Microsoft finds friend in Windows 7 ad push: The 'Family Guy' |
Follow the ups and downs of a new Seattle startup in a series of behind-the-scenes posts by its founders.
Today On Techflash
- Shares of drugstore.com rise after results
- Rhapsody going independent
- Microsoft unimpressed with Google Buzz
- WGA 'spyware' suit vs. Microsoft dropped
- Paul Allen's Brangelina moment
- LiquidPlanner hire, Paul Allen and more
- Tell us your sales horror stories
- Calbucci to sell Twitter list service
- A color screen for the next Kindle?
Tech Events
Mass High Tech
- Gates, Ozzie, Microsoft execs patent 'personal data mining'
- Bill Gates, startup lessons and other top stories of the month
- Bill Gates' shirt, iPad vs. Kindle and other comments of the week
- Bill Gates on The Daily Show: 'I am a very loyal Microsoft user'
- Bill Gates on Daily Show tonight, maybe this time he'll stick around
Microsoft finds friend in Windows 7 ad push: The 'Family Guy'
Family Guy/Image via Fox
Microsoft, meet the "Family Guy." Looking to drum up sales for the upcoming release of Windows 7, Microsoft today announced that it is working with "Family Guy" creator Seth MacFarlane on an unique television event that will air Nov. 8 on Fox. The variety show -- featuring MacFarlane and Family Guy co-star Alex Borstein -- will be presented commercial free by Microsoft in the style of the old Texaco Star Theater.
But the program will go one step further, with Microsoft's ad agencies working with MacFarlane and crew to feature "unique Windows 7-branded programming that blends seamlessly with show content," according to a press release.
"We're working with FOX on innovative brand integrations that will show how the power and simplicity of Windows 7 can enhance the content FOX viewers love," said Gayle Troberman, general manager of consumer engagement and advertising at Microsoft in the release. "We have simplified the PC with Windows 7, and together with FOX, we're simplifying entertainment."
The program -- tentatively titled "Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex's Almost Live Comedy Show" -- will air two weeks after the Windows 7 debut on Oct. 22. The 30-minute show will include live performances, original animations, surprise celebrity guests and more.
AdAge has more details, including additional comments from Troberman who notes that the Windows 7 launch is one of the "largest consumer-advertising investments the company has made."
The partnership actually goes deeper than the 30-minute TV show, with Fox and Microsoft also agreeing to work together on a 12-week college tour that includes Windows 7 demos and Fox-sponsored outdoor movie nights hosted by stars from "Family Guy.".
MacFarlane is a funny dude, but we're not sure he can beat the comedic value of Microsoft's other Windows 7 promotion.
About Todd Bishop
Todd Bishop is co-founder and managing editor of TechFlash. He has covered Microsoft and the technology industry for more than five years, most recently as a daily newspaper reporter and blogger based in Seattle.
READ FULL BIOGRAPHYRecent Sponsor Posts
Seattle Repertory Theatre presents Glengarry Glen Ross Feb 5th to Feb 28th
One of the largest and most renowned regional theatres in the country, Seattle Repertory Theatre produces a mix of celebrated classics, recent Broadway hits and cutting-edge new works in two theatre spaces. Now playing David Mamet's American classic Glengarry Glen Ross through February 28. Join us for Sales Rep Industry night February 11 with the Puget Sound Business Journal. For details click here.
Join the Microsoft WebsiteSpark program and get software, support and visibility – at no upfront cost. You’ll benefit from fast and easy access to current Microsoft development tools, platform technology and server products including Visual Studio, Expression Studio, Silverlight, Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 Web.
Seattle-based Adhost is a WebsiteSpark hosting partner providing dedicated servers with free Windows Web Server 2008 and SQL Server 2008 licensing for three years to Web developers enrolled in WebsiteSpark. Servers are located in our secure data center with SAS 70 Type II certification, 24x7 technical support and 24x7 client access.
WTIA 15th Annual Industry Achievement Awards
Held on March 4th at the Showbox SODO, this casual event celebrates and recognizes some of the best emerging and established companies in the Washington Tech Industry. The evening will feature a finalist company technology showcase and a variety of coffee, chocolate, and wine samples from local companies. More than 800 attendees are expected to be present at the celebration. Public online voting for Technology Leader of Tomorrow Scholarships will open February 3rd on the WTIA site.
We congratulate the 2010 finalists and look forward to unveiling the winners on March 4th. REGISTER NOW!
From the trenches
Job Listings
- Registered Health Information Technician (Forms & Records Analyst 2)
- State of Washington Department of Corrections
- Principal SDE - Project Natal - Gameplay Engineering - 711621
- Microsoft Corporation
- Senior Web Analyst - 705536
- Microsoft Corporation
- Telecommunications Consultant (I)
- Sparling Electrical & Technology Consulting
- Senior SDET - 706910
- Microsoft Corporation
