Microsoft is making several subtle and smart moves to improve its inconsistent and unimaginative branding schemes:
Free 411 From Microsoft’s Tellme
In case you missed it, April is “National Launch a Free 411 Service” month. I know, we both missed it on our calendars, but I know it’s true because hot on the heels of Google’s free 411 service, comes news that Microsoft’s recently acquired Tellme has launched its free 411 offering.
Microsoft Green Lights Silverlight
Developers are buzzing about Microsoft’s latest release, Silverlight, a video plug-in application that spans video formats, allowing them to viewed through one video channel. Though there is a secret feature to be revealed in the coming weeks, the revealing of Silverlight is already being touted as an affront to Adobe.
Microsoft Bidding Up Acquisitions On Purpose?
Don Dodge, who works at Microsoft, offers up some interesting analysis of Google and Microsoft’s acquisition strategy. Not saying I agree with it, but it does make for fun Sunday-morning reading.
Microsoft Complains About DoubleClick Deal
Allowing Google to acquire advertising network operator DoubleClick would create an imbalance in the online ad market, and Microsoft thinks the deal should be quashed by regulators.
Microsoft Maps Doesn’t Get the Hype
First, thanks Leon Atkinson for the compliment: “Scoble’s links are as good as the links that come out of Digg.”
Microsoft Stops Filling Search Boxes
MSN UK was running an experiment where they pre-filled the search box with “of the day” popular terms, such as “Apprentice BBC” or “Cricket World Cup”, hoping it would prompt users to take advantage of the search box a little more. Well, after a few days, the experiment has been retired and dubbed a bad idea.
Google, Microsoft Want Some (White) Space
Google and Microsoft aren’t always rivals. Quite often in government matters they’re pals – Network Neutrality is a good example. Most recently the two tech behemoths have squared off against the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) over unused broadcast spectrum.
Microsoft Sued Over “Vista Capable” Campaign
Late last year, Microsoft followed up the disappointing news of its delay in shipping Windows Vista to consumers by offering upgrade kits to new PC buys with the assurance that their machine would be fully capable of running the operating system once it was released. According to a woman who has filed suit against the company, that marketing message wasn’t entirely accurate.
Microsoft Exec Thinks DoubleClick Buy Is Risky
That Microsoft is thinking of acquiring online advertising company DoubleClick has been the gently vibrating buzz all week. A Microsoft executive, though, says a deal is unlikely.
The buzz seems likely generated by the PR machine, for as soon as I heard about it from a surprising tipster, everybody else seemed to have heard about it as well, bloggers and reporters alike. Let the speculation begin: nothing like a little buzz to justify a $2 billion asking price.