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Microsoft hires Seinfeld to bite Apple

By Steven Schwankert , IDG News Service , 08/21/2008
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Apple keeps pummeling Microsoft in its ads, and yadda yadda yadda, the world's largest software maker plans to hire comedian Jerry Seinfeld for its new marketing campaign, the Wall Street Journal reported Thursday.

Continually painted by Apple and other rivals as uncool and unsafe, Microsoft plans to spend $300 million on a new series of advertisements designed around its "Windows Not Walls" slogan that will feature Seinfeld and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates.

Seinfeld will take home $10 million for his role in the spots, the report said, citing people familiar with the situation.

Microsoft is not only trying to turn around a stodgy corporate image, but also wants to reverse recent product misfires, including the Windows Vista operating system and the Zune digital music player.

Apple has rubbed in Microsoft's lack of success and highlighted its own winning streak in a series of "Mac vs. PC" ads.

The campaign is due to debut Sept. 4, and is being produced by advertising agency TBWA/Chiat/Day.

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Seinfeld & the MacBy Anonymous on August 21, 2008, 9:34 amWasn't there a Mac in Jerry's apartment on like every episode of Seinfeld?

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What's the deal with Windows?By Anonymous on August 21, 2008, 12:42 pmWhat's the deal with Windows?

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An icon from 10 years ago?By Microsoft Subnet on August 21, 2008, 2:41 pmJerry Seinfeld is hilarious. But he's an icon from the 1990's, which hardly helps Microsoft's trendy "cool" image. Microsoft's intent to hire him as the key to...

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Seinfeld & the macBy Anonymous on August 21, 2008, 4:04 pmYeah but it was in a corner collecting dust

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Yeah...Apple was in the background on SeinfeldBy Anonymous on August 21, 2008, 4:05 pmI think I saw a classic-style Mac and then a Duo with docking station. Seems like Microsoft's going out like Seinfeld's finale...anti-climatic.

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The Cast?By Anonymous on August 21, 2008, 4:06 pmWill Steve Jobs make a cameo as the "bubble boy"?

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