Microsoft Store Concepts Leak, Look Like Apple Store

It’s not surprising that a potential design for Microsoft’s upcoming retail store resembles the clean, aisle-free layout of rival Apple’s brick-and-mortar venues. That idea just works, especially for a high-tech outlet where there’s lots to play with. The idea, as rendered by design and brand strategy firm Lippicott, is to run a massive digital media wall across the entire store, with islands of hands-on technology scattered throughout. At the rear is the Guru Bar or Answers Bar — a clear nod to Apple’s Genius Bar — where consumers can get a dose of knowledge from the staff. Microsoft isn’t denying that these renders are real, but the company says they’re just concepts, and all is subject to change before the stores open this fall. [via Gizmodo]