Microsoft Denies Edge Is Getting A Native Ad Blocker (venturebeat.com)

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Microsoft Denies Edge Is Getting A Native Ad Blocker (venturebeat.com)

Posted by BeauHD on Thursday March 31, 2016 @01:14PM from the misleading-reports dept.

An anonymous reader quotes a report from VentureBeat: On top of the slew of news coming out of Microsoft's Build 2016 developer conference, a story broke yesterday that Microsoft was building an ad blocker into its Microsoft Edge browser. While this would be a big deal, it apparently isn't true. "We have no plans to build a native ad blocker into Microsoft Edge," a Microsoft spokesperson told VentureBeat. Microsoft was originally referencing the extension support it is building into Edge, which would allow ad blocking to work exactly like any other desktop browser. For those hoping for an Edge browser with built-in ad blocking, well, you're stuck with 'niche browsers' like Brave from Mozilla cofounder Brendan Eich and Adblock Browser.

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Desktop vs Browser by rtb61 · 2016-03-31 13:21 · Score: 3, Insightful

M$ owns the windows 10 desktop, of course they would allow blocking ads in the browser. Blocking ads on the desktop, well, yeah can bet that's one thing that will never happen, not your OS, not your computer.

--
Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
1. Re:Desktop vs Browser by AHuxley · 2016-03-31 13:36 · Score: 1
  
  Thats 270 million users via the locked in desktop. Browser ads would be getting in for free and MS wont allow that.
  Next idea will be to slow the startup at the perfect time. Only allow applications to cover the daily desktop ads after the user has been fully exposed to the marketing for a set time.
  
  --
  Domestic spying is now "Benign Information Gathering"
2. Re:Desktop vs Browser by JediJorgie · 2016-03-31 14:10 · Score: 1
  
  That's BS, it has already been made clear that there will be a version of AD Block using new extension support.
3. Re:Desktop vs Browser by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:49 · Score: 0
  
  Devil's advocate here. If the masses are getting ads slung at them with Edge, then the powers that be will be less interested in trying to stomp out ad blockers for people who value security (malvertising is the #1 vector for compromise these days, supposedly.)
4. Re:Desktop vs Browser by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 00:22 · Score: 0
  
  look: a M$ fanboy!
5. Re:Desktop vs Browser by Ravaldy · 2016-04-01 04:41 · Score: 1
  
  Here we go. Another MS bashing contest. There's nothing refreshing about coming here anymore. It's like talking to two dumb rednecks that argue that Dodge is better than Ford. Whatever happened to constructive arguments that aren't intending to just draw MOD UP from a few angry computer users.
  "No ADs" will kill free services. You can argue with me until you're red in the face but that is just fact. No money, no service. Nobody is going to fork up their time, hosting expenses and whatever other expenses to provide users with free everything. You know that 25GB of storage, well they aren't free to those hosting it so ads pay for that. The minute the ad value goes down (and it already has significantly), you will see less and less revenue.
  MS has a very small portion of the ad market so an alternative to beating your competitor is to slow him down. Blocking adds on their browser will block far more revenue from Google than MS. That depending on who you ask could be a real win.
  
  Blocking ads on the desktop, well, yeah can bet that's one thing that will never happen, not your OS, not your computer.
  You have ads on your desktop? I'm asking because I've had Windows 10 installed since August and have yet to see 1 ad. And regardless of your answer there will always be a version that has no ads because corporations will never tolerate it.
And why would they? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:21 · Score: 0

Microsoft has an advertising division too you know.
1. Re:And why would they? by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:14 · Score: 2, Interesting
  
  Exactly. And now the OS has ads built-in for things like Office 365 and Skype, and Cortana heavily pushes Bing services using ad-like "content" when you search, ads on the lock screen, and the useless appy apps also have ads. They're pushing VERY heavily for everyone to develop appy apps, which most of the time are ad-supported. MS is really getting into ads. Expect more and more of them.
2. Re:And why would they? by Grishnakh · 2016-04-01 03:22 · Score: 1
  
  MS should get into malware too: they could greatly improve their profitability. By serving malware-laden ads to their customers, and then offering malware clean-up services and security software, they could make a lot of money. If it's OK for a large website like forbes.com to serve malware, why shouldn't MS?
Re: I refuse to use a web browser... by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:25 · Score: 0

The corporations have always stood against the people.
Re: I refuse to use a web browser... by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:32 · Score: 0

This. Those republicans are so full of hate. So full of hate.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:35 · Score: 0

