Down in the OC it's all about the shopping. But not just any old shopping - today we went to the brand new Microsoft Store in Mission Viejo. This is one of only two in the world (Scottsdale, Arizona, was too far to drive) and is the Windows Corporation's attempt to take on the mighty Apple in the retail sector.
It's an interesting place, and has been the cause of some controversy with shop assistants breaking out peridocially into song and dance routines that may or may not be completely contrived. None of that kind of thing happened while we were there, but we browsed the not-entirely-unlike-an-Apple-store admiring its giant plasma screen walls and tasteful birch wood furniture.
The place had several of the Microsoft Surfaces that I first saw at the Haas >play conference all those years ago. We decided to do some consumer testing with a member of their target demographic - one year old Frankie. I'm happy to report that virtual finger painting was a huge success. Sadly there were no price labels on them, and if you have to ask...
Frankie is not yet convinced by Microsoft's retail strategy (her Dad is an easy sell).
You can't take Rock Band out of the boy.
Having fun with the Microsoft Surface.
Frankie opts for abstract expressionism.
Solving computer problems for their parents - the destiny of every child.
A few short steps away.
Making a dash for somewhere much more interesting.
