Microsoft goes after Google with humor (that actually worked)
When it comes to funny competitive attack commercials, many have tried and failed to capture the magic of “I’m a Mac”. Microsoft was finally able to put out a cute (not hilarious, but point made) video taking a jab at Google services that will be competing against Microsoft Office 365.
Introducing Gmail Man. The video does make some good points that many people know but that most try to ignore. Google has and probably always will algorithmically comb our emails in an effort to serve more relevant ads on their email service. It’s a controversial practice that Google has been able to sidestep for years. Microsoft is calling them on it nicely.
According to Amy Vernon at Network World, “The entire point of this video isn’t so much out of concern for the public as it is to pimp out its new Office 365 suite, meant to compete directly with Google Apps.”
It’s a valiant effort. Will they truly be able to cast doubt on Google’s more dubious practices?
But Microsoft knows that it’s comparing Office365 with consumer GMail, right? And that the Google equivalent of O365, erm, doesn’t show ads? Right?
Of course they know, but it seems majority of people do not. I see comments how actually people want to use 365. MS loves to twists the things…
I remember before years when they made a campaign and said all terrorists are using Linux. WTF…
This commercial actually makes me almost want to go switch to 365. … or at least setup my own email server.
I like it.
This makes a whole lot of sense dude. I kinda like that idea.
So, is Microsoft making an implicit offer here to **not** examine my mail – anonymously or otherwise? Or are they just saying “we’re not going to tell you that we do it too”?
Wow, Microsoft is really getting better with their ads. I am surprised anyone was brave enough to actually take on this issue, but I’m more surprised that out of all the companies out there, Microsoft was the one to actually pull it off right! Still have no idea how Office 365 is better, but it makes you kind of think that you should look around at other options at the very least. Well done Microsoft, your move Google!