Modern app appers know that ONLY apps can app apps, NOT LUDDITE APKS AND HOSTS!
Apps!
Contradiction by Livius · 2016-03-31 13:35 · Score: 3, Insightful

An ad blocker would defeat the purpose of Edge. They will want a native *content* blocker so that nothing will obstruct the delivery of adverts.
1. Re:Contradiction by C0L0PH0N · 2016-03-31 14:39 · Score: 1
  
  A built in ad blocker would be the ONLY reason I would ever try Edge. It seems designed to sell MS products and ads. I will remain forever wedded to Firefox, and if it goes away, then Chrome. With good strong protection from tracking and ads of course. I am of the belief that ads try to replace my own reasoning with the reasoning of the ad. I find it intrusive and offensive, unless I have sought out the ad.
2. Re:Contradiction by KGIII · 2016-03-31 15:19 · Score: 1
  
  Opera Developer (a couple of versions ahead of stable) has native ad blocking. It works well, actually. It's based on Chromium but the Google stuff is ripped out.
  
  --
  "So long and thanks for all the fish."
3. Re:Contradiction by Dutch+Gun · 2016-03-31 16:21 · Score: 1
  
  Actually, native anything in a browser other than core browser functionality plus a robust plugin system seems like a bad idea in principle. Why integrate a built-in feature that's better off as a plugin anyhow? Remember Firefox and Pocket?
  
  --
  Irony: Agile development has too much intertia to be abandoned now.
4. Re: Contradiction by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 20:54 · Score: 0
  
  All of the pre-crappy Operas had native ad blocking.
5. Re: Contradiction by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 20:59 · Score: 0
  
  Which explains why Opera 12 was such a crappy browser.
  Oh wait. It was the best browser of all time. So much for your theory.
6. Re:Contradiction by Ol+Olsoc · 2016-04-01 01:13 · Score: 1
  
  I will remain forever wedded to Firefox, and if it goes away, then Chrome.
  Firefox is just about to get the boot from my machines. I have membership (that I can't get out of) in some Yahoo groups. Due to a mail issue, I had to go to their web mail reader for a few days. Up past my NoScript and ad-blockers and all the other digi-condoms I have on my computers, the screen goes dark, and up pops a window trying to get me to integrate my Yahoo experience into my Firefox, then the screen scrolls down so I cannot simply hit the close button.
  Sorry, Yahoo, sorry Firefox. Your Faustian deals don't win you anything but enmity. I don't want to see what some housewife in Pennsylvania found that is driving insurance companies crazy, nor do I want to make a NCAA basketball tourney bracket. I don't want I wanna read my mail. Right behind that roadblock you put up. So it's going to be something else very soon.
  Fortunately I can get the group mailings in the sane mail reader I use once again.
  Some interesting info on what these assholes are demanding that we accept:
  http://www.extremetech.com/int... I wonder how this treating the user as the enemy is going to work out?
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
7. Re: Contradiction by KGIII · 2016-04-01 07:31 · Score: 1
  
  They did. From version 15 to about 23 it was pretty crappy (post code switch). From about 28 it became good again. From 23 to 28 it was usable. It's pretty good again. I typically stick with the beta build but I use different browsers for different things with different defaults so I have stable, beta, and dev installed. Err... At the moment, they're all running. :/
  
  --
  "So long and thanks for all the fish."
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by 110010001000 · 2016-03-31 13:55 · Score: 1

Sounds like malware. Also, looks like it was written in Delphi! Terrible! -apk
Thanks for the heads-up on Brave by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:55 · Score: 0

Hadn't heard of it before.
As I cut back on Firefox due to their treatment of Eich, there's a nice symmetry in switching to Brave.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 13:56 · Score: 0

what I do makes it better
I wish what you did made Slashdot better but it doesn't. Stop spamming Slashdot, please.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:06 · Score: 0

I use APK Hosts File Engine 9.0++ SR-4 32-bit, and couldn't be more pleased with it; it truly is an amazing product! My computer runs so much faster now! And the ads are TOTALLY gone! I never have to worry about viruses or malware anymore, and browsing the web is SOO much better without all of the cruft I used to put up with before I started using APK Hosts File Engine 9.0++! Thanks APK!!!
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:11 · Score: 0

I use APK Hosts File Engine 9.0++ SR-4 32-bit, and couldn't be more pleased with it;
If your endorsement is genuine then log in and put your name to it.
I'd like a show of hands by PopeRatzo · 2016-03-31 14:30 · Score: 2

Who is going to trust an adblocker from Microsoft?

