, perhaps what Microsoft wanted? People to talk about the commercial and wonder what the heck the commercial was about. :-).
I’m curious to see what happens with the fake Hodgman. I wonder if Seinfeld was able to keep all the money he was given for doing the commercials. I believe his contract with Microsoft was ten million dollars. Obviously, Microsoft has a lot more in store for us it reportedly is spending 300 million dollars on advertising.
on September 18, 2008 at 04:10 PM - LINK