Microsoft Brings Full-Screen Ads in Windows 8.1

Microsoft has completely revamped the search feature of Windows 8.1 to allow users to search for both local files and web links straight from the Modern UI, so the company is now ready to take the whole concept one step further.

The Bing Smart Search will soon be updated with what Microsoft is calling Hero Ads, a new platform that displays advertisements to users searching the Internet with Windows 8.1.

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The Softies have showcased the new service at an event in the Microsoft campus, with the Bing Ads team using a Range Rover advert to demonstrate the concept.

Basically, Windows 8.1 users won’t be provided with a classic ad experience, but with a new system that represents a bold step in the development of Microsoft’s Modern product line.

Users will instead get a full-screen interactive advertisement that also comes with a number of tools and gives them several options to look for more information and access details for the advertised product.

Microsoft Brings Full-Screen Ads in Windows 8.1

 

[Cr00zng]

The pickings from collecting user data and ads are the real prize. Taking a cut from the app store revenue is only a small portion of the riches to be extracted from the consumer.

That was always part of the plan.

It's not like MS invented that business model, it's been used for years by Google and to a certain extent by Apple. Integrating the search/tracking into the OS isn't new either; Google had been doing it for years in their Android and Chrome OS platforms.

The Android 4.4, and presumably the latest Chrome OS, goes further than W8.1; quote from this link:

Google Search isn't just integrated into the home screen, it is the home screen.

Android has begun a slow, gradual transformation into a Google Now device,” Amadeo concludes. “Just like Facebook, Google wants to change the way you use your phone from an app-centric device to a device that revolves around its core product

MS is trying to compete and testing the end users with the W8.1 search charm/Bing integration. If it is successful and does not receive much of a complaint, they'll probably pull a "Googdroid" and extend the Bing integration into the desktop.

So much for your privacy with either of these platforms... Maybe Lee was right after all...:huh:

 

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