Microsoft has just paused Bing ads targeting Chrome users who have set Google as the default search engine. Windows 11 (and 10) users are seeing more Bing and Edge of late, and the most recent ad appears on top of games as the tech giant trying to push folks to use Bing rather than Google search in Chrome.
As I reported on Sunday, Microsoft aggressively pushed Bing to Chrome users with Google or other search engine as default. This campaign involved a pop-up on the desktop’s lower right side, hovering above all apps and games. The advert reminded users of the benefits of using Bing, such as AI chat and Microsoft Rewards.
People will keep using this garbage, so why would Microsoft no spam Windows users with ads? It’s not like Windows users care.
It’s a bit of a generalization to say that Windows users don’t care about adware, I certainly do. Unfortunately there are not a lot of alternatives, as Linux and MacOS are not up to scratch.
“…not up to scratch.”
Depends on the user, I think. For me, desktop Linux has been very much “up to scratch” since 2008 when I made the switch. I only run Windows in VMs these days and only for work purposes.
Yes, there is a learning curve. But there is for any system: You just have to make the effort. And it’s not as much effort as you may think.
JohnnyT777,
Same.
I don’t presume linux or any other os to be better for all windows users. Of course it won’t be! But for some users and use cases linux is better. So to each their own.
What’s unfortunate is that there are users who prefer to be on windows and yet microsoft is making the windows experience worse with tracking, ads, and features designed for microsoft’s interests rather than user interests.
I suppose the OS vendor could just force people to use it’s browser until it gets to the point that it looks like a court is going to force it to open up access to the alternatives, at which time they can pre-emptively open the platform anyway and claim they are offering a that as a inventive new service to the fanbase.
What’s the big deal? Microsoft is just saving you the trouble of having to install some malware yourself in order to get that classic Windows experience of nags and pop-ups!
Interrupting and overlaying full-screen games is one thing, but I would be much more offended and outraged if they interrupted my train of thought while working in an art program like Blender or something. Not that I am opposed to them spamming gamers during the heat of a match; as it will only speed Linux, and more specifically, gaming on Linux adoption, that much more.
Bad tech elitist take.
Most people really dislike this but installing another OS is a really tall order, they probably don’t even know it’s possible. They probably know about Mac, but those are quite expensive (and not perfect either).
Instead of looking at novice users with disdain I think us geeks ought to be make a ruckus when software vendors treat users badly, because who else are going to do it?
Most gamers, especially PC gamers, are more savvy than you think. They might not know what dpkg is, but they have probably heard of Linux somewhere and have a general idea that it is this free alternative to Windows. (this was precisely me at some point)
And unlike in the 1990s when it was mostly an underground thing, Linux gets a lot more press today; whether that be by the LTT epic fail video, or the fact that Linux powers so many consumer devices, particularly of note being the Steam Deck. Ideally users will begin asking themselves: “Hmm, if this Steam Deck thing can run my games and it doesn’t require Windows to do it, why do I need Windows on my computer?”
Maybe because with Windows every Windows-game will run on the PC and you will have no problems to get the newest optimized drivers for graphic cards etc. ?
Why use linux to run windows software?
I’ve used Windows 10 every day since it came out – I have never once seen the type of nagging that Thom makes out is everywhere in windows.
It’s just not – in all these years I may have seen maybe one or two nags. That’s it.
“People will keep using this garbage, so why would Microsoft no spam Windows users with ads? It’s not like Windows users care.”
This is kind of a ‘console warrior’ level comment, which is sad to see on osnews.
Agree. I appreciate OSnews being critical of companies and products, but elitist disdain for users is a bad look.
Uhhh can someone explain to me how this is ANY different than every time I go to any Google product in Firefox I get bombarded by ads from Google telling me to switch to Chrome?
And if someone says “its cuz OS” I’m pretty sure I had to jump through about 3 “are you sure you don’t want to stick with Chrome?” when I switched my new Android phone over to Bing last week. And yes makes jokes all ya want but I use Bing as for searching up technical pages and parts listings I find they aren’t infested with SEO spam nearly as bad as Google.
At the end of the day i don’t care how many times they ask I’m going to use what works for me, which is Firefox for browsing, Bing for search, and Gmail for email, and as long as they aren’t trying to switch my defaults behind my back I could not care any less about their pitches.
It’s not, and I don’t think anybody has said otherwise. And as a Firefox user that has never happened to me.