Microsoft starts its photocopiers, begins Apple counter-offensive

 Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave his grimmest promise yet that he intends going to battle with Apple in a statement to company staff last night.

Ballmer confirmed a grim plan to beat Apple at its own game, saying: "In the competition between PCs and Macs, we outsell Apple 30-to-1. But there is no doubt that Apple is thriving. Why? Because they are good at providing an experience that is narrow but complete, while our commitment to choice often comes with some compromises to the end-to-end experience."

He has a plan, saying, "Today, we’re changing the way we work with hardware vendors to ensure that we can provide complete experiences with absolutely no compromises."

It doesn’t stop there. Microsoft plans to start its photocopiers in the mobile phone segment, also, Ballmer confirmed, "We’ll do the same with phone – providing choice as we work to create great end-to-end experiences."

Microsoft also seems set to come back with a series of ads, potentially designed to answer Apple’s successful series of ‘Get A Mac’ ads. "In the weeks ahead, we’ll launch a campaign to address any lingering doubts our customers may have about Windows Vista," he said. "And later this year, you’ll see a more comprehensive effort to redefine the meaning and value of Windows for our customers."

What are your thoughts on Microsoft ‘innovation’?