Microsoft wants you to like Vista so bad they are going to lie to you.
Wow so Microsoft is going to crazy lengths to prove how great Vista is… By tricking its loyal XP uisers into thinking they are getting a glance at the next release of a Windows Operating System. They called it code name Mojave.
We get to hear all about what really happened, later today… Check it out here
REDMOND, Wash.–After months of searching for ways to defend its oft-maligned Windows operating system, Microsoft may just have found its best weapon: Vista’s skeptics.
Spurred by an e-mail from someone deep in the marketing ranks, Microsoft last week traveled to San Francisco, rounding up Windows XP users who had negative impressions of Vista. The subjects were put on video, asked about their Vista impressions, and then shown a “new” operating system, code-named Mojave. More than 90 percent gave positive feedback on what they saw. Then they were told that “Mojave” was actually Windows Vista.
“Oh wow,” said one user, eliciting exactly the exclamation that Microsoft had hoped to garner when it first released the operating system more than 18 months ago. Instead, the operating system got mixed reviews and criticisms for its lack of compatibility and other headaches.
To be sure, the focus groups didn’t have to install Vista or hook it up to their existing home network. Still, the emotional appeal of the “everyman” trying Vista and liking it clearly packs an emotional punch, something the company has desperately needed. Microsoft is still trying to figure out just how it will use the Mojave footage in its marketing, though it will clearly have a place.
The Mojave project is likely to be just one of many efforts designed to resuscitate Vista’s image as well as lend strength to the Windows platform among stepped-up competition from Apple and Google. In an interview Wednesday, Windows unit business chief Bill Veghte told CNET News that he wants to see his unit try new things to get the message across.
“We have a huge perception opportunity,” he said, offering a glass half-full assessment of things. “We are going to try a bunch of stuff.” [Continue Reading on Cnet]
Boy would I be pissed if I was in this group! How about you????
July 29, 2008 - 5:07 am
Not that I am supporting Microsoft’s tactics, but it makes complete sense. I have a feeling that the majority of people that hate Vista are ones that have never even used the OS. I was reluctant myself, until I was “forced” into it by buying an off the shelf laptop. Although I do feel that there are some annoyances, my overall experience is a pleasant one.
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 5:22 am
I recently made the Vista switch (due to purchasing a new machine for my wife) and found that it isn’t nearly as bad as it was when I first began using it (and reverting back to XP). I think, in the long run, once the hardware catches up and Intel stops trying to put inadequate processors in machines, we’ll all be OK.
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 6:01 am
Actualy I think it was a good idea. Although I think they released it too eirly and with too many bugs in it, weather we like it or not Vista is sure to be in our future. I heard so many bad thingsd about it that when I bought a new computer I paid extra to have vista removed and the latest xp installed. but now since they have upgraded and fixed alot of stuff I’m beginning to hear some good stuff about vista.
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 10:53 am
I’m not a fan of Vista. Eye candy at the expense of performance is not a bonus for me. However I also believe that as more parches are released for Vista it is becoming a decent OS. Fix the enormous hardware incompatibilities and I might even deploy it! :)
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 1:03 pm
Since HP gave me my 2710p with Vista Ultimate on it I have been digging it a lot more. I have gotten used to it and even got it moving pretty fast, I have disabled a lot of the eye candy but it still is purty!
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 1:37 pm
Love the new site… Almost looks exactly the same on Wordpress. Good job!
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 29, 2008 - 3:22 pm
The worst part was the comments believe it or not! Story to follow :)
Thanks and I will get you a new login for guest blogging if your still interested.
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 30, 2008 - 8:49 am
Hells yeah I am still interested :-)
Click to Reply to This Comment.
July 30, 2008 - 11:19 am
Couple things….
1. Dig the new site. I bow before you Karl.
2. Vista is a pig and any attempt to convince people through conniving is just typical MS. Instead of innovating, I mean truly innovating, they try to convince people that they are stupid and that MS is right despite all evidence to the contrary.
I set up a Vista laptop for the CEO’s daughter, she got it from the college she is heading off to in a couple weeks, and on the first boot…with 2GB of RAM out the box the damn thing, with no additional software, AV, etc running, was at 50% utilization of RAM.
The damned thing was almost as slow as my 3 yr old laptop with XP on it that is beaten to hell. And this was brand new!
It isn’t Intel making inferior processors. Processor utilization is still very low. However it is the bloatware that MS calls and OS and a GUI that causes the problem. If they could make a more streamlined OS then we’d be talking something. Windows 2000 was the epitome of attractive to the eye, and functional. No extra BS. Just an OS that simply worked.
That said, I will not purchase a Vista PC/Laptop for our offices….EVER. I will downgrade to XP if I must. It may even get to the point where I get Ubuntu machines and use Citrix as our distributed computing environment.
Summarizing this…..XP was a bit of a pig but it is functional now, Vista is MS’ version of putting lipstick on the pig.
Click to Reply to This Comment.
August 5, 2008 - 9:55 pm
“Summarizing this…..XP was a bit of a pig but it is functional now, Vista is MS’ version of putting lipstick on the pig.”
I just sprayed coffee all over my Qosmio NB!:-)
How about SP3 Guys? And they’re trying to sell us the “Brooklyn Bridge” with VISTA? In that “Case”, they can “AOheL IT” to the real Mojave…as in desert, right next to the London Bridge!
The PUNdamentalist
Click to Reply to This Comment.
January 14, 2009 - 12:28 pm
I think this was a great idea on Microsofts part, i know so many people who will not upgrade from XP because they’ve heard so many exaggerated problems with Vista, and they would never give it a chance. All this is showing is that if you strip away the title you take away that stigma, and once you actually try it, its not that bad
Click to Reply to This Comment.