Microsoft envisions a future where apps are 'Bingified'

It's not just science fiction. Microsoft is working to make calendar, e-mail and other 'super' apps smarter by embedding entity information directly into them.

Microsoft execs made it official earlier this year: Bing is more than a Web search engine. It's also a dev platform.

Fulling grasping what this means and understanding how Bing will influence the future of products at Microsoft isn't all that intuitive. I think this is one reason why some outsiders think it would be prudent and easy for Microsoft to simply sell off its search business as a way to boost the Microsoft stock price.

Last week, I had an "aha!" moment about how the Redmondians are thinking about the future influence of Bing thanks to Distinguished Technical Engineer James Whittaker, who spoke at the Business Insider Ignition conference in New York City.

Whittaker -- a Softie who joined Google, returned to Redmond and lived to tell about it -- is one of a handful of developers working on a new evangelism team at the company. Prior to joining the new deep-tech evangelism team, Whittaker's most recent gig at Microsoft was development manager for the Microsoft knowledge platform as part of the Bing team
.

Read more at: Microsoft envisions a not-so-distant future where apps are 'Bingified' | ZDNet
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
It is interesting that they are running their "google is stealing your data" campaign while they are simultaneously doing their best to out-steal them. "Kettle, meet pot".
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 consumer 64 bit
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire M5 481PT-6644
    CPU
    Intel Core I5
    Memory
    6 GB
    Hard Drives
    Spinning/SSD hybrid 500GB/20GB
    Mouse
    ELAN Trackpad
    Internet Speed
    18mbs/5mbs
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
Not on my computer....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Downfall of MS? I think not it seems that this is the way that they all are going. Even your Smart TV now targets ads specifically to the way you watch TV. So what is new about this?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro x64
    Computer type
    Tablet
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Surface Pro 3
    CPU
    i5
    Memory
    4GB DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics HD
    Screen Resolution
    2160 x 1440
    Hard Drives
    128GB SSD, 128GB MicroSD
    Internet Speed
    8GB
    Antivirus
    Bitdefender
I'm not impressed, it was bad enough that they entwined Bing search into the desktop search, but this is going too far in my books. :mad:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Education 64 Bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus
    CPU
    AMD Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition Deneb 3.7GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4N68T-M V2 µATX Motherboard
    Memory
    8GB 4GBx2 Kingston PC10600 DDR3 1333 Memory
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Geforce GT640 2 Gig DDR3 PCIe
    Sound Card
    VIA VT1708s High Definition Audio 8-channel Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    22" LG E2242 1080p and 2 19" I-INC AG191D
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024 - 1920x1080 - 1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    Crucial MX100 256 GB SSD and 500 GB WD Blue SATA
    PSU
    Thermaltake TR 620
    Case
    Power Up Black ATX Mid-Tower Case
    Cooling
    Stock heatsink fan
    Keyboard
    Logitech Wireless K350 Wave
    Mouse
    Logitech M570 Trackball and T650 TouchPad
    Internet Speed
    80 Mbps Down 30 Mbps Up
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
    Other Info
    HP DVD1040e Lightscribe - External USB2
It is interesting that they are running their "google is stealing your data" campaign while they are simultaneously doing their best to out-steal them. "Kettle, meet pot".
Except that , if you read the article, it says it would be optional to use the function, unlike gmail where your email is scanned by Google so they can place ads in the gmail interface and you have absolutely no choice in the matter. Further, providing search contectual information is a far cry from throwing an add in you face based on your private email -- which is scroogling.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7 Professional
It is interesting that they are running their "google is stealing your data" campaign while they are simultaneously doing their best to out-steal them. "Kettle, meet pot".
Except that , if you read the article, it says it would be optional to use the function, unlike gmail where your email is scanned by Google so they can place ads in the gmail interface and you have absolutely no choice in the matter. Further, providing search contectual information is a far cry from throwing an add in you face based on your private email -- which is scroogling.

Hi there.

How many of these initially OPTIONAL features suddenly become incorporated into the main products later.

Even 4 years ago who had ever heard of all the nasty sales gimmicks, sneakerware, invasionware, insidious toolbars, forced video watching etc before allowing downloads or further web access to a site etc etc.

