Microsoft to partner with Best Buy

Along with Samsung and Google, Microsoft will now have some dedicated space in Best Buy stores. This is good for the consumer because associates in these areas will be better trained and will be better able to serve the public. This move also gives more scale to Microsoft store operations, which is important as Microsoft continues to expand into areas like hardware, services, film and television production/development, and games.

Note: This might also level the playing field between Samsung, Google, and Microsoft and Apple for coolness and more importantly in the tablet space. Regardless if there is still showrooming going on, consumers will at least be able to get more information about all of these products before buying either in person or online.

http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2013/06/google-releases-google-plus-dashboards-for-business-pages.html

Playstation vs XBOX: Who is the one?

On the surface, the used game factor gives Sony a large edge. Plus, by offering legacy games through Playstation Network, fans can relive memories or newer generations can explore a much larger library of games.

The used game policy is not an absolute loss for XBOX. First, this is not going to affect any users who are currently using what is on the market right now. This policy will not affect XBOX 360 users, since the physical games from that console are not compatible with the new system. Internet connection? How many XBOX users do not have access to the Internet? This is also overblown. If these two topics are the reason Playstation is going to win, Sony needs to check themselves. It is still early and Sony better make sure that any studios are not planning to restrict their content to PCs and the XBOX One because the studios will have better protection for their intellectual property. Sony also needs to continue to work towards goodwill with their gaming community after the various hacks of their network.

The real winner here is the gamer who will have great choices for new consoles and a lot of options on the web or through their own personal mobile devices. Power to the gamer!

Office comes to the iPhone

With the announcement, the critics finally have their answer. Office is now finally available on iOS. Of course, the pundits who have been clamoring for this development are now saying this is too little too late. Others are saying that it is a wasted effort since the iPad only has one Office Suite native app: Notepad. The fact is now iOS users have Office on iPod touch, iPhone, and the iPad (through Safari). What is not clear is why Microsoft really intended to launch Office on iPhone? Was it really to compete with all of the various productivity suites out there? Or is this a play at the enterprise and a possible incentive to encourage further adoption of Office 365?

This is a multifaceted move. By keeping native Office apps on Windows 8 tablets, Microsoft and its OEM partners can compete with the iPad on price and productivity ( not yet on apps) with Surface and other Windows 8 tablets. Apple still has the stronger app store (though numbers do not mean the apps are always high quality) and it still is an up hill battle. Also, by making it cross platform, Office may remain relevant for some users who are not married to any particular productivity app and need the industry standard for work or home. In addition, by connecting it Office 365, Microsoft does not have to share revenue with Apple and can use this as an incentive for users to adopt the subscription model over the physical model.

Google Plus: Use it or not interested?

Does your business use Google Plus to connect with your customers and potential customers? Do you use it promote your business on the web on mobile devices or stationary computing devices? No? What is your take on this social network for your online persona or business social network strategy?

A. I use it for my business or to connect with friends, like minded people, or family.

B. I really only use either Facebook or Twitter.

C. I do not use social networks (neither does my business)

Google Plus dashboard unveil

This is a great move. Considering the number of services Google offers, this makes it a lot easier for businesses to manage their brands. Social network maintenance is not free and making the right impression on the web and in mobile settings is critical. Being able to tell the story of your brand and protect it with tools that expedite the process is a great development.

http://www.marketingpilgrim.com/2013/06/google-releases-google-plus-dashboards-for-business-pages.html

Youtube gains more content: B-Movie Horror Titles from Roger Corman!

The DNA of Youtube continues to change. Instead of showing movie clips that add up to full episodes or movies, more and more full content is ending up there. Clearly, Youtube is becoming more than a video sharing web site. Many users are now used to going there to watch programming or listen to music. The real question is will these users pay for content or be content just watching what is free with ads occasionally showing?

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-57588842-93/horrors-b-movie-king-roger-corman-brings-films-to-youtube/