microsoft store

We just got word from a reader that a Microsoft Store is officially "coming soon" to the Florida Mall in Orlando, FL. This news makes the unofficial list of opening Microsoft Stores, which we previously published, look more likely to become reality. We expect the store that's currently behind the colourful set of tiles to open some time later this year to join the one that's also going up in Boston.

According to the Mall map, and if we're reading it correctly in relation to the image that was sent in to us, the Microsoft Store is set to open slap bang next to an existing Apple Store.

Thanks, Michael, for sending in the photo!

Microsoft is slowly expanding their branded "Microsoft Stores" and Boston, MA is the latest city to finally get one (hooray for the East coast!). Currently being built at the Shops at Prudential Center in Copley Square, the store should be ready sometime this summer though no specific dates were given.

Reader erzhik was kind enough to send us some photos of the "box" that surrounds the work space at Copley (Fun fact: I used to do film projection there). It should be of no surprise that the Lumia 900 is featured on the outside artwork along with some Windows PCs.

We've also heard that an Apple Store is right across the street which seems to us like some nice strategic planning. You can read more on the announcement at the Boston Herald. Thanks, erzhik, for the pics (click to enlarge)

The Smoked by Windows Phone marketing campaign has been extended by Microsoft until April 12th. Those with competitor smartphones will be able to pop into participating Microsoft Stores and attempt to challenge an employee to best the Windows Phone. The campaign recently came under fire for employees supposedly bending the competition rules, ensuring Microsoft's platform won regardless.

Those who manage to beat the Windows Phone will not be receiving a limited edition Hunger Games laptop, priced at $1,000. Instead the store will offer a $1,000 gift card ("hello fancy new Windows 8 tablet") to the first 10 winning participants and a $25 gift card to the first 250 who lose. Are you eligible? Check against the below points:

• Your smartphone must be activated with a cellular carrier;
• Your smartphone must be able to fully power off prior to the Challenge;
• Your smartphone must have the basic functionality required to compete in the Challenge including, but not limited to: check weather/movie, take pictures and post online, text, post on Facebook, find nearby restaurants, update status on social media, and translate web pages into English; and
• Your smartphone must use the original, unmodified operating system that came standard on Your smartphone.
• Smartphones that have had Challenge scenarios pre-loaded are excluded.

What's different about this wave is employees will ask the participant to pick a challenge card at random, which will dictate the scenario (example: take a photo and upload to Facebook). This will help prevent any future issues that could possibly arise.

Source: Micrsoft Store, via: AnythingbutiPod; thanks William for the tip!

If you have $900 to spare and really want that AT&T compatible Lumia 800 bundle (which also includes the Purity HD headphones, Luna Bluetooth headset and Play 360°), you don't have to have to travel to a physical Microsoft Store as you can now order it online and direct from Microsoft (save some tax money too).

The package, though seemingly expensive at first glance, is actually not a bad deal considering what you are getting:

• Nokia Lumia 800 with 16GB of storage in black or magenta (shame on no cyan)
• Purity HD stereo headphones feature Windows Phone Media playback controls, ControlTalk Universal for hands-free calling, and a tangle-resistant cable, and come with a hard shell carrying case
• Luna Bluetooth headset has automatic volume adjustment, provides up to eight hours of extended talk time, and can store and charge the headset at the same time. NFC compatible.
• Play 360° gives you up to 21 hours of operating time and includes an integrated microphone for hands-free calling. NFC compatible.

Of course while we really like the Lumia 800 we can't help but think the 900 coming to AT&T in just a few weeks might not be a better deal what with 4G LTE, a front-facing camera and a 4.3" screen. But hey, we also know some of you really like and want this phone and not everyone wants 4.3" inches of glory--so for you folks, we present you this offer. Slap down your credit cards and treat yourself or a loved one.

Source: Micrsoft Store Online; via Windows Phone Daily

Both Nokia and Microsoft revealed during the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show that the Lumia 800 Windows Phone would become available through Microsoft retail stores early this year. No specifics were mentioned during CES but rumors have popped up on the radar showing the Lumia 800 will be available on February 14th. The price? $899.

Now before you go into sticker shock, the rumors have Microsoft offering the 800 bundled with the Nokia Play 360 Bluetooth Speaker, the Nokia Purity HD headphones, and a Bluetooth headset. The accessories tip the scales at about $400 so the overall price is in the ballpark and would price the Lumia at around $500ish.

No word if this is an "in store" only item or if the Lumia 800 bundle will be offered online through Microsoft. You also have the question whether or not Microsoft will be offering the Lumia 800 outside the bundle.  One would hope this bundle is targeted at the Valentine's Day shopper and we'll see the Lumia 800 offered all by its lonesome shortly after the initial release..

source: Verge; Thanks, darin25b, for the tip!

Just in case $39 was too much at a T-Mobile store for the Nokia Lumia 710, you can head to your local (har har) Microsoft Store and pick up that bad boy for the low-low price of FREE. Of course, they're just not throwing free phones at customers as you do have to commit to a 2-year contract. But hey, that's not a bad deal.

And since the chances of you actually living near a MS store are a bit slim (you can check here though), you can also order by phone or online, making this a pretty good deal to share with others.

Source: Microsoft Store Online; Thanks, Justin W., for the tip

Everyone keeps pleading with Microsoft to advertise and push Windows Phone. Well, it looks like it is starting to happen (and we'll see more Monday). This shot was taken by Josh in downtown Bellevue, about a half mile from the Microsoft Store.

Not a bad idea for a metro bus we suppose. And it sure is eye-catching. Thanks Josh for the pic!

Although Microsoft stores (physical) are few and far between, you can still order online from Microsoft directly. And in the latter case, they seem to be taking a lead from some 3rd party retailers by offering select Windows Phones from U.S. carriers (sans AT&T) for the low, low-cost of $0.01.

Heck, they even throw in free 'next business day shipping' and free return shipping if you're not happy with the phone. Mind you, this deal also counts for new lines, upgrades/renewal or add-a-line, which is something that some 3rd parties don't offer (often, they only offer the deal for "new customers").

The three U.S. devices that are available for a penny are the Sprint HTC Arrive, Verizon HTC Trophy and T-Mobile HD7. Sounds good to us, so if you were looking to upgrade, this seems to be a solid deal.

Source: Microsoft Store; Thanks, AK, for the heads up