Early Microsoft store plans leaked

Microsoft confirmed late on Friday that store plans posted on Gizmodo are genuine, but represent the company's early thinking and that no final decisions have been made on how the company's retail stores will look when the first ones open this fall.

The designs, which include a giant video wall, Surface computers, and an "answer bar" were leaked to the gadget site, which wrote about them earlier Friday.

"As a part of our process in briefing creative agencies, we shared some early prototypes and concepts of our retail store plans," a Microsoft representative said in a statement to CNET News. "No final decisions have been made. As we previously announced, we are on track to open retail stores this fall.

As I noted last week, Microsoft plans to start with just a few stores this year with more to open in 2010. At least some of those locations will be in close proximity to Apple stores.

Microsoft first announced its plan to enter the retail arena in February, when it hired David Porter, a Wal-Mart veteran.

At last week's Worldwide Partner Conference in New Orleans, Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner (also a Wal-Mart veteran) said to "stay tuned" for more news on the retail front.

"We're going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall," he said. "Stay tuned, just stay tuned."

[cvaldes1831]

Interesting, but more interesting will be how Apple reacts and adapts.<br /><br />I hope they open up a store near my Apple Store (downtown Palo Alto), I'd love to check it out. Non-mall stores are far more impactful. This is Apple country, I would love to see a retail gunfight.

[Splashes]

Adapting and reacting are Microsoft's m.o., not Apple's. Thus the Microsoft stores. And Windows. And the Zune. And . . .<br /><br />Unlike Apple's stores, which have made big money from day one, I expect Microsoft stores to lose big money from day one, and another line item in parentheses on their next ten or twenty quarterly reports before they pull the plug and declare "Mission Accomplished."<br /><br />If Microsoft would simply accept what they are (the Walmart of the tech industry) and run with it, they'd do fine (just like Walmart). Instead they're jealous of Apple, and are wasting time and money trying to be what they are not.<br /><br />As a card-carrying fanboie, I enjoy the spectacle of another pitiful Microsoft attempt to force their way into the cool kids' club. But I'd enjoy even more seeing Microsoft actually innovate their way out of the hole they've dug. And if they got rid of Ballmer, they might even have a chance.

[cvaldes1831]

I'm a Mac lover myself, but I own shares of both companies. Without a doubt, Apple has executed very well over the past five years; the ROI speaks for itself. Microsoft? Not so much.<br /><br />Microsoft still doesn't get the Internet. Microsoft completely missed the boat for digital music. Microsoft is a total non-player in the emerging smartphone/mobile device world, the arena for high-tech's battles for the next twenty years; they have no credible OS, no credible device, no credible ecosystem.<br /><br />Ballmer talks the talk, but can't walk the walk. He's a bull in a china shop. Frankly, I think Microsoft needs new leadership.<br /><br />That said, it's good to have some competition. Like I said, it will be interesting.

[Sardonik]

@cvaldes1831<br /><br />No Credible OS? What rock have you been living under?

[cvaldes1831]

I was talking about a credible mobile OS, you fool.<br /><br />While I haven't tried it myself (my IT folks at work keep my computer firmed parked at XP), Windows 7 sounds like a fine upgrade for my desktop PC. Undoubtedly, my IT folks will not deploy Win7 for about a year. That's fine, our ecosystem at work is very stable (as is my work computer). I wouldn't want anything to decrease stability.

[Random_Walk]

"Adapting and reacting are Microsoft's m.o., not Apple's."<br /><br />...so that whole MacOS -&gt; OSX thing was just a lark in your opinion, right?

[CDubber]

Awesome! Now AppleSuxLeo and monkeyboy14 finally have a place to have a birthday party! Now, if only they had some friends to invite...<br /><br />Microsoft retail stores: LOL!!!

[fortyonejb]

@cvaldes1831<br /><br />so if you just pretend Windows Mobile doesn't maybe your statement might be true. To top it off you then call someone a fool? Good lord you almost aren't even worth responding to, but i'll bite. FIrst, the poster was not talking about Win 7, genius. WIndows Mobile for its UI faults has been a very long standing mobile OS, starting with Pocket PC 2000 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_mobile So, the fact that Microsoft built a Mobile OS 8 years before Apple escapes you eh? the newest version 6.5 has a much improved UI, and seeing as it also has many UI replacements, and comepletely open dev tools ( I personally wrote .NET compact apps in 2005) its more credible than the IPhone OS, if not as popular with the drooling mac legions such as yourself.

