CNET

Microsoft has removed a series of online video advertisements that were critical of Apple's latest iPhones, after they were up for just a few hours.

The videos, which began with the title "A fly on the wall in Cupertino?" depicted fictional meetings supposedly taking place at Apple's headquarters in Cupertino, Calif. They were posted from Microsoft's Windows Phone YouTube account, and at nearly two minutes were unlikely to be shown on TV.

The advertisements were ill-received, and even mocked, on numerous social networks. Some observers also suggested that similarities between one of the fictional executives -- seen only from behind -- and late Apple CEO Steve Jobs were in poor taste.

The campaign "was intended to be a lighthearted poke at our friends from Cupertino. But it was off the mark, and we've decided to pull it down," a Microsoft representative told CNET.

For those who missed it, here's a mirrored version of the main video:

Update, 1:30 p.m. PT: Adds fact that multiple videos were part of the campaign. Updated again at 2:20 p.m. PT with comment from Microsoft.