BBC Worldwide, Sky, Lloyds TSB and Vodafone are amongst 25 global brands that have signed up to Microsoft’s new Windows 8 advertising platform.
These brands will be rolling out Windows 8 Ads in Apps campaigns over the next couple of months. These will include Bing apps, Xbox apps, the Skype app and third-party apps independently developed by publishing partners.
Commenting on working with Microsoft, Simon Hutson, SVP Digital Development, BBC Worldwide said: “We’re delighted that Top Gear fans will have a new way to experience and enjoy the brand as part of Microsoft’s Windows 8 launch.”
Microsoft conducted initial creative evaluation research with Metrixlab in the US to understand consumer reactions to Windows 8 Ads in Apps, and published the following ‘Windows 8’style’ infographic:
Lyssa McGowan, Brand Director, Comms Products, BSkyB said: “With no usage caps and free access to thousands of public WiFi hotspots nationwide, Sky Broadband Unlimited can help deliver a premium Windows 8 experience. With consumers demanding more than ever from their broadband provider, like Microsoft we’re keen to do as much as we can to help our customers make the most of their time online.”
20th Century Fox and Nissan are the first campaigns that will run globally.
20th Century Fox
20th Century Fox is running its Windows 8 Ads in Apps campaign—which will first feature “Life of Pi” directed by Ang Lee—in Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US. The ads will be featured within the Xbox Video app, SmartGlass app and across the Casual Games app.
“Windows 8 will be a perfect place for consumers to discover the beautiful imagery and epic story of Ang Lee’s masterpiece – Life of Pi,” said Bettina Sherick, Senior Vice President, Digital Strategic Marketing at 20th Century Fox International. “We are excited to showcase our spectacular holiday film in the biggest technology launch of all time.”
Example of 20th Century Fox “Life of Pi” Windows 8 Ads in Apps Campaign in Xbox Video App
Example of 20th Century Fox “Life of Pi” Windows 8 Ads in Apps Campaign
Nissan
Nissan is the first brand to advertise in both Bing apps and Xbox apps in all markets where Windows 8 Ads in Apps is launching – including Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Spain, the UK and the US. The Nissan ads will be featured in Bing apps through December, and in Xbox Music from December through January.
“Nissan is delighted to be one of the first to run a Windows 8 Ads in Apps campaign globally,” said DeLu Jackson, General Manager of Nissan’s Global Digital Strategy. “The new Windows 8 platform allows us to reach a worldwide audience of people interacting with innovative technologies. Bing and Xbox apps enable these users to directly engage with the Nissan brand and experience our global commitment to “innovation that excites.”
Publisher partners
Microsoft has also struck a number of publisher partners for Windows 8 Ads in Apps. As of October 26, these include Allocine (France), The Associated Press (US), BBC Worldwide (UK), Bonnier (US), Deutsche Telekom AG (Germany), iLMeteo.it (Italy), MTV (UK), MusixMatch (Italy), News Republic (France), Photobucket (US), The Register (UK), Slacker Radio (US), The Tribune Company (US) and Vocento (Spain).
Andy Hart, General Manager of Advertising and Online at Microsoft Advertising UK said: “Windows 8 Ads in Apps is an example of Microsoft’s commitment to creating a canvas for advertisers to deliver consistent brand experiences that flow freely across our ecosystem of connected devices and services, including Xbox, Bing, Windows Phone, Skype and MSN. It’s an offering no one else can match right now.
The 25 brands signed up to the service at launch are:
• 20th Century Fox (Global)
• Ambey-Skol (Brazil)
• Bouygues Telecom (France)
• Bradesco (Brazil)
• Cadillac (Canada, US)
• Caisse d’Epargne (France)
• Citi (US)
• Coca-Cola (Brazil)
• Coca-Cola Zero (France)
• El Corte Inglés (Spain)
• Ford (Brazil)
• Hyundai (Spain)
• Intel (Brazil)
• LG (Spain)
• Lloyds TSB (UK)
• Media World (Italy)
• Movistar (Spain)
• Nissan (Global)
• Nivea (Brazil)
• Nutrexpa (Spain)
• Rogers Communications (Canada)
• Samsung (Italy, Spain)
• Scotiabank (Canada)
• Sky (UK)
• Telecom (Italy)
• Trend Micro (US)
• Vodafone (UK)
• WestJet (Canada)
• Wind (Italy)
