Apple attacks Vista: Gates attacks Apple and Steve Jobs
By John Pospisil
Microsoft chairman Bill Gates is infuriated by Apple’s recent anti-Vista video, which claims that upgrading your PC to Vista is so difficult, that you’re better off buying a Mac.
Gates: Jobs didn’t invent the world
“There’s not a shred of truth to it,” he fumed to Steven Levy at Newsweek International. In the interview Gates also took the opportunity to belittle Steve Jobs, suggesting that Jobs didn’t “invent the world”.
The “Get a Mac” series of videos feature John Hodgman, who plays “PC”, and Justin Long, who plays a “Mac”. Hodgman looks like a nerd with an uncanny resemblance to a young Bill Gates, while Justin Long, looks like your typically cool, young, trendy urban sophisticate (which is of course is exactly how the typical Mac user looks).
In the latest ad, which can be viewed at at Apple’s web site or at the bottom of this page, PC tells Mac that he is going to upgrade to Vista, but that it’s going to involve major surgery.
On the accompanying web site to the video, Apple proclaims that “You probably need a new computer to upgrade to Vista. Perfect. Get a Mac and live in a world that’s simple, secure and a lot more fun.”
Gates told Levy that he had never seen the the ad, and that he didn’t think that the more than 90% of computer users who run Windows see themselves as “dullards, or the kind of klutzes” that Apple is suggesting they are.
Gates also made the point that Windows users have more upgrade and hardware choices than Mac users. Gates told Levy:
“I don’t know why (Apple is) acting like it’s superior … Does honesty matter in these things, or if you’re really cool, does that mean you get to be a lying person whenever you feel like it?”
The preceding comment tends to suggest that Gates has actually seen the ad, but who I am to argue with the world’s richest man when he’s being defensive.
Asked whether he was bugged by the commercial, Gates replied “that’s for my customers to decide”. Which tends to indicate that he is indeed bugged by the commercial.
The accusation that Microsoft, by launching Vista, is simply catching up with Apple, prompted a bizarre outburst from Gates:
“If you just want to say, ‘Steve Jobs invented the world, and then the rest of us came along,’ that’s fine.”
Gates said that it took longer to develop Vista because of the advanced security features, and that it is now more secure than Mac OS.
“Nowadays security guys break the Mac every single day … I dare anybody to do that once a month on a Windows machine,” he said.
To be fair, Bill Gates’ outbursts are understandable.
Using John Hodgman, with his uncanny resemblence to Gates, to play nerdy “PC” is a cheap shot.
While we all know that everything Apple touches is cool, the point of being cool is that you don’t need to tell everyone about it. That’s actually quite uncool.
That of course doesn’t mean that I think everyone should upgrade to Vista (my recommendation is not to). Though I do have to say that Apple’s “cool” and dismissive approach to marketing the Macintosh doesn’t make me more likely to buy a Mac as my next computer. Mac fans may love it, but I’m not sure it’s going to win the hearts and minds of existing PC users.
Here’s the clip:
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February 6th, 2007
Again those ads were not made to attack Microsoft. Any intelligent person would see that the ads are simply meant to boost moral and faith in the already established number of mac users. So those who are microsoft users shouldn’t give a rats ass, because frankly it’s got little to do with them at all.
February 6th, 2007
Pleassssseeeeee…these ads just show one thing, how insecure apple is about the software it makes. You usually take pot shots at the person your most afraid of and you know they are better. Try as they might, Apple still will not sit on corporate desktops with a majority share. So you meeks(mac geeks) shut up and go play your litunes(looney itunes) somewhere else. We average joe guys have work to do.
February 6th, 2007
Bill Gates has a lot of nerve bitching about Apple - esp when his company spends millions to spread lies about Linux, OSS, and yes Apple. The people who bitch and moan about the relatively harmless “I’m a Mac ad” seem to promptly forget that MSFT paid for phony “grass roots” campaigns when they were under anti trust investigations, paid for phony letter writing campaigns, bribed bloggers, and even resorted to creating a fake mac user who ’swtiched” to Windows. Then there’s always the infamous MSFT ad that portrayed its own customer base as dinosaurs. But then again microsoft apologists have a very short memory.
February 6th, 2007
Of course you have work to do oh Average Joe Guy (”superior being”) - go defend your system from attack! Run! Run along and defend the onslaught! Quickly now! Before it’s too late!
Patch! Y’hear me?! Patch!
February 6th, 2007
What’s funny is how Gates turns into a parody of PC in the ads - insecure, but putting on a show of bravado.
It’s clear Gates misunderstands that ads. He keeps referring to how the ad refers to “Mac users” and “PC users.” Hello! The ads aren’t about the users like the Switch ads from several years ago. “I’m a Mac,” says the Mac. “And I’m a PC,” says the PC. They are supposed to the actual COMPUTERS in the ads, NOT users of computers. For Gates to say the ads are portraying users this way or that is a Freudian slip that reveals his own insecurities, and how he is projecting his self-image onto John Hodgman’s PC.
