While analysts praised the tile concept when it was first launched in 2010, the Windows Phone OS has since garnered less than 5% of the worldwide smartphone market.

The Ballmer ad is an indication of how Microsoft needs to further explain its Windows Phone 8 OS to gain traction among consumers, some analysts said.

For instance, Gartner analyst : "Microsoft *must* run this ad" and added a smiley face that seemed to indicate he was only kidding.

Even so, the ad is worth checking out, especially for those not familiar with the look and feel of the Windows Phone 8 live tiles.

Of note: Ballmer uses a Windows Phone 8X by HTC in red as his personal device. The smartphone will be sold by AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile in November.