We all know that Micosoft and Apple aren’t quite close. In fact, the two rivals do not hesitate to poke fun at one another, or even to actively and openly antagonize each other. However, this holiday season, Apple and Microsoft put aside their differences in the spirit of Christmas.
- Microsoft came up with the idea of using code names for software still in development
- The first Apple logo had Sir Isaac Newton sitting under an apple tree
- The first Operation System Microsoft ever made was named Xenix
- The mackintosh is in fact a variety of apple
- The commercial war between the two companies started in 2006
After almost ten years since the air of the first Mac vs. PC commercial, Apple and Microsoft are finally letting their holiday spirit guide them this year. Even though Apple aired their holiday commercial first this year, Microsoft was close behind its usual arch nemesis, airing it yesterday.
Microsoft’s commercial features a group of the company’s employees gathering in front of an Apple store, about to deliver a special message to some old friends. Of course, people who know of the two companies’ tendencies to make fun of each other via their commercials were expecting something aggressive, maybe slightly offensive, and definitely something funny.
What they got, instead, was the whole group of 37 Microsoft employees singing holiday classics and holding candles, followed by the Apple employees applauding and coming outside of the store for hugs.
Since the commercial was filmed outside of an Apple store in New York, Microsoft got permission from Apple to proceed with the filming. The 37 Microsoft employees were brought from different stores all over the country, after auditioning. Those with the best singing voices were chosen to be part of the commercial. They were also were joined by the Harlem Youth Choir and performed Jill Jackson Miller’s “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”
The commercial ends with the message “Spread Harmony”, probably following all the violence and calamity going around the world lately. The add will have a 60 second run time on television, and a two minute long version will be available on the internet.
This was a nice move by the two companies, designed to promote peace and harmony during the holiday season. The two will probably be back at each other’s throats by the end of the year, so expect shenanigans once the holidays are over.
You can watch the commercial below.
Image source: Wikimedia
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