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Microsoft is Testing Ads in Mail App For Windows 10 in Select Markets (betanews.com)

Posted by msmash on from the shape-of-things-to-come dept.

Mark Wilson writes: Ads in your inbox. Sounds like something you'd expect from the likes of Google or Yahoo, but Microsoft appears to be about to get in on the act as well. And we're not talking about online ads in your Outlook.com account -- we're talking about ads in the Mail app that's included with Windows 10. A new report says that Microsoft is currently testing ads with Windows Insiders, so it could be just a matter of time before they spread wider. In a support page, spotted first by news outlet Thurrott, Microsoft says, "Consistent with consumer email apps and services like Outlook.com, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail, advertising allows us to provide, support, and improve some of our products. We're always experimenting with new features and experiences. Currently, we have a pilot running in Brazil, Canada, Australia, and India to get user feedback on ads in Mail."

Update: ZDNet reports that Calendar app for Windows 10 is getting the same treatment.

3 of 150 comments (clear)

  1. Microsoft == Assholes by Rick+Schumann · · Score: 2, Informative

    When I read shit like this, it validates my choice to move to Linux that much more.
    Currently running Ubuntu 18.04LTS and no regrets!
    Screw you, Microsoft.

  2. Re:Where shall we run to? by tsa · · Score: 3, Informative

    I have been using it since I can't remember how long and I think it's still the best email client for me out there. It has some very nifty features like "Throw all sent mail in the inbox" and "Put replies in the mailbox you sent them from" that you don't find in other email clients. Yes, it looks a bit strange and it doesn't get a lot of love at the moment, but it never crashes and does its job very well.

    --

    -- Cheers!

  3. Re:Of course by Teckla · · Score: 4, Informative

    You got me curious, so I tapped the Windows key, typed in "Solitaire", and clicked on the first selection, thinking it would be, you know, Soltaire...

    What I got was signed into Xbox Live (I had an Xbox 360 years ago) -- mind you, a sign-in that took something like 30 seconds -- after which it popped open an ugly ad-laden window which told me I was automatically getting a free week of something-or-another premium (what?), and Edge (choke) popped up... with an auto-play video advertisement.

    Microsoft has never been worse than they are now.