[Random_Walk]

"Microsoft built a Mobile OS 8 years before Apple"<br /><br />Quick question: When did the Newton come out?

[ewelch]

@fortyonejb<br /><br />Windows Mobile is an entrenched operating system. It's is not even close to cutting edge. it can't do what OS X on the iPhone can, and its developer tools are NOT open. They are not free, either. Apple's development tools and IDE are completely free and universally recognized as the easiest, fastest way to develop powerful apps (from iPhone fart apps to OS X itself and everything in-between). <br /><br />From what I read in the PC press the update to Win Mobile is too little, too late. No one seriously considers it a contender to RIM or Apple. Well, no one outside Microsoft and those already entrenched in their ecosystem. Too bad the phones are dismal failures in terms of innovation. Appealing to the lowest common denominator might get a lot of phones sold, but that's quickly coming to an end.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Random_Walk:<br /><br />"Quick question: When did the Newton come out?"<br /><br />Another quick question: When did Apple pull the plug on it?

[sharmajunior]

A lot of the stuff described in the article above makes it seem like Microsoft is copying Apple. <br /> <br />answer bar = genius bar <br /> <br />For example.

[Perry_Clease]

Well that is okay

[Vegaman_Dan]

If it's a good idea, then it's a good idea. Apple's used the ideas of other companies before themselves, after all.

[Grifter02]

It doesn't matter who did it first, it matters who does it best. Where would the world be if no one ever tried to do something better than the last guy?

[cvaldes1831]

@Grifter02:<br /><br />You are absolutely correct. Apple did not create the first MP3 player, nor the first smartphone. People can learn from others.<br /><br />As a matter of fact, Silicon Valley is littered with companies that were created on the premise that they could build something better, be less sucky than the status quo. That's in the Silicon Valley DNA.<br /><br />As I mentioned in my original post, I would love to see Microsoft build one of their retail stores near the Apple Store in Palo Alto (the one I typically patronize).

[Random_Walk]

I agree with Perry... let 'em give it a go - it'll be fun. <br /><br />Odd thought: it's gonna suck when roughly half the folks take their busted machinery to it (at the MSFT store) only to be told to take it back home and call their computer seller (Dell/HP/Lenovo/etc) because it's a 'hardware problem'.

[frobots]

Apple sure copies other companies... But Microsoft always copies Apple.

[topgunb2]

@frobots, exchange, office, sqlserver, dot net, surface computer, tablet pc, the list goes on, did MS copy apple???

[Vegaman_Dan]

Considering the time it takes to get plans for any construction to go through a city's permit process, if Microsoft hopes to get any stores open by this fall, the would have likely had to submit them before this point. Those leaked plans are likely the final product minus any minor internal things like coutner layouts. All the things that require electrical, for example, would have to be finalized very early on.

[cvaldes1831]

I doubt if store plans would give much of a clue at the overall strategy. Thanks to EnergyStar, today's computers don't take *that* much power. If a contractor's blueprints shows an electrical outlet, you might think, there could be a device here. A monitor? A desktop computer? A notebook? A powerstrip for a bunch of handheld devices? An illuminated store sign? A cash register?<br /><br />If the space is large enough and configurable, they could probably create false walls, furniture to reroute electrical/networking, etc.<br /><br />The plans aren't such a big deal.

[professionaladventurer]

cvaldes1831: you are terribly misinformed about the permit process.

[Random_Walk]

I don't see how he is... retail space plans are usually made to be highly configurable to account for change. (and once built, yes, you can pop in temporary walls, wiring, and the like. Ever seen a cube farm pop together?)<br /><br />Now things like toilets aren't gonna move real often (for obvious reasons), but practically everything else? No problem if they plan it right.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@Random_Walk:<br /><br />If you believe that you can move about internal walls, move outlets, and change configurations willy nilly, then I suggest you talk to your local city permit office building inspector.<br /><br />And those cube farms- did you know you have to get permits and submit plans for those too? I've been involved in that process and it's entirely too silly that you have to submit plans to just reorganize the cubicles by several weeks to months as the application has to be reviewed, posted for comment, passed by the fire marshals and then get the site inspected before and after the actual physical work is done. This is not a fast process and even getting an inspector out requires making an appointment... which can be days/weeks/months.<br /><br />I wish the world worked as easy as you make it sound, but it just doesn't happen.

