In advance of one of the most significant waves of product launches in Microsoft's history, today the company unveiled a new logo for the company, after 25 years.

This is a ery important year for Microsoft as the company is getting ready to release new versions of nearly all of its products. From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office, you will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs.



Microsoft says that the new logo takes its inspiration from the company's product design principles while "drawing upon the heritage of its brand values, fonts and colors."

The logo has two components: the logotype and the symbol. For the logotype, Microsoft is using the Segoe font which is the same font its used in its products as well as its marketing communications. The symbol's squares of color are intended to express the company's diverse portfolio of products.

Starting today, the new Microsoft logo will be used on Microsoft.com. It is in three of Microsoft retail stores today (Boston, Seattle's University Village and Bellevue, Wash.) and will shine in all stores over the next few months.