Microsoft opens up Windows 7 to advertisers

 

Redmond sells desktop branding experience.

Microsoft has taken the unprecedented step of allowing marketers to re-brand its new Windows 7 operating system.

Redmond announced yesterday new “Windows 7 theme experiences” which are currently being trialled by a handful of big name brands, including Ducati, Porsche and Twentieth Century Fox.

The Windows Theme Experience includes Internet Explorer 8 add-ons, Windows 7 and Windows Vista Web-connected gadgets, Windows 7 backgrounds and borders, and operating system audio elements, all designed to help advertisers better connect with consumers.

The Windows Personalisation Gallery, meanwhile, gives advertisers the opportunity to use backgrounds, slide shows, borders and application audio elements to push their brands via the desktop experience.

“The new Windows Theme Experience and Windows Personalisation Gallery in Windows 7 allow consumers to customise their technology to reflect the things in life they are most passionate about,” said Darren Huston, corporate vice president of the Consumer & Online organisation at Microsoft.

“These are great examples of Microsoft innovation and technology coming together to enable top global brands to reach audiences in new and interesting ways.”

Although the move may strike some observers as a strange one for Microsoft, which has never sold desktop space before in this way, it clearly shows the firm seeking to boost income from areas hitherto untapped.

The themes can be downloaded from the Personalisation Gallery, although they are being promoted on an opt-in basis.

Copyright ©v3.co.uk


Microsoft opens up Windows 7 to advertisers
"It is Opt-In anyway, they aren't pushing this stuff out to users. They are only theme packs, no different than downloading something similar off the web."
By BigUnit
 
 
 
Comments: 6
Bob
Nov 16, 2009 9:32 AM
Micro$oft seem to be using "advertiser" and "user" to mean the same thing. I don't expect to pay to receive advertising. A computer is a tool I use to do work. Sounds like a real boost to Apple, not that they need one.
MerariSchroeder
Nov 16, 2009 10:01 AM
Actually, this feature makes sense. I've been to countless onsite PC repair jobs where customers have customised their desktop. People are often passionate about something, whether it be Ferrari or The Sopranos, etc..
john120
Nov 16, 2009 12:54 PM
Great idea wouldn’t mind having a look at this

On a side note this article does not mention apple at all so bob can you stop trolling please

Thanks
rycrozier
Nov 16, 2009 3:44 PM
@Bob - it might be a boost if Apple weren't rumoured to be looking at their OS along similar lines: http://theappleblog.com/2009/10/22/a-patent-nightmares-are-made-of-os-x-with-ads/
deonast
Nov 16, 2009 4:57 PM
Damn I thought from the heading we might see a subsidised version of windows through advertising but seems not. I think windows 7 is a little too pricey to buy retail or an upgrade edition. Especially compared to US pricing for Australian customers.
Oh well I'll continue with XP until I need to upgrade hardware and go for an OEM edition.
BigUnit
Nov 20, 2009 6:46 PM
It is Opt-In anyway, they aren't pushing this stuff out to users. They are only theme packs, no different than downloading something similar off the web.
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