Nice One, Microsoft

Microsoft opened their first Apple Store today. Wait, no. What I mean to say is that Microsoft opened their first Microsoft Store. That's the ticket. And it's very unique. I can't even imagine where they got the idea for the layout, decor, uniforms or grand opening welcome line. I also can't fathom where they got their inspiration for opening a boutique-style retail store in the first place.

Hey, Redmond? Need a new tagline? How about?

If it's blatant, it's Microsoft.

or, maybe

We do shameless better.

I think either of those would work well, and both would be accurate and honest. Although, in Microsoft's defense, Apple grand openings never have guys in suits at the end of the welcome line golf clapping. That's original.

Willpower Fail

After posting yesterday that I was going to be responsible and wait a few weeks before getting a iPhone 3Gs, I ended up running out and getting one this morning when I found out the nearest Apple store had some still in stock. I got a 32 gig black model. I haven't used it much, but first impressions are pretty fabulous. Video looks good, touch-to-focus works really well, camera does much better in low-light, and sound quality seems to be better. But the biggest difference you notice is how snappy everything is. Apps launch faster, the keyboard responds quicker and never hiccups.

I'll post my full impressions after I've had a day or two to play with it, but I'm really excited to see what people do with this new hardware. I think we're going to see some awesome games and other programs before long.