--
You are welcome on my lawn.
1. Re:I'd like a show of hands by MobileTatsu-NJG · 2016-03-31 15:22 · Score: 2
  
  Are you asking if I trust that Microsoft can make a web-browser that won't display pages the way they were designed? Yes, actually.
  
  --
  
  "I like to lick butts!" by MobileTatsu-NJG (#32700246) (Score:5, Informative)
2. Re:I'd like a show of hands by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 22:42 · Score: 0
  
  Considering their history going all the way back, and their Windows 10 shenanigans where they actually deliberately are trying to trick you into installing it, who in their right mind would trust Microsoft at all? They are certified scumbags, they have always been, and they will always be.
Native ad blocker by rossdee · 2016-03-31 14:30 · Score: 2, Funny

It doesn't block native ads, but if Trump wins it will have to block immigrant ads
1. Re:Native ad blocker by Ol+Olsoc · 2016-04-01 00:55 · Score: 1
  
  It doesn't block native ads, but if Trump wins it will have to block immigrant ads
  I understand he plans to remove the torch from the Statue of Liberty, and replace it with her showing us her middle finger.
  
  --
  The shepherds did so well protecting the flock that the sheep no longer believed that wolves existed.
2. Re:Native ad blocker by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 01:40 · Score: 0
  
  I would actually be behind Trump removing the "Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free" bullshit that was put on the statue after the fact, in the early 1900's by pro-immigration propaganda. Because of this re-casting of the purpose of the Statue of Liberty into some form of "beacon to immigrants" we have idiots like you pretending like the statue was always never instead meant to express the spirit of America, shining brightly against all odds and bravely facing down any would be invaders.
Wrong: Eat your words 110010001000 by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:42 · Score: 0

See subject: Argue w/ 60++ reputable security sources saying otherwise here https://yro.slashdot.org/comme...
APK
P.S.=> See subject, & "read 'em & weep" - you brought it on yourself... apk
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:48 · Score: 0

Apk quotes a dozen or so who have here https://slashdot.org/comments.... I've seen others past those quoted too. They happen.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 14:59 · Score: 0

What you do trolling off topic makes the web worse. Apk makes the web faster, safer and more reliable by comparison.
Niche browsers? by wbr1 · 2016-03-31 16:13 · Score: 1

Opera has it now:http://www.opera.com/blogs/desktop/2016/03/native-ad-blocking-feature-opera-for-computers/
not mainstream but not as Niche as TFS mentions

--
Silence is a state of mime.
1. Re:Niche browsers? by fbobraga · 2016-04-01 01:27 · Score: 1
  
  Nice to know it!
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 16:23 · Score: 0

You mean the hosts engine which registers a number of positives on VirusTotal?
Built-in ad blockers by sgunhouse · 2016-03-31 17:29 · Score: 1

"For those hoping for an Edge browser with built-in ad blocking, well, you're stuck with 'niche browsers' like Brave from Mozilla cofounder Brendan Eich and Adblock Browser."

And Opera (Beta and Developer versions).
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 18:06 · Score: 0

But how do I install it on Linux? I would like an RPM that's compatible with the latest Fedora, but compiling it myself if also an option. I only see Windows version of your program. Are there even Linux versions or Macintosh version? Will there be in the future? I would love to have such a host changing program to help me protect from malicious ads. Start writing a system agnostic version as soon as possible. I think that the days of Windows as a desktop system for the general public is in its last years. It will become more and more a corporate only desktop. More and more people have made the switch to Mac and Linux in desktop (at least the professional desktop users), while many non technical Windows users from the past have made the switch to tablets and smart phones. At least in my environment. Adapt before you become obsolete.
I dont think so by Pain_Center · 2016-03-31 18:25 · Score: 1

I don't think so that Microsoft going to make that type of ad blocker. If its happen then its should be paid or pro version.
Re: I refuse to use a web browser... by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 19:43 · Score: 0

I hope you "That's how all those Republicans be" guys are in a dorm, and this is just how you roll your lulz. I'd be sad if you were just one sad fat fuck in a basement somewhere.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 21:46 · Score: 0

I use APK Hosts File Engine 9.0++ SR-4 32-bit, and couldn't be more pleased with it;
If your endorsement is genuine then log in and put your name to it.
But that's my name, you insensitive clod!
Ad blocking in Edge is easy by Anonymous Coward · 2016-03-31 23:28 · Score: 0

