Around the Net

Microsoft Goes On The Offensive

Columnist Stuart Elliot looks at the new wave of Microsoft ads that will hit the airwaves starting today. Jerry Seinfeld is gone for now, but a bunch of other celebs -- Eva Longoria, Deepak Chopra and Pharrell Williams among them -- will make cameos with Bill Gates. A look-alike for comedian Bill Hodgman, who plays the stodgy PC in Apple's comparison ads, will play a stereotype-busting role.

Apple may be feeling somewhat besieged in the coming weeks. T-Mobile has formally invited reporters to a press conference on Sept. 23. It is widely reported to be unveiling the first mobile phone using Google's Android OS, which prognosticators feel could give the iPhone a run for tech wizardry down the road, if not in this iteration. The Wall Street Journal reports that the device will showcase the Google brand name .

And technology reviewer David Pogue writes in the Times that Microsoft's new Zune music player is "almost cross between a music player and satellite radio" that makes it a better player for zealots willing to pay $15 a month for a subscription fee. The iPod, he concludes, may be for consumers who want to play it safe while the Zune is for those who think differently.

advertisement

advertisement

Read the whole story at The New York Times »

Next story loading loading..