Does It Take A Genius to Use Microsoft
June 24, 2008 by Jason Bean
Filed under Computers
I’m sure this argument can be taken a variety of different ways, but my recent trip to the Apple Genius Bar got me to thinking.
“Should it take a genius to effectively use your software and products?”
Granted, Apple’s core target consumer and Microsoft’s are very different, but in the end does that matter?
I won’t argue that training on any software is usually helpful and that’s surely the case with Apple and their products, but calling them “Geniuses” is it just marketing spin? I’d be curious as to how much they really know compared to your average, experienced Microsoft product user.
Here’s my other thought though. I think Microsoft should setup similar types of services at malls all over the country. You know those little kiosks areas that all the malls have. What if Microsoft had a kiosk that showcased their own products and software and let people play with them and get to know the software before they purchased it.
Could they play off their name a little bit even.
“It’s Microsoft. Not Hard”
What if private training sessions could be setup with a user on a laptop in the mall food court with a drink and snack provided by Microsoft from a food court vendor. Microsoft would provide free wi-fi for the entire mall as a promotion for all malls they’re located.
I think that would go a long way in helping their public image and idea of being much more open.
Thoughts? Arguments? Any Apple Geniuses out there that would like to share your thoughts?
I’ve seen Apple Geniuses in action, and it makes me laugh. In a way, they do help customers which adds a nice quality experience to purchasing an Apple product. But more often, I see them “recommending” or “suggesting” customers to buy another product or item to compliment their purchase.
More or less, Apple Geniuses are also salesmen.
A “kiosk” is not a good way for a company as big as MS to showcase and sell products. Kiosks are geared towards sellers that want to sell small items, offer a service, or little things like that. Most tech kiosks don’t have a cool vibe at all.
I too would wish that MS could open up some retail store to showcase/sell their products. But in a store, not a kiosk.
I was thinking of maybe a big area with fancy PC’s (VAIOs, XPS, some of HP’s cooler item, etc.) running Vista and Office. Then maybe a Zune Zone, Xbox 360 Arcade, Info Center (Help area), WinMo station, Surface Spot, and shelves stocked with other software, accessories, etc.
Of course, that would mean a lot of retail space, but opening up flagship stores across the countries and providing a top-notch experience, would be much better than depending on Best Buy or Circuit City to showcase the product for you.
I agree, Microsoft needs to be more open especially to the general public. Im sure it wont be to hard for them to find the money to open up those stores. They could open up one off my xbox live subscription alone :P