It always struck me as a bit strange that ad blocking would be implemented as a browser add-on. Do you really want to have your privacy settings undone every time you switch accounts or browsers? Privoxy is a one-click install and it works on all of your browsers.
1. Re:Ad blocking in Edge is easy by fbobraga · 2016-04-01 00:29 · Score: 1
  
  this https://www.privoxy.org/ looks interesting: I don't knew it [thanks"], and just promoted it to network managers here on my [public sector] company :-)
2. Re:Ad blocking in Edge is easy by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 13:36 · Score: 0
  
  I've been somewhat weary of Privoxy for awhile. They removed if from the TOR browser for some reason and it has long stretches of time where it is not maintained.
3. Re:Ad blocking in Edge is easy by tehlinux · 2016-04-01 14:16 · Score: 1
  
  From my experience, Edge doesn't seem to block all the ads that IE11 will with privoxy. I suspect it doesn't actually send all traffic through the proxy, but I can't be bothered to verify that claim.
  
  --
  Most linux users don't know this, but the man pages were named after Chuck Norris. Chuck Norris fsck'ing hates noobs!
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 01:11 · Score: 0

Virustotal's recent test shows it's safe https://www.virustotal.com/en/...
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 01:44 · Score: 0

Apk quotes a dozen
So log in and make it thirteen. Otherwise it's just another lame attempt from APK to not only spam Slashdot but to indulge in astroturfing as well.
Re: Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 05:51 · Score: 0

Lol APK is already obsolete. No one uses his junk, that's why he spams /. In the hopes of getting more users.
He's a lame piece of shit spammer.
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 07:21 · Score: 0

his hosts program is actually pretty good by xenotransplant

his hosts tool is actually useful for those cases in which one does indeed want to locally block stuff outright while consuming minimum system resources by alexgieg

I like your host file system by Karmashock

APK is kinda right. I've given up on JS based adblocking and gone to blackholing in /etc/hosts, just like it was back in the 90s. The computational load has gotten intolerable for any ad-blocking using JS. I've tried his hosts file generating software. It works by bmo

APK is totally right on this count. Adblock Plus on Firefox mobile is a dog on older, or lower end, phones. A hostfile based adblocker makes for a much better experience in this context by chihowa

I find your hosts file admirable by vel-ex-tech

I've never tried to belittle (APK's) work, I've flat out said it's good by BronsCon

I support APK's stand on the hosts file by Trax3001BBS
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-01 12:29 · Score: 0

So no log in and it is a fake endorsement after all. Astroturfing is lame, APK.
Re: Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-02 02:21 · Score: 0

Slashdotters say different https://news.slashdot.org/comm...
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-02 02:32 · Score: 0

You posted anonymously yourself hypocrite. Trolling is lame Mr. AC pot calling a kettle black.
Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-02 02:37 · Score: 0

Per article subject + my own: MS has one already, what I do makes it so - APK Hosts File Engine 9.0++ SR-4 32/64-bit http://www.bing.com/search?q=%...
* Less power/cpu/ram+ IO use vs. local DNS servers + addons w/ less security issues vs. DNS + routers. Less complex vs firewalls (needing layered filtering drivers - hosts don't + firewalls block less used IP addresses, hosts block more used host-domain names) complimenting 'em. Antivirus = reactive. Hosts = FAR more proactive, blocking infection BEFORE you get it. Gets its data from 10 reputable security community sites.
APK
P.S. - Hosts get you more speed (hardcodes + adblocks) & faster vs. addons, security (vs. bad sites/dns security issues), reliability (vs. downed/poisoned dns), & anonymity (dns requestlogs/trackers) vs. other "so-called -solutions'" w/ what you natively have. Unlike Adblock/UBlock/Ghostery, hosts != blockable by ClarityRay/BlockIQ... apk
I may port it to Linux or MacOS X... apk by Anonymous Coward · 2016-04-03 03:00 · Score: 0

The file works everywhere that has a std. BSD ip stack. You can use the resulting hosts file data it produces.
I *may* one day port it over to Linux (via FreePascal & it's Lazarus IDE or a future version of Delphi (Kylix used to work on Linux, but Borland/Embarcadero killed it)) &/or MacOS X (which I already can via Delphi's Object Pascal), but, today's not that day...
APK
P.S.=> Windows is the most used AND the most attacked by malware (other than ANDROID which I can port this to as well via Delphi) so it gets "preferential treatment" on those grounds mostly (& the fact it's still my fav. OS too)... apk
Re:Hosts = 'everywhere' natively & work best by Anonymous+Cow+Ward · 2016-04-05 06:11 · Score: 1

If your endorsement is genuine then log in and put your name to it.
-Anonymous Coward

--
Examine even your most deeply held beliefs. Nobody is always right.