Tag Archives: microsoft social media

by Sarah Townsend

I haven’t used Internet Explorer in oh, about 5 years, and I probably won’t again (ever), but that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy this potentially viral video Microsoft released celebrating the launch of Internet Explorer 8.

This LOL-worthy video campaign takes us on a trip down Internet memory lane and features cameos from B-list comedians, web-celebs, and clips from classic viral vids and websites (hello, Chawlee Bit Me & the Hamster Dance!) Microsoft seems to be relying heavily on the influential power of social media to help promote IE8, and has even setup a website to encourage sharing.

In my opinion, this definitely beats the Bill Gates + Jerry Seinfeld #fail campaign last year. That being said, it doesn’t excuse the fact that the browser has been… le suck compared to Firefox.

Here are the new features that reportedly increase speed and enhance security:

-Accelerators, right-click functionality to map directions, translate words, email your friends and more.
-InPrivate browsing designed to shield your browser history (they say shopping, I say embarrassing Google searches/porn).
-Web Slices, which appears to be a “create your own iGoogle” via your toolbar.
-Search suggestions, self-explanatory yet helpful.
-SmartScreen, filters to protect you from potentially harmful websites.

See more about IE8 here.

Do you think this campaign, or the features, will give IE8 the boost it needs?

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Sarah Townsend
E-mail: theoneinpink[at]gmail[dot]com
Twitter: theoneinpink
Blogs: The Vibe, TechDarling.com

by Jacob Morgan

Microsoft has decided to go the social media route in order to help push its e-mail and instant messaging services. Those of you familiar with the “I’m Initiative” may already know that Microsoft is giving money to charities based on the amount of users that begin using some of the Microsoft services. The more users, the more money charity will receive. From what I understand, the users even get to pick the charities the money goes to.

So what exactly is this social media strategy Microsoft is trying to employ? Let me first introduce you to Parker Whittle, he’s in his 20’s and going through somewhat of a crisis, he wonders if he has done enough over his 20+ years of life to help others and realizes he hasn’t. So what does Parker decide to do? He decides to see how many people he can get to use Microsoft Live Hotmail and Messenger in 30 days (so he can raise the money for charity). Sounds like a noble cause right? Well, there is only one problem, Parker is a fake character created by Microsoft’s marketing agency.

Now Microsoft’s agency said that they are making it blatantly clear that Parker is a fake character, however, it’s hard to tell from the website. So where is the transparency? Does it matter if it’s for charity?

Thanks for reading

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