Microsoft changes its logo for the first time in 25 years

For the first time in more than two decades, Microsoft has updated its logo in preparation for several major product launches, principally Windows 8.

The company said it was the "perfect time" for a change from the old logo (shown below). The logo uses the same font being used in new Microsoft products, called Sage, with the four squares representing the range of Microsoft products.

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Microsoft explained that it wanted to introduce a common look and feel across all of its products from Xbox, to Office, Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8.

The old Microsoft logo is now being retired

"It's been 25 years since we've updated the Microsoft logo and now is the perfect time for a change. This is an incredibly exciting year for Microsoft as we prepare to release new versions of nearly all of our products," wrote Jeff Hansen, general manager of brand strategy at Microsoft.

Microsoft's designers are the only ones to have taken a fresh look at the brand. Design student Andrew Kim undertook a complete redesign of Microsoft's branding as an experiment, which was very well received by internet users and design experts. Microsoft seems to have taken little notice.