[sanjayb]

OMG! All u guys are full of crap. Now I have seen it all. A bunch of geeks talking like they know the ins and outs of construction and permits. Sim City isn't real life people.

[stale_pancake]

I hope they open one in downtown San Francisco. Just make it a nice store you'd want to go into. CompUSA went under for a reason. No one liked to go there. You went out of need. Make it inviting, fun and based on solutions.

[cvaldes1831]

They tried a Microsoft store at the Sony Metreon. It failed.<br /><br />What really needs to happen is a Fry's Electronics in SF. Crappy electronics megawarehouse. Come and get it.

[heavydevelopment]

Ha, ha, ha....if there was a Fry's in SF proper that store would have to charge 2x as much as any other Fry's store to break even much less make a little cash. Heck it's hard enough to have a "real" supermarket in SF.

[baconstang]

They could take to old Goodman's spot on Bayshore if Lowes doesn't. There is nowhere in the City to get electronic stuff.

[sflocal]

I live in San Francisco and directly across the street from the flagship Apple store is the recently vacated Virgin musicstore. It's probably one of the most highest profile locations in that area next to Union Square. It would be a perfect location for them if they want to talk the talk.<br /><br />My bet would be that MS will not grab it as it is too high a visibility for them and the failure of the store would be even more obvious.

[mikestatic1]

Great idea - now there will be one central place where the Windows fanboys can gather and swap spit.

[topgunb2]

swap spit?? you;'ve been watching too much of porn kid!

[sanjayb]

Or they could squirt songs with their Zunes! :-P

[Mr. Dee]

Let me tell you why it will be a hit. When young kids visit the store, get to play on XBOX 360 in the lounge area, Microsoft Surface computers, Media Centers, Zunes, a variety of PC form factors, all the PC games out there, it will be the next best thing to Neverland compared to Apple Stores. Microsoft just has to hire exceptional staff who are young, fun, and passionate about technology. Trust me Microsoft's product line is much richer and capable than Apples, (not to mention cheaper). Microsoft focus on proper execution.

[Perry_Clease]

Yeah games, Windows forte, I will give you that. With all the Windows fanboys out there I am afraid that The movie Idiocracy was not a comedy, it was prophecy.

[cvaldes1831]

Remember that Microsoft has tried retail before and failed (the store at the Sony Metreon in SF is the one I'm remembering).<br /><br />Microsoft has to come up with a strategy that results in SALES and execute it well. If you look at yesterday's quarterly earnings announcement, it appears that Microsoft is clearly struggling.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@cvaldes1831: <br /> <br />" If you look at yesterday's quarterly earnings announcement, it appears that Microsoft is clearly struggling. " <br /> <br />Psst. I'm not sure if you are aware of it or not, but the economy is in a recession. *ALL* companies are reporting losses with the exception of entertainment and luxury goods. This is normal in a recession/depression. Go back and look at the history of the US for some classic examples. <br /> <br />Apple did very well because of the iPhone. Take those iPhone sales away and let them stand only on the computer side (no iPods, no phones, no iTunes/Appstore) and then you'll see they are in the same boat as HP/Dell/etc.

[cvaldes1831]

Yeah, but Apple made their numbers. Microsoft didn't.<br /><br />Also, iPhone sales should continue to increase, regardless of the economy. Microsoft has no credible competitor in this space.<br /><br />Apple's business model is sufficiently different from Microsoft's so the companies really need to be compared at the top level and at shareholder value. Comparing Microsoft OS sales against Apple computer hardware sales isn't a valid comparison these days, probably never was.<br /><br />Besides, Apple's average selling price is much higher than Dell, HP, etc. as is their margin.<br /><br />While Apple might be lucky to have an iPhone, Microsoft has nothing. MSFT got pummeled today.<br /><br />In the end, it's about increasing shareholder value. MSFT has performed poorly over the past five years.

[baconstang]

iPhones sales were way up, iPod sales down a bit and Mac sales were up slightly.

