Has Microsoft lost faith in Windows Phone?

[KingCrimson]

I agree that touting Mango was a mistake. Mango is the base level functionality that a mobile OS should be. Apollo is something they can shout about.

 

[Judge_Daniel]

I just don't understand this logic that Windows Phone will run before it can walk. You just can't go into the smart phone world and expect, after a year, that you'll make a huge impact. MS are aware of this and everything surrounding WP and Windows 8 points towards the long haul - the bigger picture.

My only complaint at the moment regarding MS is their marketing... mainly advertising. They need to take a look at Nokia's recent campaign, as these cheesy American (no offence) adverts don't cut the mustard in Europe.

They don't cut it here, either. I don't think they understand their target audience over here. Instead of trying to win over a certain crowd with more specific ads, they are making general, cheesy ads that everyone can chuckle at.

 

[Big Supes]

I agree that touting Mango was a mistake. Mango is the base level functionality that a mobile OS should be. Apollo is something they can shout about.

While I agree with the latter, touting Mango was not a mistake. It was a massive jump for Windows Phone and really got the attention it deserved.

They don't cut it here, either. I don't think they understand their target audience over here. Instead of trying to win over a certain crowd with more specific ads, they are making general, cheesy ads that everyone can chuckle at.

While the UK and the US are quite similar in a lot of ways, advertising and media is one thing that really differs. When I spent a month in the US, as well as numerous holidays to Cancun, I was amused at the sheer, for the want of a better example, basic 'stupidity' of the adverts and news channels. That may sound a little harsh, but our cultures are very different in this respect. In reference to MS's approach towards the UK market, it appears that we're getting the same adverts that are aired in the US. . .

. . . And, it seems these adverts aren't even appropriate for the target audience in the US; just how the **** are they being received over here then!

I like the softy-soft, fun, and friendly approach, but it's got to be executed with authenticity, instead of cheesy actors attempting to paint the perfect family or friendship, and how MS products fit in. Dad's high five-ing their son, girls out for coffee in a sterile environment. I mean, WTF? Someone needs to sack-off the advertising agent they're currently using and research the demographic of the target audience. I think we can both agree that this applies in both the US and UK.

 

[Major]

The cultural divide works both ways. I've seen plenty of foreign (to me) commercials, TV shows, movies, etc. that are just plain stupid or strange, yet are probably considered run of the mill in their native land.

 

[Big Supes]

Could you elaborate, please? I'm genuinely interested in which countries commercials come across as plain stupid or strange.

We used to have a program over here called Tarrant On TV. It featured all the quirkiest adverts from all around the world. Generally, I found most countries do advertising well in being original and provoking interest, but for some strange reason, American advertising agencies seem to just use the gigantic mallet approach, instead. It's like they're aimed at 5 year olds.

 

[Forgewizard]

Because American advertising has to be careful not to offend any particular group or individual and what's to appeal to everyone - that's why it's watered down and portrays cheesy acts. Cheesy is safe.

 

[Big Supes]

IIRC, American advertising laws are far more relaxed than here in the UK. You can't pretty much get away 'false advertising' and directly slagging off another company or product. Try that over here and you'll find your nuts in a vice.

Putting all of the above aside though - you can be creative/original while still being 'PC'.

 

[Big Supes]

Maybe the next step for Windows Phone should be MS adding more incentives to sell these handsets. While it's a shame to think MS should have to do that, without any incentive, 90% of sales reps will go for the easy option - "I recommend a *insert iPhone or Android here*... ".

 

[KingCrimson]

While I agree with the latter, touting Mango was not a mistake. It was a massive jump for Windows Phone and really got the attention it deserved.

While it was fine for Apple to tout iOS 3(copy/paste) in 2009, touting the same level of functionality in 2011 is too late. Microsoft has to realize that they are at least 2-3 years behind the cutting edge(iOS 5/ICS).

 

[KingCrimson]

IIRC, American advertising laws are far more relaxed than here in the UK. You can't pretty much get away 'false advertising' and directly slagging off another company or product. Try that over here and you'll find your nuts in a vice.

Putting all of the above aside though - you can be creative/original while still being 'PC'.

So according to UK tort law, Steve Jobs would have found himself in loads of legal trouble with his constant slagging of the competition? He should have felt lucky being born an American. BTW - that's why we had that thing called "The War of Independence" in 1776-1783.

 

[Big Supes]

While it was fine for Apple to tout iOS 3(copy/paste) in 2009, touting the same level of functionality in 2011 is too late. Microsoft has to realize that they are at least 2-3 years behind the cutting edge(iOS 5/ICS).

But Mango wasn't just about cut/paste. I would argue both Android and the iSheep are behind the Windows Phone/live tiles/metro UI.

 

[Big Supes]

So according to UK tort law, Steve Jobs would have found himself in loads of legal trouble with his constant slagging of the competition?

As part of an advert? Yeah, he would have.

He should have felt lucky being born an American. BTW - that's why we had that thing called "The War of Independence" in 1776-1783.

Because of advertising standards? Interesting...

 

[boneycat]

'Crimson is still trolling the boards? I thought he'd be in iphone heaven right now the way he was talking. Or maybe the iphone was a bust and he secretly wishes he had bought a wp and now feels silly for making a fool of himself here.

 

[mprice86]

'Crimson is still trolling the boards? I thought he'd be in iphone heaven right now the way he was talking. Or maybe the iphone was a bust and he secretly wishes he had bought a wp and now feels silly for making a fool of himself here.

The guy needs banned, badly.

Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinion and to voice it, but he's clearly a troll, and it's not entertaining.

 

[Big Supes]

I do find it quite interesting that he has a reputation among members. I've also noticed that he isn't really interested in discussion; he likes to post blanket statements and ignore the responses.

As labels are not tolerated here, I will only say that I find it embarrassing that someone would go out of their way to rile up fellow gadget lovers just because they choose to enjoy a different product. It's really quite sad.

 

[mhans311]

The guy needs banned, badly.

Certainly everyone is entitled to their opinion and to voice it, but he's clearly a troll, and it's not entertaining.

I agree. I have only been looking at these forums for a couple weeks, but I haven't seen him say anything positive or constructive.

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