Microsoft has been sneaking adverts into almost every spare space in Windows 10.
These ads appear in the Start menu, on the Lock screen and even in the Windows Ink Workspace. Plus, the software giant has been showing popups promoting Microsoft Edge and running app promotions on the new tab page. But, because there’s still real estate left to throw some more ads in, Microsoft plans to introduce even more promotions in the forthcoming Creators Update.
While Microsoft will argue that in a lot of cases its adverts aren’t 'adverts', but rather 'promoted apps', there’s no question that they are advertising products to users.
tangor
11:20 am on Jan 9, 2017 (gmt 0)
One step closer to "it's our software, not yours". Gone are the days of unfettered use of an OS from MS and any chance of privacy and respect.
keyplyr
11:25 am on Jan 9, 2017 (gmt 0)
Maybe it's because I disabled animation and a few other things when I first upgraded my desktop box and then again after the anniversary update, but I haven't seen an ad yet.
On my Surface, I use Creators quite a bit. No ads yet. Redstone 2 is comimg in April. I'm excited about the 3D upgrades. It would be a drag to have ads. There isn't that much empty space.
IanCP
9:03 pm on Jan 9, 2017 (gmt 0)
Sorry to disappoint, but my always up-to-date Windows 10 [which goes right back to early Insider previews] shows no such thing.
Then again I use Classic Shell, and I have turned off all the unnecessary flim-flam.
engine
9:32 pm on Jan 9, 2017 (gmt 0)
I wonder if this is just for the beta and the ads will never get to the release.
I don't want ads on the os, and it'll be interesting to see where this goes.
tangor
3:08 pm on Jan 10, 2017 (gmt 0)
This is the beginning of Windows as a Service (think cable tv) and monthly or annual subscriptions with your data in the cloud and not under your control.
IanCP
6:45 pm on Jan 10, 2017 (gmt 0)
A reasonable subscription [very, very modest] would possibly be acceptable - maybe, perhaps. I wouldn't want to bet the whole corporation's future on that model though.
Your data in the cloud and not under your control would be a certain deal killer and a huge incentive for rival OS to flourish. That idea would never be acceptable to anyone, except newcomers who know no better.
I know Microsoft mess up quite a lot - I don't think they are quite that stupid - even for them.
