Question...

Zune HD: Still Not an iPod Killer

I have a different read on this chart...

(1) The Nano got a big spike when they announced cameras, and then fell off rapidly
(2) The ZuneHD also got a big spike - not as high as Nano spike but still significant -- enough interest to bring it on par with the iPod Touch, and showing 30-40% more consumer interest than the Nano.
(3) The fall off in the week after the announcements for both Nano and iPod Touch is quite steep, while the fall off in the week after the ZuneHD announcement is less steep...with consumer interest in the ZuneHD moving even edging slightly *ahead* ahead of the iPod Touch (and well ahead of Nano).
(4) The iPod Touch's relatively slower fall off in interest vs. the Nano after ZuneHD announcements is to be expected, as this is typical when an innovative "challenger" comes out (the ZuneHD, in this case) because it invites comparison shopping with the current market leader (Touch, in this case).
(4) Net-net: in the weeks prior to both Apple and Microsoft announcements, ZuneHD generated less consumer interest, and by the week after the ZuneHD announcement consumer interest had caught up and even edged slightly ahead of the "mighty" iPod.

Really, a very positive story for Zune, IMO.

Can Two Rich Guys Humanize Microsoft?

Overall, one of the best posts I've seen on the new Windows ads.... I agree... Microsoft is trying to humanize the company, and Gates is great spokesperson for that. People instantly associate him with Microsoft, and he's widely respected and admired. Plus, people like to see billionaires not taking themselves too seriously.

One minor point of contention, I don't think Microsoft is *just* trying to humanize the company... I think they will have additional specific, substantive communication goals that they try to achieve with future ads in the series. Humanizing Microsoft and re-establishing rapport with the audience will help them make those points more effectively.

The whole "strike back at apple ads" is a bit overblown, IMO. I think Microsoft has simply realized it's better if they define themselves instead of letting their competitors do it.