[monkeyfun14]

@cvaldes<br /><br />Microsoft still made more this quarter than Apple.

[stickfu]

The Neverland reference is creepy

[ckh1272]

"by monkeyfun14 July 25, 2009 7:01 AM PDT<br />@cvaldes<br /><br />Microsoft still made more this quarter than Apple."<br /><br />You don't say. With 90% of the PC market, they better be making more money. That must have been a tough one to research. &lt;sarcasm&gt;

[eswinson]

@ Vegaman_Dan<br /><br />Yes, Apple did very well because of their phones. They also did very well in the personal computer space. The reason they have over $30 billion in the bank is because they were smart enough make products that people want buy. This is not something that happened recently. This has been ongoing for the last 10 - 12 years.<br /><br />In 2005 Microsoft had $64B in the bank and Apple had $5.5B, Today Microsoft has just under $24B to Apple's $32B. These are not the results of short term downturns in the economy. This is an example of one company that is executing and one company that is lost. <br /><br />Windows 7 is a good product. I think it will do a lot to help MS turn the ship around but they need to make some serious changes to their core business values and start focusing. They need to trim their business back and focus on being competitive where competitive nets profits and not just for the sake of being everywhere. Maybe they need to sell XBoxes for what they really cost instead of taking a loss on them. I have no clue what the zune buys them in the market place. Windows Mobile / PocketPC was first ahead of its time now is bloated and outdated and not even a contender in the smartphone market. The interesting thing is that Microsoft's business model made sense when the market was mall. When it was Desktop OS, server software and office apps for 100 million users split across 5 big Hw vendors IBM/Dell/Compaq/HP and Gateway things were great. Now that 3 billion people are touching technology with tens of thousands of different devices from manufactures all over the world they can't keep up. The tech/internet explosion was probably the worst thing that could happen to them. They spent all their money trying preserve an unnatural model across expanding market segments that they didn't fully understand and still don't. <br /><br />Apple learned a long time ago that you can't compete with Oracle and Sony at the same time so you have to choose what market you want to go for and focus on it exclusively.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@cvaldes1831:<br /><br />"Yeah, but Apple made their numbers. Microsoft didn't."<br /><br />And you didn't read my comment apparently. Remove Apple's iPhone sales and they didn't do any better than the other computer makers.<br /><br />Remember that Microsoft doesn't sell hardware. You cannot compare Apple and Microsoft in such a simple manner. That's a common tactic to try to make one look better/worse than the other. <br /><br />If you want to compare unrelated companies, then that is up to you. By the way, Ford posted a loss while Apple posted a profit. Therefore the Mac is better than the Mustang. That's the logic you are trying to suggest people believe. Does it work? Of course not.<br /><br />You're really stretching things to make a point to the point of breaking. Microsoft and Apple are not in the same business, a point you even made. Be sure to compare Apple and Ford too.... perhaps throw in CNET too. :)<br /><br />@eswinson:<br /><br />MIcrosoft has had a lot more R&#38;D to support, an entire games dvision, online presence, etc. All of this does not happen overnight. MSFT has had more money tied up in products that haven't come to market yet and that's something your comments don't address. MSFT does not have as much in loose money in the bank because they are investing in other projects. Who really knows.

[shellcodes_coder]

People will have fun playing with Microsoft Surface :)<br />Another great move by the greatest company out there

[ogman]

Hahahahaha! Good one!

[Vegaman_Dan]

That stupid Surface thing is... well, it's like putting a giant iPhone out there for people to play with. I've messed with it and you just sort of get sucked into it. There are no instructions- it's purely a discover as you go setup and it's very intuitive. You sit down to just take a look at one thing and soon you find you lost an hour or more screwing around. <br /> <br />Yeah, people will mess with it. It's neat.

[Perry_Clease]

The Surface has its uses, but it will probably be sometime before you see home/small office version.<br /><br />"Another great move by the greatest company out there" That's specious, if anything MicroSoft maybe the most mediocre company out there.

