Nothing screams desperation in this industry more than Microsoft’s ‘Scroogled’ campaign. The Windows OS creator has been releasing ads that openly bash on Google’s Chrome browser. More specifically, on Chrome, which took Windows’ Internet Explorer’s crown as the most popular browser in the world. Microsoft is not stopping this game with ads, though, they have even started selling merchandise.
Microsoft is now selling Scroogled shirts, sweaters, a hat and even a mug. All of these follow the same attack on Chrome, holding security as the main topic. The mug, for example, says “Keep calm while we steal your data”, plastered with a Chrome logo right above.
We all know Google makes its business out of ads and have created its whole ecosystem on collecting data to better target them. The Search Giant also brings great benefits and perks to its users, though. Most of its products and services are free, and if they charge for anything it’s usually much less than the competition. They have to make money somehow, right?
While Microsoft is putting Google out to be this evil mass identity thief, it is not innocent by any means. They have been known to be evil, and not just for using private information.
In all honesty, Microsoft is doing anything it can to try and beat the competition, but not only by making its products better (which in some ways it has). The most noticeable attempt is this Scroogled campaign, along with their participation in the patent wars. They were suing companies left and right!
I have never seen anyone comment positively about this campaign. Most of us just laugh at it and continue with our daily lives. Apparently someone at Microsoft’s HQ thinks this continues to be a great idea, though. Regardless, Google (like most people) hasn’t really put attention to Microsofts attempts to make Google look bad. Their comment to Microsoft’s new clothing line is a clear testament of this.
“Microsoft’s latest venture comes as no surprise; competition in the wearables space is really heating up.” -Google
I am loving this statement, because they didn’t reply by simply bashing Microsoft back. In a subtle and comic way, Google is saying “hey, you won’t win a competition in the tech industry by making clothes”.
Let’s end this rant and focus on what Microsoft could really do. Windows 8 may not be perfect, but it has created a new way of looking at computers and tablets. Windows Phone 8 is not catching up yet, but its potential is amazing. It happens to be one of my favorite mobile operating systems, with the lack of apps being its only major problem.
As for Internet Explorer – it lost for a reason but you hold the Windows ecosystem and have done many things to improve it. You have these great products in your table waiting to be improved and you could probably take your position as King back with enough work.
Really, Microsoft, stop trying to look others look bad and put more effort into trying to show people that you are good. This Scroogled campaign only makes you look like an upset kid who got his candy taken away.
[Microsoft Store via Slate]