However finally it's good to see that "The Natives are getting Restless" and people are not afraid to say ENOUGH IS ENOUGH any more.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
This sounds a DISMAL future

Yogi was more right than he guessed, I guess. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
Won't affect me as I have searched the store and have not found any apps that I must have.
My computer does not run ANY of Microsoft's apps
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro 64bit
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Home Custom Build
    CPU
    Intel i7-4770K
    Motherboard
    Asus Z87 Sabertooth
    Memory
    16 Gig DDR3-2400
    Graphics Card(s)
    Gigabyte GT740
    Sound Card
    Onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Benq 27" - Benq 22" - Dell 23"
    Screen Resolution
    1680x1050
    Hard Drives
    Samsung 840 pro 128g SSD
    1xWestern Digital Caviar Green 1TB
    2xWestern Digital Caviar Green 2TB
    PSU
    Seasonic 760 watt platinum
    Case
    HAF-X
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-C12P CPU Cooler
    Keyboard
    Logitech illuminated keyboard
    Mouse
    Logitech Performance MX
    Internet Speed
    Cable
    Browser
    Firefox
    Antivirus
    Avast Internet Security
Well, this may start out as "optional", as stated in the article:

In Whittaker's example, information on frequently searched-for terms would pop up inside an e-mail message (assuming prior user approval, so as to avoid any possible accusations of Microsoft Scroogling its customers).

The question is, what is the definition of optional by Microsoft?

Arguably, the Bing "smart search" integration into Windows 8 had been the first step in the Bingification process. By default the smart search is enabled via the "search charm"; however, no other searches had been Bingified as of yet. In typical US "opt-out" fashion, it is left to the end users to disable the smart search and/or modify the search experience settings.

While the end users can disable the smart search altogether, it does not stop the search charm to call "home", if and when the search charm is used for searching, send the search term, and the local search results to Bing. In another word, disabling smart search only suppresses displaying the results locally from the web/Bing. This allows Microsoft to build up profiles, or track the end users, weather they'd want to or not. Presumably, for enhancing end users experience if and when the search charm is enabled.

Based on the search charm in Windows 8, the implementation of Bingifying apps going to be the same. By default, the apps will have it enabled and opting out will just suppress displaying the search results locally.

Come again Microsoft, how is this optional?

If I'd prefer tracking, I'll just open a browser where I can have some control of tracking my internet activities. Certainly, I don't need the OS and apps doing whatever their damned pleased to....
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude
    CPU
    Intel i5-3350P (3.1 GHz)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    16 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD7850
    Sound Card
    Built-in to MB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x 24" Dell
    Screen Resolution
    3,840 x1,200
    Hard Drives
    128 GBs, OCZ Vertex, SATA III SSD
    256 GBs Intel SATA III SSD
    3 x Seagate 1 TBs HDD
    PSU
    Antec 750W
    Case
    Antec P185
    Internet Speed
    50 Gb/s
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox22.0
    Antivirus
    Vipre
    Other Info
    Works, most of the times unless Microsoft patches decide otherwise...
I know beauty is supposed I just to be in the eye... but what is the "beautiful" that's supposed to be in Bing?
On the IE feedback page that popped up when I removed the Bing Desktop, it asked me if "it wasn't beautiful enough"!

I think that using Gmail is optional too, there are plenty of alternative mail providers. Same with Chrome. Everything that seems to be done in Google is done under https - whether secure pages like gmail or unsecure searches.