[cvaldes1831]

Guys, Microsoft Surface is just a cool technology demonstration.<br /><br />Let's face it, it probably won't be cost effective to put Surface in a retail store. There's probably a significant hardware expense, plus it might end up being costly to keep it running 365 days a year. It's not like demo-ing at CES for four days (with an army of Microsoft engineers around to keep it running happily).<br /><br />I'm not sure if it is in Microsoft's best interest to create store installations for items that can't be purchased, especially if it's the most interesting thing in the store.

[Mr. Dee]

remember, the Surface is the gimmick that gets the kids into the store and parents end up following behind. That alone will be an opportunity for the Microsoft sales staff to entice them into purchasing Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit PC along with a Zune.

[cvaldes1831]

Sure, bring it.<br /><br />I would love to play with a Microsoft Surface.<br /><br />I'm just saying that it's probably a significant expense to put something like a technology demonstration as your magnet content and it'll make everything else look sorta mundane.<br /><br />I would love to see Microsoft try your strategy.

[jessiethe3rd]

For ill informed (which seems to be most on this site) the Surface is roughly $10k with a dev pack. It's not an expensive device. I believe AT&#38;T and some hotel chains actually have them.

[cvaldes1831]

According to their website, a commercial Microsoft Surface unit lists at $12,500 which does not include taxes, shipping, installation, maintenance contract, or extended warranty.<br /><br />The model with the SDK (and five-seat license) goes for $15,000. The Microsoft Surface website stipulates that dev units are not to be used in "public facing venues."

[docster87]

yes, but if MS makes the surface, I'm sure they could give themselves a deal on it. And it may or may not be that hard to keep running (it shouldn't be hard, unless they are just pushing for those service contracts...)<br />so it could just be a few grand, and alone that could likely pay for itself. My concern would be too many people wanting to just play with a surface and not enough surfaces.<br />I also suppose that if MS has a surplus of surfaces in the warehouse, the cost be be next to zero on a lease type deal that if nothing else clears the cost away from warehousing the units.

[setgo]

-He says while choking his chicken.

[Sardonik]

Sure hope one shows up in Austin, be a pretty good place for a large one.

[slickuser]

Microsoft is just lame! What's so great about copying someone and come up<br />with another after years? <br /><br />You go to answer bar hoping to fix the Windows issue you have, you will end up<br />re-installing it and come home with fresh installation. <br /><br />And, I tell you something. You will have to stand in a line or it will be hard to get<br />an appointment because there will be 1000s ahead of you..

[monkeyfun14]

Nice trolling their.<br /><br />I heard the lines to the Genius bar is long too I thought these things just worked?

[CDubber]

"Nice trolling their." - monkeyfun14<br /><br />Windows fanatics: bad at computing, bad at spelling.

[Vegaman_Dan]

I took my Touch into the Apple Store for a problem with it locking up after the OS update. They took it behind the door, came back 30 min later and handed it back to me telling me it was fixed. It was.... they purged it and wiped the device. I lost all my data. <br /><br />Stuff happens. Thankfully I had a backup before I went to the store. <br /><br />I did have to wait 45 min to get assistance at the Genius Bar. It was pretty much held up with people trying to figure out their iPhones with stupid user questions. No tech support group is immune to that, unfortunately. <br /><br /><br />@CDubber:<br /><br />Don't blame Monkeyfun14 for spelling. Not everyone can be typing their comments on a MacbookPro like you and I do on Ncet.

[jpg27]

hahaha@ monkey fun! OWNED!!!

[windooor7]

I,m really wondering, are this guys crazy ,the mics, first of all what are they going to selL in their stores. those off designed zunes,or the low resloution zune hds,come on guys are sure you want to put those things next to 3RD gen ipod touch, iphone 3gs, itouches(coming soon). its like parking a ford next to BMW. but guess what your windows 7 is well done now start working on a breakthrough microsft TV 42 inch,250gb,wimax, touch screen. with ATI radeion graphics and amd inside logo. yes 1920x 2080 p.

[Vegaman_Dan]

I love car comparisons like this....<br /><br />Ford vs BMW. <br /><br />Sure, the BMW is cool and all in movies and people like to be seen in them, but at the end of the day you have to pay your bills, afford food on the table and you buy the Ford because it's affordable, reliable, and does what you need it to. <br /><br />Sometimes you need that Ford to come out and tow that BMW. ;)<br /><br />Heck, even Apple uses Windows CE in the Apple Store for their sales POS.

