Apple has unveiled a new video short titled “The Underdogs: BSOD (Blue Screen of Death),” which cleverly satirizes a notable incident involving Microsoft from the previous year. This incident revolved around a significant Windows computer crash triggered by a problematic CrowdStrike security update.
Understanding the BSOD Phenomenon
In the realm of Windows operating systems, a critical failure manifests as a blue screen that dominates the display, providing users with details about potential causes in stark white text. This phenomenon has been dubbed the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Typically, the only remedy is a restart, and in more severe cases, users may find themselves reinstalling the entire operating system. However, such occurrences have become less frequent in recent times, although the CrowdStrike incident serves as a reminder that they can still happen.
Apple seized this opportunity to inject some humor into the competitive landscape, showcasing its creative prowess. The eight-minute video is available on Apple’s YouTube channel, where viewers can appreciate the high production quality that Apple has honed through its Apple TV+ platform, reminiscent of the acclaimed series The Studio.
In this playful narrative, The Underdogs—four familiar characters from previous “Apple at Work” videos—embark on a quest to locate Trev Smith at Container Con, a pivotal figure for securing substantial sales. Meanwhile, their competitors, reliant on Windows PCs, are making significant headway in attracting investors until their entire system collapses. In a generous twist, The Underdogs distribute Mac minis, aiming to enhance the world around them. The short concludes with a confident declaration: “There’s no security like Mac security.”
The video offers an entertaining experience, enriched with subtle cross-promotional elements. Notably, an image of Severance actor Tramell Tillman makes a fleeting appearance in a montage, enticing fans of the show to tune in, regardless of their allegiance to Mac or Windows.
This article was originally published in our sister publication Macwelt and has been translated and localized from German.
