Microsoft has updated its logo for the first time in 25 years, as the company prepares for a year that will see updates to nearly all of its products.

Microsoft
Microsoft

The logo features the Segoe font and the famous Windows symbol has been squared, with more than a nod towards the all-new user interface of the upcoming Windows 8 and Windows Phone operating systems.

"From Windows 8 to Windows Phone 8 to Xbox services to the next version of Office, you will see a common look and feel across these products providing a familiar and seamless experience on PCs, phones, tablets and TVs," the company said in a blog post.

Microsoft says that the range of new products is not just an update, but represents a new era for the company, and so the logo has evolved to "visually accentuate this new beginning."

The new logo comes just a week before computer and tablet manufacturers will be showing off their latest hardware running the all-new Windows 8 operating system at the IFA technology show in Berlin.

Microsoft has chosen the Segoe font for its new logo, which is also used by the company in its products and marketing communications, while the squares are intended to represent the company's diverse portfolio of products.

Jeff Hansen, general manager of brand strategy at Microsoft, said: "Starting today, you'll see the new Microsoft logo being used prominently. It will be used on Microsoft.com - the 10th most visited website in the world. It is in three of our Microsoft retail stores today and will shine brightly in all our stores over the next few months."

Microsoft