‘What do you know? Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT), apparently stung by criticism over its latest Bill Gates-Jerry Seinfeld ad campaign, is now ditching the comedian, reports Valleywag and later confirmed by the company. The official line: the campaign is moving into its “second phase”, and Seinfeld may be used “to do other things” (webisodes?). Very funny…

SEE ALSO: Still About Nothing: Microsoft’s Second Ad With Gates-Seinfeld

Update: The company is really moving away from the teasers, no joke. It is embracing the “I’m a PC” stereotype that Apple (NSDQ: AAPL) has mocked so successfully over the last two years. The strategy uses the Apple attack as the basis for a counterstrike, says NYT. Gates makes a cameo appearance in the second phase, along with celebrities like actress Eva Longoria, author Deepak Chopra and singer Pharrell Williams. And yes, no Seinfeld.

In addition to ads on TV shows like Grey’s Anatomy on Thursday, ads will appear in local and national newspapers and new content will be added to the new microsite lifewithoutwalls.com.