Unless you have been living in the stone age, you probably know that today’s Windows 7 launch date. Microsoft took the opportunity and lined up several well coordinated events:

  • CEO, Steve Ballmer, kicked off the launch event in NYC. He also appeared on the Engadget show today. bk_poster091014_01
  • CFO, Chris Liddell, rang the bell to open NASDAQ this morning.
  • Microsoft opened their first retail stores to battle Apple Stores. There is one in Scottsdale AZ, and another one in Paris, France. There were long lines of Windows fans in front of the stores before opening.
  • Microsoft Online store started selling 3rd party PCs.
  • In Japan, Burger King is selling 7 patty burgers for ¥777 (or $8.55) to celebrate Windows 7’s launch. 
  • Launched a series of Win7 ads highlighting that Win7 is the idea of the users.

So many things are going on with Microsoft’s big launch. What we love the most from today is the counter-attack from Apple, as they launch a new series ads targeting Windows 7. See them after the jump.

We think Windows 7 is a great product, and it is already showing that it is going to be a big winner for Microsoft. Here are some data points:

  • ITIC surveyed over 1500 businesses worldwide, and found that over 50% of them plan to upgrade to Windows 7 within the first year.
  • Amazon UK reported that Windows 7 has set the biggest pre-order record ever, smashing the record set by Harry Potter novel previously.

So we think Windows 7 is poised to spur a new PC upgrade cycle and those who have been frustrated with Vista to upgrade.

On a lighter note, Apple doesn’t want to be left out and is taking the opportunity to poke fun at Windows 7 with the launch of 3 new ads. True or not, these ads are pretty comical and you got to give it to the marketing geniuses at Apple. In comparison, the Win7 ads launched today by Microsoft are just not embarrassing at best. The theme of the new ads is “It’s your idea”. It’s Microsoft’s way of saying “thank you” to the millions of customers who gave them feedback and ideas on how to make Windows 7. While it’s a nice gesture, we really think the marketing guys need to do more work.

Here are the new Apple ads below.

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