Windows Cafe : "Iphones are not allowed!"

47, Bd Sébastopol in the heart of Paris is now a place of a new genre: first of its kind, unique in the world, trendy and cozy. Yet, when I took out my iPhone last week to immortalize this ephemeral space, I was - gently - hollered at!

The Windows Café is a 2 floor coffee shop entirely dedicated to Microsoft’s new Operating System, Windows 7. An army of Microsoft people are here to welcome you and make you discover the new OS possibilities through 5 interesting demo zones: Playground (PC customization), Safe Zone (security), Home Sweet Home (connection with other media devices at home), Zen Zone (data storage optimization) and Social Club (blog creation, Messenger use…etc). Also, you can attend numerous free workshops such as “Protect your children” or “I work from home”... etc.

You will learn a lot of tips and hints. My preferred: to clean your windows, wipe them. Its usefulness is debatable, yet typically the sort of feature that is impossible to discover by yourself! Many more are available.

This open place concept is a unique opportunity to discuss with Microsoft professionals and ask them all the questions you have had about the use of your PC, and maybe share new ideas on how to enhance it.

Of course you can simply have a fresh fruit juice or a coffee by the digital fireplace or around a card game on the ground breaking Windows Surface – prices are not especially high and seats are quite comfortable!

After an hour spent on all types of computers made available to the visitors, I could realize the impressive improvements since their previous OS, Vista. I now feel more enthusiastic about this new OS and I have a clear idea on how I will select my next computer.

Before leaving this warm place, I still took pictures with my iPhone. I should have listened! None ended up being of good quality - too dark for the low end camera. Bottom line: I cannot share visuals with you. But if you are around, you should definitely go and visit the Windows Café.

Hurry up, it is open only till the end of the year!

Nadir EL JOUAIDI

Note: The full program is available here

 

Comments

[Nadir]

Thank you Imad for your comment. I believe there was no serious intent behind the iPhone restriction. This reminder of their kingdom boundaries was actually a good discussion opener. Anyhow, what can they do about it except be inspired for the 3.0 round. Great moves done and even more to come! ;)

[Imad]

Thank you for this information sharing and i will definitely visit it as soon as i will have a foot in Paris.
In regards of the refusal to let you taking pictures, was it only restricted to Iphones or extended to every smart phone or camera. Cuz if its the first possibility, i thing that Apple would have an interesting law case against Microsoft for unfaithful and inequality treatment, Otherwise, well, i just say puhhh...we are on life 2.0, aiming to 3.0 and pictures are the essence of memory.
Keep posting ;-)

RGDS