Microsoft Plans Its Stores Next Door to Apple

Ordinarily when we refer to Apple and Microsoft competing for space, its strictly in terms of market share or technological breakthroughs. Soon, however, they’ll be competing for physical retail space. Microsoft COO Kevin Turner confirmed today at the Windows Partner Conference that Microsoft’s planned retail stores will be purposefully placed within earshot of Apple’s retail stores. In Cochran-esque fashion, he’s assured that the stores won’t “imitate” but “innovate”, whatever the hell that means (no concrete specifics were offered up). While Microsoft has been struggling heartily to catch up with Apple in the innovation department for years now, this new move takes it to ridiculous heights. At least you won’t have to walk to far to compare offerings. Microsoft stores are expected to open sometime in fall. [via Electronista]