You know, when I started this blog, I really was intending to blog about things other than Microsoft, and how they're being such incredible jerks about everything surrounding their new OS. Hell, there was a moment when I was even looking forward to Windows 10; when my planned summer project was switching to MS's new OS, and not turning my Windows 7 rig into a dual-boot Linux/SteamOS system.
But that was then, and in the now, the hits just keep coming:
Microsoft is planning to put even more ads inside Windows 10’s Start menu in its upcoming Anniversary Update. There won’t just be an extra one or two; the software giant plants to double the current number from five to ten.
Start menu ads are typically promoted tiles for apps and games available from the Windows Store, and according to The Verge, they mostly appear on new PCs to encourage new users to check out the titles available in the Store.
[...]
Microsoft confirmed it was doubling the number of ads at the WinHEC conference, where it also announced fingerprint scanner support is coming to Windows 10 Mobile. The company did not provide a reason for the move, but it’s likely to boost Windows Store downloads.Of course it's to boost Windows Store downloads. Windows Store is a major focus of Windows 10's Universal Windows Platform, after all. Apparently, nothing else matters, including users' privacy, or their continued trust and good will. We will upgrade whether we like it or not, and we will download from the Windows Store after "upgrading," because UWP will ensure that we don't have any other options. At least, that seems to be Microsoft's plan.
It seems to me like it's just about time for Microsoft to face another antitrust action, and maybe more EU regulatory action, also.