[baconstang]

Yeah, I drive Focus (which I like a lot). This makes it easy to have the 24" iMac and the MacBook and the Touch. Everyone has to have their own priorities.

[blusky08]

IMO, Apple stores have a weird atmosphere, a sort of "forced coolness". Plus, they don't have enough products, which are widely available elsewhere anyway. (Ditto for Sony, although to a lesser degree). What will MS place in their stores and why would anyone ever need to enter one? Just unnecessary all around.

[cvaldes1831]

Your opinion has been duly noted, but the Apple retail stores are a model of success. The sales per square foot is astronomically high for the retail industry.<br /><br />Microsoft is looking for that same sort of retail magic. How they will duplicate that performance is anyone's guess but since Microsoft's business model isn't about selling high-margin hardware (like Apple), they will forced to show their value-add for their operating system and office suites. <br /><br />Microsoft makes more money from corporate IT customers, so it will be interesting to see how they balance that with more popular consumer offerings such as netbooks (Microsoft's revenues from those are considerably lower because of reduced licensing fees).

[Vegaman_Dan]

@cvaides1831:<br /><br />Exotic clothing boutiques and jewelery stores are right up there with Apple for sales per square foot. <br /><br />What does that sale about the products sold? <br /><br />Now consider Walmart. They don't make as much on sales per square foot... however they are the largest corporation on the planet, employing more people than the entire US military, giving hundreds of thousands/millions of poeple jobs. <br /><br />If you to make senseless comparisons, please do so once Apple beats Walmart for sales. :)

[baconstang]

You shouldn't compare Apple stores to WalMart. Probably the MS stores would be a better comparison, especially since ex-WalMart people are setting them up. Oooh! Maybe they'll have a robot greater!

[workshopmusic]

It's interesting that Microsoft thinks highly enough of Apple's execution of everything from storefronts to user interfaces to try to match them.<br /><br />But as another post said, Microsoft might be better off not trying to be Apple. Microsoft "owns" certain groups of customers... a corporate utilitarian segment, discounters, hobbyists and gamers. It's a patchwork of customers. Why should it be otherwise? <br /><br />Given that it's not what Microsoft does well, why does Microsoft need to own Apple's segment also? Isn't there room for multiple computer platforms addressing the needs and tastes of different users?

[cvaldes1831]

There are multiple markets and indeed Microsoft's business plan is radically different than that of Apple's.<br /><br />However, in the past five years, Microsoft has not been able to increase shareholder value despite its domination in some areas (corporate IT, for example), nor has it made an impact in many other areas that Apple has excelled at (digital music, high-end consumer computing, smartphones/mobile devices).<br /><br />Microsoft is apparently not content just keeping its prime customer categories happy. Why? I'm not exactly sure, but Steve Ballmer is calling the shots. <br /><br />Currently, Microsoft does not have any credible strategy for handheld devices at this point and they might be seeing their chances as slipping away and thus acting rashly. This is where the growth is, this is where the war will be fought over the next twenty years and Microsoft doesn't look like they're going to be a player.<br /><br />Again, I would very much like to see Microsoft open a store near my Apple Store (downtown Palo Alto) and watch a retail gunfight.

[monkeyfun14]

@cvaldes<br /><br />Take a look at WinMo 7 that will be released next year.<br /><br />That is their mobile strategy.

[ballmerisanape]

monkeyfun14,<br /><br />Released next year? That's a lot of catching up to do.

[workshopmusic]

Just read that Apple currently has 91 percent market share in computers retailing for over $1000.<br /><br />Here's the link.<br /><br />http://www.betanews.com/joewilcox/article/Apple-has-91-of-market-for-1000-PCs-says-NPD/1248313624<br /><br />This suggests to me that for Microsoft to expand its target market, it has to go upscale, raise prices and essentially shed the discount/low price/hardware hobbyist image. In reality the boutique approach puts Microsoft more in competition with Sony than with Apple. <br /><br />There are some sound reasons why people use and sometimes prefer Mac OS. Those users are going to be even less interested in switching to Windows, or supplementing their Macs with a Windows box, if prices are equal. <br /><br />At this point anyone can just buy a copy of Windows and run it on an Intel Mac as if it were a generic Windows machine. Again if the Windows machines are heading into premium territory, why not just buy the Mac? At least you can install Windows AND Mac OS on it. More functionality for the money.<br /><br />Really only Sony offers hardware of similar quality and caliber of design. Look at their prices. Right there with Apple in the profitable premium over $1000 range.<br /><br />I don't see this store move as anything other than an image-boosting thing... like the Vista UI... to do something polished... showing that Microsoft can do quality and finish as well as Apple. How it's going to be profitable is a question. Maybe it doesn't need to be.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@workshopmusic:<br /><br />Psst. MIcrosoft doesn't make or sell computers. You seem to have overlooked this in your comments.