Goodness knows what sort of internet security Windows apps are using. How can you tell?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Pro with Media Center
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP COMPAQ Presario CQ57
    CPU
    AMD E- 300 APU with Radion HD Graphics 1.30GHz
    Motherboard
    inbuilt
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio on-board
    Monitor(s) Displays
    notebook
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    Seagate ST9500325AS
    Google drive 15GB
    Skydrive 25GB
    BT Cloud
    PSU
    external 20v
    Case
    Laptop
    Cooling
    pretty good
    Keyboard
    inbuilt
    Mouse
    touchpad
    Internet Speed
    BT Infinity Unlimited - 80 up 20 down =70/16 really
    Browser
    Chrome Canary usually
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender and Malwarebytes
    Other Info
    no Start menu modifications
    Upgraded with no issues to 8.0 and to 8.1
You can use Wireshark to see the type of security the Windows apps are using. Windows 8 smart search uses TLS 1.2 connection to protect the data in transit.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win 8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Latitude
    CPU
    Intel i5-3350P (3.1 GHz)
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte
    Memory
    16 GBs
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD7850
    Sound Card
    Built-in to MB
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x 24" Dell
    Screen Resolution
    3,840 x1,200
    Hard Drives
    128 GBs, OCZ Vertex, SATA III SSD
    256 GBs Intel SATA III SSD
    3 x Seagate 1 TBs HDD
    PSU
    Antec 750W
    Case
    Antec P185
    Internet Speed
    50 Gb/s
    Browser
    IE11, Firefox22.0
    Antivirus
    Vipre
    Other Info
    Works, most of the times unless Microsoft patches decide otherwise...
I envision a not-so-distant future where my computer runs Linux.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 pro Windows 8 pro Windows 7 Home
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I envision a not-so-distant future where my computer runs Linux.

I ran several releases of Slackware, back in the days when you had to actually download X, configure it, and get it running, then a couple Redhat, and finaly Mandrake. Early on the main frustration, other than lack of hardware drivers, was that in Linux it could take me a week or two to get a new program working. While in Windows it was install and go. The flip side was usually once I got the Linux program working, it just didn't break. Where Windows programs required care and feeding.

Once things got to the point where the installer got you booted to a window manager with no hassles, then the main frustration was lack of free editors that felt like Windows editors. I used Kylix often just for the familiar key bindings when editing.

If you want to get a jump on feeling at home with Linux I would recommend using a Windows flavor of vi editor(vim for example.) Then when you make the jump to Linux editing text won't feel foreign. I wish I tried it that way. I might still be multi-booting Linux with Windows if I did. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.0 x64
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Toshiba Satelite C55D-A Laptop
    CPU
    AMD EI 1200
    Memory
    4 gb DDR3
    Graphics Card(s)
    Raedon 340 MB dedicated Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Built in
    Screen Resolution
    1366 x 768
    Hard Drives
    640 GB (spinner) Sata II
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Touch pad
I remember a thread a while back about ads on web pages. John (z3r010) stated in a post there (paraphrased) “I’m amazed that people complain, but yet use it for free”. Something along those lines. When I open a web page > ads. When I open a newspaper > ads. When I open a magazine > ads. When I travel down the road > ads. Ads help make the world go round. They are utmost important in any society and/or economy. If societies don’t get educated on products via ads, then they don’t buy. If no one buys, nothing happens > A stagnated economy. Bottom line > Do you want to keep your job, and/or retirement funds/income, and/or business? > Ads.

Granted > Things are on by default, but users need to educate themselves as to configuration preferences. MS has tons of help sites and/or help files to do so.

Don’t like ads in certain apps, especially the Bing apps? > Don’t use the app or buy the Pro version.

Don’t like Bing in your search? Turn it off. (Don't forget other categories there)

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/27645-search-online-bing-turn-off-windows-8-1-a.html

View attachment 32352

You want control? Push the link just under the "Clear" button there: Your privacy and Microsoft personalized ads

Do you want total control? > Use local account in 8/8.1 and don't use the apps.

Do you want ultimate control? > Use some other OS.

No one is forcing anything onto anyone. If you’re concerned or anxious about the future of any OS > It’s not here yet and you’re not living in the present.

Good day and happy computering. :)
 
Last edited by a moderator:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1
Hi there.

It's not quite as simple as that -- with Newspaper ads etc you can simply ignore them or just turn the pages.

With a lot of Online you get stuff that forces you to watch an excruciatingly hideous video or listen to utter "Cacophony" - usually some type of so called "Music" which probably comes from a Factory testing the efficiency of Road Drills before you can proceed further with your work, or you get a whole blast of Gambling, Sexy Susie Ladies or a load of other stuff as popups which you have to close before you can continue.

(With the Sexy Ladies stuff I sometimes say - This is SEXUAL DISCRIMINATION -- what about those who want or LIKE MEN !! - far be it from me to comment on peoples sexual proclivities - ISL is still probably the free-est country on the planet as far as these matters are concerned - so long as Kids aren't involved - but those sites never reply !!!).

