Skip to main content

Turns out the Windows 1.0 teaser tweet was all about Stranger Things after all

Microsoft Stranger Things
Microsoft press release/Microsoft

The reason for Microsoft’s recent, mysterious throwback tweets and Instagram posts has finally been revealed. It turns out that the posts were in reference to Microsoft’s newest collaboration with the Netflix show, Stranger Things.

According to an emailed press release from the technology company, as of Monday, July 8, Microsoft and Netflix are launching a collaboration to celebrate the premiere of the third season of Stranger Things. The third season of the hit show from Netflix is set in 1985, which happens to be the same year Microsoft celebrated its 10-year anniversary, and the release of Windows 1.0.

On July 1, Microsoft posted nearly identical social media posts on Twitter and Instagram, announcing what seemed to be a new (’80s-style) operating system named Windows 1.0.  At the time, Microsoft hadn’t released any further details on Windows 1.0, at least not anything beyond a “totally tubular” reply tweet. Which only added to the confusion and to the pile of follow-up questions we had for these posts: Why include an ’80s throwback theme in the ad? And what’s up with that pale blue logo at the end paired with the sad, plain serif font? That new logo seems important to whatever Microsoft has planned, because both of Microsoft’s Twitter and Instagram accounts feature it as the profile picture.

In the days since, Microsoft continued to post more nostalgic, cryptic social media posts, including a tweet posted on July 5, with the biggest clue yet: A Netflix logo emblazoned on an old computer screen:

Before we move forward, are you sure you're ready to go know where? .— ..- .-.. -.– / —.. pic.twitter.com/iX2237uYsK

— Windows (@Windows) July 5, 2019

A full week later, on July 8, Microsoft announced the reason behind the weird posts: Its new collaboration with Netflix, which is essentially a joint celebration of everything related to Stranger Things and an older version of Windows OS. The collaboration is supposed to include a new Windows 1.11 app, free Stranger Things-themed coding camps for teens, and Stranger Things-inspired Xbox content and prizes.

The Windows 1.11 app is available for download on the Windows website and contains Paint and other Terminal programs from Windows 1.0, as well as Stranger Things content and puzzles.

Microsoft is also offering Stranger Things-themed STEM coding camps for teens (13 and over) at Microsoft Store locations. The camp program is called Camp Know Where and interested teens can register at a Microsoft Store or online.

Lastly, Microsoft’s Stranger Things campaign also includes an Xbox contest in which fans can win a Stranger Things prize pack: a Stranger Things 3 collectible arcade cabinet, an Xbox One X, and a 12-month membership for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (which includes Xbox Live Gold).

This contest ends on July 15.

Editors' Recommendations

Anita George
Anita has been a technology reporter since 2013 and currently writes for the Computing section at Digital Trends. She began…
Meta’s AI smart glasses collection can live stream video — but they’re missing a big feature
Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses in Headline style are worn by a model.

Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses shown in hand at the Meta event. Fionna Agomuoh / Digital Trends

Meta just announced its second-generation smart glasses, once again partnering with Ray-Ban to add more style to this collection of tech-enhanced glasses and shades. The headline feature is the ability to livestream video directly to Instagram and Facebook, but unlike some more premium options, the frames don't include displays for a mixed reality experience.

Read more
How to preorder the Meta Quest 3
Meta Quest 3 sitting on a display table.

Meta's Quest 3 is official, and it's arriving soon. The VR headset is sure to be in high demand when it releases on October 10, so you'll want to secure a Meta Quest 3 preorder if you want to be among the first to use the headset.

Some listings are already live, so in this guide, we'll show you how to preorder the Meta Quest 3.

Read more
Meta just created a Snoop Dogg AI for your text RPGs
Meta AI's Dungeon Master looks like Snoop Dogg.

Meta Connect started with the Quest 3 announcement but that’s not the only big news. The metaverse company is also a leader in AI and has released several valuable models to the open-source community. Today, Meta announced its generative AI is coming soon to its social media apps, and it looks both fun and useful.
Meta AI for text
When CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced Meta AI for social media, it seemed interesting. When one of the custom AIs looked like Snoop Dogg wearing Dungeons and Dragons gear, there was a gasp from the live audience, followed by whoops of joy and applause.

Meta AI's Dungeon Master looks like Snoop Dogg. Meta

Read more