[workshopmusic]

Vegaman dan: MIcrosoft doesn't make computers (except for XBox and Surface?) <br /><br />That doesn't mean they are not going to be in competition with some of their own OEMS. The stores could have the effect of cannibalizing some sales of Microsoft software and third party hardware from existing retail outlets.<br /><br />I agree it's a good thing to project a quality image; the move to the Vista UI and Windows 7 are steps in this direction. Check out the video on MSDN Channel 9 of musician Robert Fripp recording Vista system sounds. MS exec Steve Ball leads a meeting in which they openly query themselves if they've met their goal of matching Mac OS X fit and finish. This is a good thing, it's how competition is supposed to work.<br /><br />http://channel9.msdn.com/posts/Charles/Making-Windows-Vista-Sing-Robert-Fripp-and-the-Vista-Melody/<br /><br />So in my opinion this is more about image more than profits. That's my point. I reserve the right to be shown wrong in time. We'll see.

[AppleSuxLeo]

MSFT already signed me up to be a "mole" in the Apple store. And to F*** with their sales persons to get them all happy like they are going to make a big sale , then pull out a non-Apple phone , call the MSFT store , and say..."Sorry dude , I am getting a better equipped laptop with Windows 7 for less than half the Mac`s price" C-ya ! Bwahahahahaha !

[AppleSuxLeo]

Disclaimer: Not really , but I`m sure this is the scenario MSFT wants to see repeated millions of times.

[cvaldes1831]

As a MSFT shareholder, I am embarrassed that you would even entertain such a thought. You are not increasing shareholder value.

[heavydevelopment]

I'm guessing that you a prescription for medical marijuana....<br /><br />MSFT is dying it's fully obvious, and the retail store thing is grasping at straws.

[ckh1272]

Shill.

[monkeyfun14]

@heavydevelopment<br /><br />Microsoft is still pulling in a hell of alot more money than Apple so how are they dying exactly?

[baconstang]

Nobody is suggesting that Apple is bigger than MS. Apple keeps posting year over year gains, while MS just posted four consecutive quarters of YoY lower profits. apple is on the way up, but not MS

[jessiethe3rd]

Before everyone gets all wow... that's just like Apple, if you know anything about how these types of things work, companies are hired for ideas (think market pitch.) First off - who in the hell puts Blackberry colored phones in their store (yes, there is a blackberry colored phone in the store.) Also one of the mockup pictures actually has a guy with an apple shirt on (see slide #6 and slide #31. <br /> <br />I wouldn't jump to conclusion...

[baconstang]

I think it's telling that they hired people from WalMart to spearhead this project.

[Vegaman_Dan]

@baconstang:<br /><br />Walmart is the largest and most profitable company on the entire planet, employing hundreds of thousand-million+ people. They make products affordable to entire markets that would otherwise be in much greater financial hardships.<br /><br />Yeah... who wants success like that? Heh.

[baconstang]

I never go there or McDonalds.

[AppleSuxLeo]

Actually I was too but got out just before they announced so-so results and I put my MSFT profits into BWA and am doing much better now (just one part of a diversified portfolio).<br />BTW...the whole reason MSFT is putting stores RIGHT NEXT DOOR to Apple per Kevin Turner is to accomplish just what I said.

[cvaldes1831]

Please re-read the article above.<br /><br />Turner said nothing of being RIGHT NEXT DOOR. He did mention "in close proximity" which is basically meaningless. It could be on the same block, or maybe a five minute drive away.

[ckh1272]

Shill (notice a pattern here).

[curmi]

So people go to this store, and they play with Surface. What happens when they say they want to buy it? Isn't it a complete table that costs over $10,000? And MS say Apple's computers are too expensive...

