Microsoft have been releasing some really strange videos recently, and there’s been quite a buzz online around them. Take a look at these two videos which form our viral double feature:

Microsoft Songsmith Video

Microsoft’s Songsmith software allows you to create music using just your voice – and here’s one of their promo videos (brace yourself). 

Ok, what the devil is going on? The “songtastic” mock restriction warning at the beginning, the sticker covered Apple Mac posing as a Windows machine, the vom-inducing Midi backing tracks, the cast of insipid characters… etc.

Was this Songsmith advert written by robots? Either way, the success of this video is huge; with people challenging their friends to sit through it and more spoof videos than you can shake a stick at.

"Wow, Microsoft Sales Team Rocks”

This ‘quirky’ little production featuring ‘Bruce ServicePack and the Vista Street Pack’ (an obvious, but heinous Bruce Springsteen (cover band) was apparently an internal promo video for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 that was leaked by a staff member - which begs the question; is this how Microsoft treat their staff behind closed doors?

Between the script and the under/over acting, I really can’t work out whether this video was a complete flop or a calculated success.

The pun-laden promo video was released mid-2008, but since the leak it has been receiving huge attention online – although, like the Songsmith video, the attention has been mostly parodies, remixes and flat out mockery.

What Do YOU Think Microsoft Were Thinking?

Jokes aside, I’m really not too sure what Microsoft had in mind with these videos. Was the internal video made to be leaked? Were these videos slapdash productions, or masterpieces emblazoned with bizarre dry humour to give them a viral twist?