First Skype enabled campaigned launched

Specsavers has been working with Microsoft Advertising to launch a new competition; 'Spectacle wearer of the year’.

The competition, developed by Manning Gottlieb OMD in conjunction with DG MediaMind, uses Skype to encourage more users to submit photos of themselves wearing their spectacles via their web-cam. Using Skype to promote the competition makes sense as it is one of the biggest video calling services, and recently has been used a Microsoft as a replacement for its Messenger service.

James Hayr, head of specialist sales at Microsoft Advertising, says: “This is the first time an advertising campaign in the UK has used Skype’s video capabilities within a creative solution to bring a brand message to life. Skype’s ability to make more meaningful connections over video means that this is the only platform a campaign like this could have been executed on, outstripping the reach of its competitors.”

The campaign will run till the end of June and will be supported by digital display ads on MSN.

Now being a social influencer can get you into airport lounges

American Airlines has rolled out a new perk for social media users, use of their Admirals Club lounges, regardless whether you are flying with them or not.

To gain a one-day pass for the club, you need to have a Klout score of 55. What does this mean? Klout is a tool that measures your usage and engagement on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.

The perk includes almost 40 lounges across the world including airports in San Francisco, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Tokyo and London.

With others already signed up to Klout Perks including Sony, Nike, Microsoft, Disney, Audi and Gilt, this is a major push by the social measurement tool.

A clever development, but one can't help to think that social influencers may see through it, regardless of whether they take advantage of it or not.

Strange Windows 8 videos found

A collection of strange adverts promoting Windows 8 have emerged on the Internet. The videos, called 'Training Camp', are meant to highlight the capabilities and features of the Operating System.

The videos, which were originally made for the Asian market, first appeared on Microsoft's general YouTube channel by mistake, but now are openly being shared.

Watch the unusual series below.

Ad turns magazines into WiFi hotspots

In a recent issue of Forbes magazine Microsoft ran an ad about their latest product, Office 365. In a limited number of magazines there was a  surprise for the reader, a WiFi hotspot, courtesy of T-Mobile.

The ad contained a wireless router that would provide 15 days of free WiFi, the router would last for two to three hours per battery charge.

The premise is that Office 365 is a use-anywhere version of Microsoft's Office software, allowing people to work on documents where-ever they are. 

A clever but costly stunt.

Microsoft updates logo

For the first time in 25 years Microsoft has updated its logo, and obviously simple is best.

It has the launched the new brand identity to be ready for the launch of Windows 8 and to bring it into line with the typeface being used on all its products.

See more in the video below and let us know what you think?

Microsoft takes on Google in 'Moonlighting' spoof

Microsoft is taking on Google, challenging its cloud computing software in a remake of the classic Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd TV series, Moonlighting.

For those that don't remember Moonlighting it featured Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd in a romantic comedy tussle running a detective agency. The theme song was originally sung by Al Jarreau and if anyone can tell us who is now featured singing it we will add it to the blog.

Microsoft's version is called Googlighting and it is a must see. Can't wait for the Google response.

There have been some problems with this video viewing - not sure what is causing it - maybe a Google Gremlin!