It has been revealed that Apple is using yet another one of its marketing tricks to undermine the Windows 7 hype. Apple has turned to Google advertising, according to observers who claim that entering terms such as “download windows 7” into a Google web search may direct users to Apple's Get a Mac (ads) section.

In its latest TV spots, Apple sounds the alarm over the upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7 as being even more of a hassle than just upgrading to a Mac. Apple’s argument is that, if you’re going to have to move your files manually anyway, why not finally switch to an overall better platform. Although this editor agrees, it’s not the time, or the place for such debates.

According to a report at Macnn citing the “observers” in question, attempts to persuade PC owners to switch platforms are also made via search phrases like “Upgrading to Windows 7,” which clearly indicates the target audience. “The sponsored links contain messages that are intended to steer users away from Windows 7 and into the comforting arms of Apple products,” a ChannelWeb report outlines. One search, similar to those mentioned earlier, came up with the following results:

“Thinking of Upgrading? Avoid Windows 7 headaches. Make the switch to Mac. It's easy,” one message reads. “If you have to upgrade, make the ultimate upgrade. Switch to Mac,” another adds.

The website points out to statements coming from Bertrand Serlet, Apple’s senior vice president of software engineering, in June, when he told WWDC attendees that Windows 7 was “just another version of Vista” that suffered from the same problems. “Microsoft has dug quite a hole for themselves with Vista, and now they're trying to get out of it with Windows 7,” Serlet told the crowd. According to ChannelWeb, Apple didn't respond to an email request for comment on the Google ads.