Microsoft takes them down claiming copyright violation
Microsoft copyright claims have forced the takedown of several purported Windows 8 TV ads that somehow leaked to the Web.
While Microsoft’s copyright protection could just be aimed at defending the Windows 8 name and not the actual commercials, the preponderance of evidence indicates the ads are real and they are what Microsoft wants to protect.
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First, they’re in several languages, something the perpetrator of a hoax would unlikely bother with. Second, the ads hit the major features you’d expect Microsoft itself to call out in an ad. And third, it’s hard to imagine why anyone but Microsoft would go to all the trouble of creating such highly produced videos.
While most had been removed, one in Dutch, and posted by the Staples office supply chain, is perhaps the best testimony to its authenticity.
It remained earlier today and in images highlights the following:
- The Windows 8 photo password in which touching features in a photo in the correct order will unlock the device.
- The Start screen featuring live tiles
- How to swipe in active applications from the left side of the screen
- How to snap two apps on the screen at once
- The touchscreen keyboard and an actual keyboard working with Windows 8
- The traditional Windows Desktop on Windows 8
- SkyDrive access to photos
Three’s happy music playing in the background, and periodically words pop up on the screen in Dutch. Translated they read:
- Work hard, play hard.
- Easily switch between apps.
- Place two apps next to each other.
- Touch. Or use a mouse and keyboard.
- Use your trusty desktop.
- Take your pictures wherever you go.
- Work. Play. Discover. Inspire
It looks like Microsoft is ready to start pushing Windows 8 to worldwide markets. The official launch date is Oct. 16.
(Tim Greene covers Microsoft for Network World and writes the Mostly Microsoft blog. Reach him at tgreene@nww.com and follow him on Twitter https://twitter.com/#!/Tim_Greene.)
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