Friday fun: Windows Whopper

I can’t help but be slightly disappointed by the lack of Windows 7 promotional tie-ins here in the UK. Microsoft has truly outdone itself this time around with a number of bizarre link-ups that put most other software launches to shame.

For example, the US gets an advertising free episode of Family Guy featuring show favourites Brian and Stewie installing the new OS (an episode which incidentally may never see the light of day here due to product placement regulations):

Japan takes things one step further with this incredible Burger King promotion – the seven (yes, seven) burger Windows 7 Whopper:

Meanwhile, here in the UK we have to make do with a PC World trade-in offer. Come on Microsoft, if you want me to upgrade you’ll have to convince me harder than that.

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Orly, Microsoft?

I don’t really understand this. In the same week that Microsoft decides to offer a version of Windows 7 without Internet Explorer bundled (to address the issue that it was deemed anti-competitive but the EU courts), its ALSO going to launch an anti-virus product.

I guess they’ll be able to argue more successfully before the European courts that an operating system NEEDS software to ensure it continues to run and is protected against malware, and it might have more luck persuading them that its true than that it NEEDS an Internet browser. Although, TBH, much as I hate IE in all its incarnations, I kind of think that’s a fair point…

Anyway, I have no doubt the ‘Morro’ AV application will suck (Windows Defender, anyone? See consumer reviews…), but also that its arrival will have a teeth-gnashing effect on the other AV companies of the world.

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