QUOTE
Microsoft video gets a little too much attention
By JESSICA MINTZ
SEATTLE (AP) - You almost have to feel bad for Microsoft. The software maker isn't known for hip marketing tactics, and now that a Windows 7 video has hit it big online, people are laughing at the company, not with it.
Few details for the launch of Microsoft Corp.'s next PC operating system have been made public, though it's a safe bet Oct. 22 won't feature acrobats climbing buildings and unfurling banners in New York, as was the case for Windows Vista in 2007.
One thing we do know is that Microsoft hired House Party Inc. to bring the Windows 7 buzz into living rooms around the world.
House Party, based in Irvington, N.Y., and Denver, helps companies get in front of real people by supplying materials for, well, house parties. The agency vets volunteer hosts, then sends decorations, products and suggestions for activities. Upcoming parties will promote things like Hunt's canned tomatoes, Martha Stewart's line of craft tools and avocados from Mexico.
More to read:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20091001/D9B273780.html
By JESSICA MINTZ
SEATTLE (AP) - You almost have to feel bad for Microsoft. The software maker isn't known for hip marketing tactics, and now that a Windows 7 video has hit it big online, people are laughing at the company, not with it.
Few details for the launch of Microsoft Corp.'s next PC operating system have been made public, though it's a safe bet Oct. 22 won't feature acrobats climbing buildings and unfurling banners in New York, as was the case for Windows Vista in 2007.
One thing we do know is that Microsoft hired House Party Inc. to bring the Windows 7 buzz into living rooms around the world.
House Party, based in Irvington, N.Y., and Denver, helps companies get in front of real people by supplying materials for, well, house parties. The agency vets volunteer hosts, then sends decorations, products and suggestions for activities. Upcoming parties will promote things like Hunt's canned tomatoes, Martha Stewart's line of craft tools and avocados from Mexico.
More to read:
http://apnews.excite.com/article/20091001/D9B273780.html
And sure, YouTube has some clips:
QUOTE
Hosting MS Windows 7 Party
HostingYourParty (original MS video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cX4t5-YpHQ
Beeep version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyas7BrbUFY
Buzz Report Special Report: Windows 7 House Party (CNet 'sponsored')
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmC7d2hMaqk
Windows 7 Launch Party Kit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAXhP4rmdmo
HostingYourParty (original MS video)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cX4t5-YpHQ
Beeep version
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyas7BrbUFY
Buzz Report Special Report: Windows 7 House Party (CNet 'sponsored')
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmC7d2hMaqk
Windows 7 Launch Party Kit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kAXhP4rmdmo
So make up your mind