Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Microsoft's Hidden Windows 8 Feature: Ads

Posted by timothy on from the let's-call-it-a-feature dept.

MojoKid writes "Despite the fact that I've been using Windows 8 for the past three weeks, I somehow managed to overlook a rather stark feature in the OS: ads. No, we're not talking about ads cluttering up the desktop or login screen (thankfully), but rather ads that can be found inside of some Modern UI apps that Windows ships with. That includes Finance, Weather, Travel, News and so forth. On previous mobile platforms, such as iOS and Android, seeing ads inside of free apps hasn't been uncommon. It's a way for the developer to get paid while allowing the user to have the app for free. However, while people can expect ads in a free app, no one expects ads in a piece of software that they just paid good money for."

13 of 635 comments (clear)

  1. M$ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    M$

    1. Re:M$ by JustOK · · Score: 4, Funny

      £inux

      --
      rewriting history since 2109
    2. Re:M$ by X0563511 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Like Smokey (almost) says: Only you can kill it with fire.

      --
      For large sets, this will be our guide even unto death, for the LORD will work for each type of data it is applied to...
    3. Re:M$ by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      Appl€?

    4. Re:M$ by NIK282000 · · Score: 5, Funny

      Good! I'm glad some one has the balls to hypothetically speak up with their hypothetical outrage about their hypothetical purchase! Way to hypothetically let them know what you really think of them!

      --
      Dear aunt, let's set so double the killer delete select all
  2. That's OK by CajunArson · · Score: 5, Funny

    I only pay for applications with bad money instead of good money, so I'm fine with the ads.

    --
    AntiFA: An abbreviation for Anti First Amendment.
    1. Re:That's OK by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

      So there's someone using bitcoins after all.

    2. Re:That's OK by CaptSlaq · · Score: 3, Funny

      So there's someone using bitcoins after all.

      Comment of the day. Oh for mod points.

  3. Operating systems have come a long way by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    I guess Tanenbaum will have to add a new chapter to the next printing of his Operating Systems textbook.

  4. Re:Just... by blazer1024 · · Score: 4, Funny

    You use a finger on your right hand, duh

  5. Re:Just... by MightyYar · · Score: 5, Funny

    On what planet does 0.003 * 1e9 = 3e8? Do you work for Verizon?

    --
    W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
  6. Re:EULA? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    On page 7 of the 11 page legal document called the Windows 8 EULA, in Section 6 "Windows Apps", Microsoft include the following wonderfully enlightening information...

    "Some Windows apps include advertising. You may choose to opt out of personalized advertising by visiting choice.live.com."

    ... Or you might aswell also opt-out by visiting www.ubuntu.com and avoid the hassle altogether!

  7. Re:You paid for a license by idontgno · · Score: 5, Funny

    I think it was +5+5i "Funny Because it's True"

    I'd explain, but it's complex.

    --
    Welcome to the Panopticon. Used to be a prison, now it's your home.