Microsoft’s flagship store in Sydney opens its doors (+23 photos)

FOLLOWING the successful launch of its NY flagship store on Fifth Avenue, Microsoft has turned its attention to the Australian market.

Microsoft’s new laptop and tablet range, the Surface Book and Surface Pro 4 were also on offer.

It is the first Microsoft store outside of North America, and only the second flagship store opened by Microsoft. He said unfortunately he would not be able to buy anything at the flagship store on Thursday because he only has $20 left.

Unlike conventional displays you find in any PC store, Sydney’s Microsoft Store will encourage visitors to handle and test Microsoft products that will be untethered. Folks can also get help with all their Microsoft product and services directly from the store.

“We have huge hopes for this store, because we want to create a destination, a place where people can come play with the technology, explore it, and you know, we want people to come and say, hey, let’s meet at the Microsoft store”, she told AAP. Instead, customers can pick them up and walk around the store while trying them out.

But what really separates the Microsoft Store from, say, JB Hi-Fi is the new support services it provides.

Store manager Nick Wells, it doesn’t matter if it’s a 20-year-old Dell running Windows 95, the store will help with software upgrades, and virus and malware removal for free. You’ll likely have to book a spot on most days, although Microsoft reps said they won’t be as strict as competitors when it comes to reservations. The store will also feature the “Answer Desk” which assists with technical questions, troubleshooting and repairs for Microsoft software, hardware and services (regardless of device or where it was purchased). Forty of them will be dedicated to selling Microsoft products, while the remaining ten will support customers at Microsoft’s answer desk.

Many others in attendance have also been tweeting about the activity on location. The company is already planning to use the space for anything from a Skype call with Santa in the holidays, to a space for engaging talks with young women interested in technology, which is an interesting concept.

Outside the two-storey Microsoft store in the heart of Sydney, Australia.

Microsoft opened its first retail store in 2009 and has since opened more than 110 retail properties, while it has online stores in 189 countries. Plus who doesn’t love to check out new gadgets?