Microsoft set to unleash celebrity assault in Windows Phone 8 promotion

Looks like a fair chunk of Microsoft’s massive marketing drive for Windows Phone 8 is going toward celebrity endorsements.

After the Redmond-based company’s CEO Steve Ballmer had his turn at a video, it’s decided to trot out the celebs.

UK tabloid The Sun reports that some of the stars set to appear in Windows Phone 8 adverts include rapper Jay Z, singer Gwen Steffani, and Gavin and Stacey star James Corden.

In the UK, reports The Verge, the company is already using popular television presenter Holly Willoughby promote Windows Phone 8 and the Kids Corner feature, which lets you dictate which apps your kids have access to.

In the US meanwhile Nokia and AT&T have teamed up with Will Arnett to promote the Lumia 920.

WPCentral reports however that the ad kicking off the global media campaign (despite appearances to the contrary, it hasn’t really started yet) is the one that debuted at the Windows Phone 8 launch a couple of weeks back.

The good news is that none of the ads, so far, are as cringe-worthy as Zooey Deschanel’s Siri spot.