Microsoft Launches $300 Million Ad Campaign

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In an effort to compete with the popular "Mac vs. PC" ads, Microsoft embarked on a new ad campaign in hopes to improve user's perception of Windows Vista. The first ad featuring Jerry Seinfeld and Bill Gates aired last night during the NFL's first regular season game.

Although Windows Vista has sold more than 180 million licenses since its launch in 2007, it has struggled with negative feedback since day one. Users seem to view Windows as out-of-date and see Mac as new and cool.

Brad Brooks, a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft said:

"What the brand stands for, particularly in the case of Windows Vista, has been defined by the competitors. The time is now for us to get in and start telling our story."

Apple has gained much of the market share over PC's in recent quarters.

The 90-second ad involving a shoe store and a pair of shoes called "Conquistador's" has also received its fair share of criticism.

Dan Frommer of Silicon Alley Insider says, "Seinfeld's first commercial starring Bill Gates is out -- shot in a mall shoe store -- and it's not going to help Microsoft look any cooler."

"The whole production says 'quirky,' not slick or cool, but then Windows Vista is full of maddening quirks." - Jackson West of Valleywag.

Michael Arrington of Techcrunch refers to it as "a far cry from the brilliant Microsoft v. Mac ads that Apple has run over the years."

Microsoft says this commercial is just one part of a broader, long-term project that will change consumer's perception of Vista.

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