Microsoft prepping for complete brand and product line relaunch, New York store coming the 26th
New, crisp, clean website designs are just a start
Microsoft has been busy launching new services, designs for established properties, and keeping a number of secrets under wraps in the run up to the eventful weeks ahead. We've been looking forward to this part of 2012 as it'll be when Microsoft unveils Windows Phone 8, Windows 8, Surface tablets, Office, new Xbox update, and - of course - Halo 4.
We've already seen Microsoft go big with the launch Outlook.com to replace the aging Live / Hotmail email service, but the software giant has revealed plans to apply changes across the board. Yesterday we covered a detailed blog post that walked readers through the new design that'll be applied to the MSN portal later this month - changes have been applied to Microsoft web properties, including the official website as well as the home of Visual Studio (see above).
It's going to be a huge month for the company, who has taken up the task to rebrand with a modern look. From changing the branding of a handful of products and services to incorporating the iconic retro Windows logo colour scheme into the company's replacement design to replace 'Microsoft'.
There's a lot riding on the success of all launches we're expecting to see in the next handful of weeks, and the company is investing in a brand new interface for consumers to associate Windows with. Windows Phone Central will be joined by smartphone owners to see what the company has to unveil for Apollo. Details are still believed to be kept locked safe on a foreign planet with not even Russian reviewers being allowed to take a gander through the new hardware.
It's a new change for Redmond. A massive change at that - 2013 will see a new Microsoft.
Microsoft appears to like this month...
To cope with the potential (and likely) increase in demand for products and services, Microsoft will be opening a number of 'holiday stores' across the US to compliment the ever-growing increase of bricks and mortar Microsoft Stores that have been sprouting up this year. By checking out the recently revamped Microsoft Store website, one can locate the nearest establishment to one's location. It seems as though each and every holiday store is set to open on October 26th.
Are you ready to join Microsoft in its system reboot?
Thanks, travisbrowny, for the heads up!
Email this pageThere are 44 comments. Add yours.
Nakazul says:
Kind of broke so in my dreams im already shopping :-/
lippidp says:
I've been ready for months. Release the shit.
schlubadub says:
Release the good stuff too! You can have the shit :P
lippidp says:
Hahaha! At this point I'll take anything. It seems like we've been waiting forever!
dlusted says:
My credit card is ready for all my Win8 gear :)
jabtano says:
Same with I. Been using WIN8 pre. didn't like it at first but now I couldn't see using anything else. buy #1 on the download...buy #2 .drive over to Salem NH buy a surface just as soon as the download is done on this rig... buy #3 WP8 just as soon as I can. same day I hope.
Marco X Polo says:
I'd swap 1 and 2 in case surface goes on backorder
AccursedVenom says:
My main concerns are wp7.8/8 and the Zune rebrand. I still have yet to get an answer if my Zune HD will work with Xbox music. I already have the new Xbox update through the beta.
slowtext says:
I'm going to bet on probably not but it would be cool if they did make it work with Xbox Music. Or it would be cool if they opened it up so it could be used with any music program or even drag and drop.
ZX9 says:
You'll definitely need Zune.
CommonBlob says:
So many things, so beautiful. GIVE
danielPlummer says:
Well I really want a surface pro :D And windows 8. And WP7.8.
In fact, just give me all teh windoze.
pr0phecy says:
Wahahah! "Not even Russian reviewers" Nice one, as it seems those Russians get a "hands-on" on many new things that other reviewers can't yet.
alllies says:
wpcentral need also to update to Windows8(Metro) UI?
ZX9 says:
Then it wouldn't make sense with their sister sites.
theefman says:
Why not? It makes sense since they are carrying more MS specific news and the new UI is a major part of that. It would give the site an even closer identity with the products they cover. The other sites are not relevant in this case because each sit covers unique content so doesn't need to look alike.
mdscj4 says:
It won't go with the rest of mobile nations then
ZX9 says:
Windows 8 and the new Office are fantastic, so honestly they had ought to do well.
ILoveWindowsPhoneOS says:
I'm excited as they are.
ArtSooby says:
I have my money ready for it! Just sold my iPad for it :) ... can't wait anymore!
adam morden says:
im already on w8, waiting for surface and wp8 and yes, i LOVE the new look/style :-)
WinFan1 says:
I'm ready -.-
wizzackr says:
Bring it on! Can't Wait...
robert-it says:
XBOX Music is a steal when compared to iTunes. $99.00 a year for all the music you want is awesome.
My daughter uses it all the time on XBOX and I use the same account on my phone. I load up the latest tunes and connect to my car via Bluetooth to pass time while commuting.
If you tried that with iTunes you'd quickly go past the $99.00 mark because you pay per song.
I also use that same account on Windows 8 - final version. Downloaded from MSDN last month...
XBOX Music is a great deal IMHO.
mdscj4 says:
How much is Xbox Music?
JimmyFal says:
I will be buying a Surface and a Phone on day 1. But my real job is to educate the current userbase on the up coming changes. I think on tablets it will be pretty easy for people. But I think on the desktop there will be a lot of confusion. So far it feels as though Microsoft is just throwing people into the swimming pool to see if they can swim. I have seen the help section on the RTM, and I seriously hope this isn't the same help section that comes out on day 1 at launch. Even though I love Windows 8, i'm struggling a little bit with how to teach people to use it. I hope they have a lot more in store for educating the end user, instead of just telling them to visit all four corners of the screen. Anxiously nervous for Oct. 25th.
smallmountain says:
Yes, I'm ready. Just hope they don't flub the marketing. Microsoft's naming choices have been poor. Windows Phone 8 is a boring name. Windows RT is a galactically stupid name. "Windows Store app" is a monumentally stupid name. So, on the bright side, there probably isn't much left for them to screw up.
Bugbog says:
That said, they could turn it all around on Launch day: revealing all new catchy names and conventions?!
Bushybro says:
Microsoft needs to release the SDK for WP8 so devs can get kicking on developing apps. This is the one thing I see them not making the right decision on. We're all here cause we love WP and are rooting for it but sometimes Microsoft really makes that a chore. We now have excellent hardware to go with the excellent Os. At this point its about the apps and the SDK is needed for this to happen. Get it going Microsoft!!!
NateDogg5252 says:
I am ready!!
CyclingNut says:
Now the big question... How early do I need to show up at at my local Pop Up store on the 26th to ensure I get a Surface?
blackprince says:
Am I the only one not excited for Halo 4?
Z10YkakPES says:
You are the only one
The_All_Blacks says:
I am excited, but after Halo 3, ODST and Reach I can't say that I will be picking this up. They have a LOT to prove before they restore my confidence in the series.
Super2online says:
Love "Metro", love the rebranding. Never before has there been such a wide swatch of applications and services undergone such a radical change and improvement. I'm love it and can't wait for it to be here, now!
L2nak says:
All I want is the new calendar in outlook!!!!
plp85 says:
+1 the current calendar in hotmail / live is terrible! Needs the rebrand like outlook.com!
Tjarren says:
So is there still no date for any of this stuff finally being fully revealed?
Bugbog says:
What's the likelihood that Halo 4 won't be availabe for Surface RT on Launch?
That has been their M.O for Halo launches; bundling them with new O.S.'s!
