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Microsoft Seeks Another OS-Level Adware Patent

Posted by kdawson on from the why-share-the-revenue dept.

theodp writes "Microsoft has just published a patent application for advertising triggered by sequences of user actions, which describes how to interrupt game playing, music listening, and photo viewing with pop-up ads ('the components may be integrated directly into the operating system'). So will this ad technology get a free pass from Windows Defender?"

3 of 195 comments (clear)

  1. Hints of a Free Windows by dsginter · · Score: 5, Insightful

    This probably means that Microsoft is preparing a "Free as in ad supported" version of Windows for the day when FOSS starts taking over (FASS = Free, Ad Supported Software).

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  2. A benign explanation? by jmaslak · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Just maybe, perhaps, this will give MS a way of going after spyware and malware authors - on the basis of patent infringement.

    It might not be a patent that they intend to use, except in the courts...anything that gets rid of Windows malware helps Microsoft, after all.

  3. Re:kdawson fud of the day. by jombeewoof · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Ad sponsored software is one thing, but when I pay for a program and and updates to that program insert ads that I did not agree to view that is not acceptable.
    Opera didn't just one day start showing ads when there were none before.
    And ad sponsored software is usually free (beer) software. You cannot sell something, and then add ads to it with a service pack or update.
    That's just wrong, and informing us of it is not FUD.

    You sir, are an idiot.

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    Linux Zealots: Smarter than Mac Zealots, but still zealots.