Microsoft's "Smoked by Windows Phone" marketing campaign, a test of rival smartphones' speed against its mobile OS, started off as a small gimmick during the company's final booth at CES 2012. Since then, it has turned into a full-blown advertising effort involving web commercials and Microsoft's retail stores. Not everyone is convinced Microsoft is playing fair, though, with accusations of defeated challenges and unfair rules. We look at the life of the promotion from a CES show floor to Microsoft's brick-and-mortar stores.
May 8, 2012, 10:10 PM UTCAdi Robertson
'Smoked by Windows Phone' claims 98 percent success rate worldwide
Microsoft has released numbers for its "Smoked by Windows Phone" campaign, claiming a 98 percent success rate over 36 countries and over 50,000 rival phones bested.
Apr 11, 2012, 8:09 AM UTCVlad Savov
Smoked in Korea: Windows Phone Challenge expands with Korea Telecom
In spite of taking some flak for its testing methodology, Microsoft clearly likes the awareness-spreading effects of its "Smoked by Windows Phone" and is this week expanding it to Korea via local carrier KT.
Mar 30, 2012, 11:25 AM UTCVlad Savov
'Smoked by Windows Phone' becomes 'the Lumia Challenge' on the streets of London
Nokia has taken to the streets of London, challenging smartphone owners to a race against the Lumia 800.
Mar 27, 2012, 2:00 PM UTCSean Hollister
Smoke and mirrors: taking the Windows Phone challenge
Sean Hollister tries out the Smoked by Windows Phone challenge for himself, and walks away empty-handed.
Mar 26, 2012, 2:47 PM UTCNathan Ingraham
Microsoft apologizes over 'Smoked by Windows Phone' controversy, offers winner laptop and phone
Microsoft's working quickly to counter backlash it's receiving after claiming that a user who won a Windows Phone challenge wasn't entitled to his just reward.
Mar 26, 2012, 9:05 AM UTCVlad Savov
Smoked by Galaxy Nexus: Windows Phone challenge defeated by Android 4.0
The Windows Phone Challenge, provocatively dubbed "Smoked by Windows Phone" by Microsoft, appears to have suffered its first defeat at the hands of a competing smartphone this weekend, and Microsoft's response has reportedly been less than sporting.
Mar 23, 2012, 9:35 AM UTCTom Warren
Microsoft Store swapping rival smartphones for Windows Phones in latest 'Smoked' challenge
Microsoft is running a promotion to let retail store shoppers swap their smartphones for Windows Phones as part of its latest "Smoked" challenge.
Feb 23, 2012, 7:52 PM UTCTom Warren
Microsoft turns to 'smoked by Windows Phone' for its latest warlike advertising
Microsoft's "smoked by Windows Phone" approach is the latest in a long line of aggressive marketing campaigns for the company.
Jan 25, 2012, 1:11 PM UTCTom Warren
Microsoft using Windows Phone speed tests to train retail sales reps?
Microsoft appears to be using its "smoked by Windows Phone" challenge to train retail sales representatives.
Jan 10, 2012, 3:58 PM UTCTom Warren
Microsoft offers $100 to people who can beat Windows Phone speed tests
Microsoft will hand out $100 to CES 2012 attendees who can beat Windows Phone in a device speed test.