Google actually for all its faults isn't too bad - you can simply ignore the ads on the side panels. Other sites are horrendous these days.

Things like advertising hoardings, magazines or even TV etc aren't the problem (provided the whole environment isn't littered with them) - as you can continue driving or doing other things while the TV commercials are on and you are a PASSIVE participant. It's when you are FORCED to watch / listen to stuff or take ACTIVE actions BEFORE you can carry on working is where IMO the whole thing breaks down.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
You are correct, Jim, but I was mainly speaking of 8 and 8.1.

E.g. I installed Microsoft Solitaire Collection via the Store app. There are ads in it unless I want to buy the subscription at $10/yr USD. The ads are at the end of the app home screen which is not visible upon opening. I have to scroll all the way right to see it. After I pick and play one of the games, there is an ad when the stats of the game appear.

Another example is a dictionary app that I think to be quite handy for it snaps to the right of another Store app, desktop program such as an Office program, Notepad, browser, or whatever. I can highlight a word using Shift/Ctrl/arrow, Ctrl/C to copy, Alt/Tab to switch over to the dictionary app and it automatically looks up the word. (One can use a mouse or touch) I could use an online or native dictionary, but I find this a lot quicker and more convenient. There are ads in this app unless I want to buy it for a mere $3.00 USD of which I will do.

Let’s speak of incentive. Bing Offers is the name of their program. It’s been around awhile. I’ve been a MS customer/user for approximately 20-some years now. I’ve seen them grow along with a lot of companies. I will buy this app and other apps using the $50 gift card they bundled with my Nokia phad I just purchased via the MS online store. It also included a case. It was $37 less for the phad than what AT&T was offering on their site or B&M store, which was the device only. MS gave me incentive to purchase. If one notices, one will see that a lot of these Bing ads offer discounts. Discounts on an item that one may desire. One just might save some money. Is that such a bad thing?

In any of the free apps I have there are no ludicrous or sexual ads, popups, music, or what have you. Why? Because it’s a walled-gardened system like a lot of them are developing. One needs not cruise the net with a browser to see such ads. Personally I’d rather look at one that may save me money.

Then if I want to be productive I switch to my desktop never to see a Store app or ad if I so desire.

Call me brainwashed > Call me what you will, but I see no harm in being under an "umbrella" of a company. I do it with my insurance company, investments, food store, clothes, data carrier, cell provider, or what have you.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    8.1 Pro X64
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Acer T690
    CPU
    Intel Pentium D Dual Core
    Motherboard
    Acer/Intel E946GZ
    Memory
    2GB (max upgrade)
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 3000 - PCI Express x16
    Sound Card
    Integrated RealTek ALC888 high-definition audio with 7.1 channel audio support
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Acer AL1917W A LCD
    Screen Resolution
    1440 X 900
    Hard Drives
    350 GB Seagate Barracuda 7200.10
    Thumb drives
    PSU
    Standard 250 watt
    Case
    Desktop 7.2" (183mm) W x 17.5" (445mm) L x 14.5"
    Cooling
    Dual case fans + CPU fan
    Keyboard
    Acer Windows PS/2
    Mouse
    Wireless Microsoft Arc
    Internet Speed
    54mbp/s
    Browser
    IE11
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    Office Pro 2013 / Nokia Lumia 1520 Windows Phone 8.1DP GDR1

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8.1 Pro, Desktop Mode
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Me
    CPU
    AMD FX-8150
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-890GPA-UD3H
    Memory
    8.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 (9-9-9-28)
    Graphics Card(s)
    AMD Radeon HD 6570
    Sound Card
    Creative X-Fi Titanium
    Monitor(s) Displays
    PX2710MW
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080@60Hz
    Hard Drives
    1x1TB Western Digital WDC WD1001FALS-00J7B1 ATA Device Caviar Black -

    4 x 2TB Seagate ST32000542A -
    1 x 4TB Seagate External
    Case
    Antec
    Cooling
    Noctua NH-D14
    Keyboard
    Logitech Illuminated Keyboard K740
    Internet Speed
    60meg cable
    Browser
    Cyberfox
    Antivirus
    AVG Security Suite
Back
Top