[cvaldes1831]

They could buy one if they want.<br /><br />The commercial model of Microsoft Surface sells for $12,500. That doesn't include tax, shipping, installation, maintenance, or extended warranty.<br /><br />http://www.microsoft.com/surface/Pages/HowToBuy/HowToBuy.aspx

[DrtyDogg]

If you look at the plans closely you will see a surface customization option that allows you to select among other things the color of the table, so I'm betting they will be bringing surface to retail.

[AppleSuxLeo]

He said "right next door" , if possible. The whole idea is to get in Apple`s face and show people all the things you can do with Windows , XBOX360 , Media server , ZUNE HD , Azure , etc.<br />Apple started it with their BS ads , and now it`s WAR !

[baconstang]

Don't forget an extensive selection of AV software!

[ckh1272]

Shill infinity Leo.

[blusky08]

Radical. I'magine a store where you could actually experience MS software, computers, XBox...mindblowing.

[CDubber]

"and show people all the things you can do with Windows" - AppleSuxLeo<br /><br />Cool, they're going to show you how to do a virus scan? AWESOME!<br /><br />I can't wait to hang out with all my buddies at the Microsoft Store and talk about the best malware detectors It's gonna be L33T!

[Vegaman_Dan]

@baconstang:<br /><br />Funny you should mention AV software. I was at the Apple store buying my 32 Gb iPhone on Thursday. I had to wait 45 min to get help so I sat at the Genius Bar. There was a lady there with a laptop that they had ... well, let's just say they were not security aware computer users. I don't know what the original issue was, but the end result was the Genius told them they had to wipe their laptop, no data could be saved because there was no way to tell if it was compromised or not- no, they don't have any AV products or means to scan it to be sure. Sorry, you lost everything. But no worries, there's no need for a backup- the ads even push that. This lady wasn't happy about the result- full data loss. <br /><br />Now that is largely the fault of the Genius there giving out bad information, but the Genius bar is part of the experience the consumer was being provided and... yeah. They could use more training at the store. One bad apple (ack, not intentional there) was ruining the customer's experience. <br /><br />Bleah. But it does show how juvenile comments like yours demonstrate this level of competence that the Genius provided to the customer. :/<br /><br /><br />@CDubber:<br /><br />Hey, how about you scan your system now for being compromised and part of a botnet? Go ahead, I'm waiting. Since there is no way to currently detect this with software, you have no idea if you are or are not compromised. Pretty scary, isn't it? I sure wouldn't want to go through life blind like that.

[baconstang]

So you're saying they won't sell AV softwaer?

[AppleSuxLeo]

From the above article...quoting Kevin Turner:<br />"We're going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall," he said. "Stay tuned, just stay tuned."<br />What don`t you understand about that statement ???

[cvaldes1831]

Ah, I was focusing on Ina Fried's comment a couple of paragraphs above. Interesting that Turner would want to lease real estate right next door. Maybe he's hoping for some of that traffic to drop by. A gamble, but I assume he's done his share of market studies, focus groups, etc. and decided that's a reasonable course of action.

[ckh1272]

You actually read an article before posting. Congrats Leo. Oh wait a minute. It's about Microsoft. Foolish me I guess because every time you post on a an Non-Microsoft article, you're just itching to sling that BS everyone's way, when only "shellcodes_coder" and "websterphreaky" are listening. Having said that, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft pulls this off. I wouldn't count them out. To the Apple shills out there, so what if they are "copying" Apple. When it comes to sales, it's all been done before. It's a matter of execution and great customer service before and after the sale, which is why the Apple stores have been successful. Remember shills, competition benefits everyone.

[CDubber]

I can't wait to see the blog photos showing the empty Microsoft stores next door to the packed Apple stores.

[Ian_Joyner]

Stay tuned... sorry I just tuned out, you're just boring me with cliches.

[t8]

Another knock off of an Apple idea.

[monkeyfun14]

Because Apple making a store was original right?

[t8]

No.<br />Microsoft just copies Apple most of the time.<br /><br />OS? &gt; Windows whatever<br />iPod &gt; Zune<br />Apple Store &gt; Microsoft Store<br /><br />It's not really hard to see Microsoft's strategy unless you are blind.