To drum up hype for the Windows Phone 7, Microsoft held a mock funeral for BlackBerry phones and iPhone mobiles. The event was sparsely attended. Pallbearers dressed in mourning attire, a lone bagpiper and Darth Vader riding a Harley were all in attendance. A rendition of the "Thriller" dance by Michael Jackson was also performed in honour of the two popular phones.
The Windows Phone 7 will be released in exactly a month, on October 11, 2010. The funeral took place near Microsoft's Redmond office.
Mock Mobile Funerals
Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 Buries the iPhone and BlackBerry
Trend Themes
1. Rivalry Marketing - Using competitive campaigns to create buzz and promote rival brands.
2. Experience Marketing - Creating memorable events as part of a brand's advertising strategy.
3. Mock Funerals - Using satirical funerals to bring attention to an upcoming product release.
Industry Implications
1. Mobile Devices - Creating unique marketing campaigns and experiences to promote new mobile products and features.
2. Technology - Creating immersive experiences and engaging campaigns to promote new tech innovations and signal shifts in market trends.
3. Entertainment - Using pop culture references and creative events to create buzz and excitement around products and services.