Microsoft has changed its logo, the previous icon having stood for nearly 25 years. The rebranding is part of Redmond's hopes to revitalise the company alongside the launch of its new Windows Phone and Windows 8 design ethos.

The previous Microsoft logo appeared in 1987 and has become a well-recognised symbol of the company. The new look seems decidedly softer and non-italicised, with the coloured windows icon fitting nicely with the range of other new Microsoft product logos including Office, Xbox and Skype.

It comes as Microsoft prepares to unleash Windows 8 on PCs, tablets and smartphones this October, as well as launching a vast amount of updated software.

Changing a brand identity can be a particularly tricky task however with Microsoft changing such a large range of their products over to this new design style the company is hoping the change will breath fresh air into the company and give it the boost it needs to take on the likes of Apple.

The new look can be seen on Microsoft’s new site, and will feature on all future Microsoft products and advertising.