In an attempt to appeal to the hip, mod audience, Microsoft is hiring Jerry Seinfeld to be its pitchman for the Vista operating system. This is being considered as a counter to Apple's successful "Mac vs. PC" commercials. It is expected that he'll use a variation of the new "Windows, not walls" slogan.

There are two problems with this strategy. First off, while he was an icon of the 90's, Jerry Seinfeld hasn't been relevant for a few years now (Bee Movie didn't do so well, despite his major attempts at promotion). American Express got him when he was a big deal and I'm sure more people used their production as a result, but I'm not so sure that would work now. Plus, it's not like he needs the money.

Second, the Vista operating system has gotten bad press. I mean baaaaaad press. Much of it deserved. Microsoft would be better served by having Jerry pitch whatever operating system came next rather than Vista, because there is a lot of negative publicity there to counteract.

Bill Gates is the guest on The Daily Show tonight. John Hodgman, aka "the PC guy" in those Apple commercials, is a correspondent for the show. Will the two meet?

It's hard to say. Maybe as a visual, but I wonder if Apple would allow Hodgman to actually be on the show when Gates is there and interact with him in a way that would spoof the commercials? Not that it wouldn't be great advertising for Apple, but they probably want to control these things a bit more. This appearance is just a commercial for the new Windows Vista, so maybe they don't want any competition from Apple, even if it is "implied."

Besides, would Gates even find it funny? Even though Hodgman is "the PC guy," the ads are still ads that say Macs are better. I'll be watching though, just in case something does happen.

[via TV Tattle]