Microsoft preparing to invade the high street

Apple doesn't have a huge amount of high street stores, but those it does have are impressively popular and frequently busy.

Microsoft's Kevin Turner has stated at the company's Worldwide Partner Conference that the software giant intends to open a similar chain in direct competition with Apple.

"We are going to have some retail stores that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall,” he assertively announced.

These store fronts are generally accepted as being showcases, as much as retail outlets, but their value is quite evident. Most users never actually get their hands on a device - such as the iPhone, or a top of the range Windows Mobile handset - until it arrives in the post, so providing a tactile exhibition can be vital in persuading new customers in.

No news on locations as yet, but presumably the US will be Microsoft's main target.