That’s why the ads work - because most people watching the ads see their computers - Mac or PC - in action on the screen. Most people don’t get insulted because the ad isn’t talking about users, but how the computers themselves might behave if they were people. Sadlly, this is a point that most paid writers and bloggers seem unable to grasp - most articles I’ve read seem to inexplicably wander into the territory of what the ads say about users of Macs and PC (Mac users are “arrogant yet stylish” while PC users are “dorky and befuddled”), not the machines themselves. Again, I think that says more about people project their own insecurities than correctly getting the point of the ads.
February 6th, 2007
http://news.com.com/Mac+OS+flaw+exposes+Apple+users/2100-1002_3-6041685.html
Yeah Tom..keep waiting. Wait till the day your apple will bear some fruit. Honestly, do you believe I need an overpriced candy colored system to get defend my data.I can simply buy a cheaper anti-virus-firewall solution and sleep peaceful. As for my company firewall, ha good luck trying to break it dude.
Come back and talk to me when an investment bank’s lifeline is Apple Mac systems or every work PC runs on it.
February 7th, 2007
Its not FAIR!!!! WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!!!!!!!!!
February 7th, 2007
“…overpriced candy colored system…”
You mean, like Windows Vista?
February 7th, 2007
Can I laugh at this? I mean I thought this was hilarious! While Gates makes a good jab at some sequrity issues, that may be true about the mac system in that people using macs do not think they can be touched, who does he think he is saying that windows is secure? I mean seriously! I could not help but rol on the floor laughing when he tourted at options to upgrades! two options: 1 disk, full install $129 with intergrated applications built in, and just about everythign except for a office suite vs. the XP line and Vista line, with confusing features and options (which features am I going to use) ranging in price $99 upgrade $179 Full to $259 upgrade $399 full, with limitations in certain features, bonus features in others- System requirements in others… ETC!!! While OSX 10.5 sys requirements have not been released, I am sure if you own a mac g4 you can prolly use the new system and get this, you prolly will not haft to worry about weither or not your computer needs to be upgraded. Sorry Gates OPTIONS? I think not, more like a overly complicated, hashed up scheme to confuse people. I liked the XP line better, Home, Professional, Media. That is something Consumers will not loose their head over! And perhaps you could loose this upgrade/full version crap all together. Simplify your prooduct so the “average” consumer who can barely spell out the difference between MS Office and MS Windows OS will know what they are buying. THIS ad is because you can not make it simple! THIS ad is working because people are hearing that computers can be simple. While I agree it may yet again a shout out to apple fans, myself included; I haft to ask what is not something to apple fans? Everythign apple does the fans praise! Last tidbit, the whole superior thing… Bill, I am glad you made an operating system that is truely modern for this day and age, that promises a new future, but look at it. You have not sold me why I should use it, I am not convinced you did much else than paint it pretty colors and slapped a few “new features” that may or may not work. Shoot even with the family pack incident, who knows if I buy it, it will work out of the box! At least through your products I have found that an other operating system works better for me. Thanks Bill!
February 7th, 2007
“…overpriced candy colored system…”
I guess Average Joe Guy is referring to the iMacs of yester-year…like 1998-2001. Since 2002 Macs have been either white or silver. Bottom line, you get what you pay for. Macs do tend to be more expensive than PCs. But as a Graphic Designer, it’s the industry standard for my field. I’m gonna spend the extra money for the best product. I do own a PC as well, but since I use my Mac more, when I do work on the PC, I find myself trying to do things in Windows XP that can only do on a Mac. Mac-users will know what I’m talking about. Things like: when toggling to switch applications, being able use the mouse to click on the icons. Can’t do that in Windows. Clicking and dragging the small document icon in “title bar” of the window of a document into your mail icon in the dock to email it. Can’t do that in Windows. Expose. Vista stole that. For me, it’s the little things that add up to make OSX the ultimate GUI. I wonder how many Macs Microsoft had setup in their Vista Development Department for research purposes.
February 7th, 2007
Slimjim, i am not criticizing your preference, I am disagreeing with the fact that Apple claims the MAC to be a better system overall. Apple still does not have a generally accepted office suite. I used to work for an ISP that deployed macs only for GUI development. However, no large corporation or fortune 500 will buy a bulk load of macs and switch to them because they are reportedly safer. I can employ ethical hacks and security software for a much lower price. As for ironclad’s rant about simple options to upgrade and install OS X, again “Windows has 92% of the desktop market” 4% Linux and the remainder is Mac, so obviously, I don’t need to do a whole lot to install upgrades on my user base. So let’s talk again when MAC has to cater to larger audience.
February 7th, 2007
Hey, I’m a mac user and those commercials always make me wince in embarrassment. I just can’t figure out how a company that is usually so good at presenting their products decided this tact was wise. I don’t know anyone using a mac that liked the ads and it’s downright offensive to an average windows user. Every time I see the ads I want to punch the mac guy… and I’m a mac guy!
