Microsoft really wants you to use its software products as well as running Windows 10, and that includes the Edge browser. But it can't stop you choosing to use an alternative web browser. However, if you opt to use Chrome, then expect to start seeing adverts right on your Windows desktop.
As Myce reports, if you have Chrome installed and the icon present on the Windows Taskbar, chances are you're going to start seeing a pop-up advert appear (pictured above) suggesting you install Microsoft's Personal Shopping Assistant Chrome extension. Microsoft touts it as "Your smart shopping cart across the web."
Opting to install the extension results in Microsoft monitoring which products you've searched for and viewed while using Chrome, and then offering to compare those products to find the best price. There's also alerts when prices change, and the ability to track products across all your devices. Of course, Microsoft will make money if you opt to purchase any products using the Assistant.
Reviews of the extension, as you've probably guessed, are not great. Users refer to it as "spam" and "adware," and there's multiple calls for Microsoft to stop advertising it on Windows 10. "The assistant is poorly designed and implemented" and "Spammed by Microsoft to install. Doesn't really do much to assist in my shopping" sum up the kind of feedback Microsoft is generating.
Advertising within an operating system is a feature nobody asked for or wants. Ubuntu tried it and failed, Microsoft is trying it and clearly looks as though it will fail.
Windows 10 pop-ups should be reserved for important information about the OS, otherwise Microsoft risks users ignoring all of them thinking it's another advert.
Source: pcmag.com
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