There have been plenty of people bashing the new Microsoft ad featuring Bill Gates and Jerry Seinfeld. While the ad doesn’t appeal to me, I do have some praise for it. I think the ad is entirely on brand. The ad, like Seinfeld, is about “nothing”. And I think that is what Microsoft’s brand is about these days. Nothing.
Further, I think the ad is on brand from a style perspective as well. Stylistically, it’s not fresh, rather it’s derivative, just like most of Microsoft’s products. It’s not innovative. Just like the Microsoft brand. It employs a star who’s no longer hip, cool or fresh. Just like Microsoft’s brand. It leaves the viewer wondering just what the ad was about, just like Microsoft’s brand.
Well done, Microsoft.