Normally I’d write it off as a bad marketing choice and move on but now they’ve remade the ads for a UK audience. What is Apple thinking? The whole reason I use Apple products is the subtle and elegant design/OS. The ads are about as subtle and elegant as a car accident.
February 7th, 2007
Once you go mac, you never go back….. I WILL NEVER USE A PC AGAIN. I switched to Apple over 6 years ago…. AND I WOULD NEVER NEVER GO BACK TO A PC.
February 7th, 2007
Paul,
Actually, most users do see the ads are insulted. Read around, Apple is going to end this line of commercials soon as evidence showed that rather than making people want to switch alot of them identified with the “pc” guy which was not their goals.
Secondly, I think you’re wrong, simply put, Pc guy and Mac guy both displayed Extra personal and physical characteristics their computer counterparts either don’t have, or would be impossible to have. And trust me any ‘extra’ characteristcs are no accident… there is no accidents when you pay that much to make and run ads.
February 8th, 2007
MS Fan Boys are far worse than Mac Fan boys (at least Mac fanboys have soemthing to be remotely proud of). I mean they just dont get that they have bought the Microsoft myth. Microsoft have never really competed with anyone and won. They have found ways to lock computer users into a a space where they think they have no choice. Windows dominance in the desktop market has been based entirely on locking everyone in to their flawed system. This began back in the DOS days when Microsoft intentionally began creating incompatibilties to force users to “Stick with” them. They have built success not on the quality of their technology but on the ability to remove any competition, and that means choice form the consumer. I have been an IT Consultant, Systems Administrator and Programmer for over 10 years so none of you can discredit my experience. I am just sick to death of Microsoft FUD, and whats worse is their fanboys eat it up. No technology company is perfect, but most of Microsoft do not care about users they care about world domination.
This bit in the above article “Asked whether he was bugged by the commercial, Gates replied” “that’s for my customers to decide”. Bill your customers have rarely decided to buy microsoft you have been making unethical plays since the days when Apple were kicking your ass to wrestle control of the entire industry so they have no choice but Microsoft. Thankfully some users have become wise and opted for the true elegenace and power of unix variants (Linux & OS X) rather than the second rate crap that comes from redmond. It true Mac will not likely penetrate the enterprise in big way or really make a big dent in Microsofts world domination strategy. However people are becoming more more frustrated with the evil giant and realising they acrtually do have choice there are now more macs out there than ever before and that number is growing steadily. Microsoft wants to ruin your digital media experiences with its severely flawed DRM technology, Apple wants to ditch DRM all together. In my years of experience the windows years were painful the linux years exciting but the mac years sheer bliss. Be an Average Joe Guy if you want and walk like a sheep or be bold, step outside the box and Think Different.
February 8th, 2007
Let me summarize. Watching anything in the throws of death is not pleasant. Microsoft “jumped the shark”.
http://www.osxautomation.com/2006/12/10/the-microsoft-bubble-in-2006/
February 8th, 2007
Ah average joe guy over half of all transactions done on credit cards go through a mac os X serve so banking macs do it and aparantly beter then PC’s
good bye
February 8th, 2007
Haven’t you guys got anything better to do than to sling mud?
Almost every PC in the world runs on Windows. MS should just ignore the small fry like they USUALLY do. If Macs are so good, there shouldn’t be anything to worry about, whether in terms of image or sales.
This video just shows up the insecurity of Apple. It made me root for underdog ‘PC’ and feel intimidated by superman ‘Mac’.
Contrary to what you say, Paul, and to what the vid intended, most people see the actors as “PC user” and “Mac user”. The average PC user identifies with, and actually resembles, ‘PC’ a lot more than they do ‘Mac’. So casting ‘PC’ as a dork makes PC users feel that Apple thinks they are dorks too. D’you think I’m gonna buy a Mac now?
The idea that Macs are for young-and-hip techie nerds (tiny market) and PCs are for the average joe (huge market) is being even more deeply entrenched with this ad.
Wrong move, Apple!
February 10th, 2007
Perhaps todays users forget that a viable windows product did not really exist until 95 was released. At that time, the Mac motto was “Mac OS : all the features of Windows 95 ….. Since 1987″. It was just as true then as it is now. Face it, the Mac OS has been the inspiration of GUI based operating systems since Apple bought it from Xerox more than 25 years ago. If you don’t need the features of Mac right now, just wait 2 years and Windows will have their version of it!
February 17th, 2007
David,
I work for a leading credit card company and analyze my portfolio performance and customer payment habits and design CHAID trees and present my data and..oh forget it, I do too many things on my windows PC to list here. Let’s see I do the following on a MAC…ummm….the day I and numerous(read 85%-90%) other financial analysts from wall street do something constructive on a MAC we’ll talk. GoodBye.
September 16th, 2008
These insulting commercials from the Apple corporation must stop. As a result of these commercials I WILL NEVER USE AN APPLE PRODUCT nor will I recommend these products to anybody.