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Microsoft Watching What You Watch

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the do-you-see-what-I-see dept.

Arkham writes "According to this Wired article, Microsoft has contracted with a company called Predictive Networks to track the viewing habits of Microsoft TV devices. The Predictive software creates a "Digital Silhouette" that is described as being able "to tell them that Joe watches a lot of baseball, likes Situation Comedies, and responds favorably to commercials that use humor."." I've always said that I'm cool with my Tivo tracking what I watch, provided it never tells anyone my name and address to anyone. If it meant I watched more targetted advertisements, I'd fast forward less.

7 of 264 comments (clear)

  1. Hammer time by KarmaBlackballed · · Score: 4, Funny

    If I see a big face wearing glasses show up on my TV I'm chucking a hammer through it!

    --

    --- -- - -
    Give me LIBERTY, or give me a check.
  2. In other shocking news... by mblase · · Score: 5, Funny

    ...Web sites across the Internet are tracking which ad banners you see and click on by using a sophisticated "cookie" file.

    This article would be "news" if we weren't already familiar with the technology, I think.

  3. Hmmm... by mckeowbc · · Score: 3, Funny

    People that actually buy Microsoft TV devices? Middle aged men, that like expensive toys. Looks like ratings for porn, sports, and the Man show are going to sky rocket...

  4. Good idea! by Byteme · · Score: 4, Funny
    I think everyone should start sending stool samples to Redmond... unlabeled with no return address of course, and they don't have to be yours... could be from your dog or pet llama.

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    pronoblem
  5. Targetted ads not good... by maroberts · · Score: 3, Funny

    consider, say I watch a lot of p0rn when my wife and/or girlfriend is away or goes to bed early, and my wife suddenly wonders why all the targetted TV ads are for sex chatlines and hot hard action......

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    Donte Alistair Anderson Roberts - hi son!
    Karma: Chameleon

  6. Average Joe? by IainMH · · Score: 5, Funny

    M$ Maketeer#1 Joe watches a lot of baseball, likes Situation Comedies, and responds favorably to commercials that use humor.

    M$ Maketeer#2 He sounds like our kind of brain-dead moron.

    M$ Maketeer#1 Send him a brochure.

  7. Re:Just like a grocery-store tracking card by Tackhead · · Score: 3, Funny
    > If you purchased a pregnancy test or jock-itch ointment last week, it's in a database somewhere if you use one of those cards

    And if you purchased both, I hope you're one of those who "respond favorably to ads that contain humor", 'cuz you're gonna get some seriously funny ads in the mail.