Microsoft has recently made headlines with the announcement that they are testing ads within the Start menu on their latest operating system, Windows 11. The tech giant revealed that these ads will be featured in the Recommended section of the Start menu, which is typically reserved for file recommendations.
These ads will suggest apps from the Microsoft Store to users, with the goal of promoting app discovery and driving downloads. However, it has been clarified that this feature will only be available for Windows Insiders in the Beta Channel in the US initially and will not apply to commercial devices.
To address concerns about the intrusiveness of these ads, Microsoft has assured users that they will have the option to disable these app promotions in the Settings section of Windows 11. The company is also actively seeking feedback on these changes and has stated that they may decide to remove the ads based on user response.
This move by Microsoft is not entirely surprising, as the company has a history of experimenting with ads in their operating systems. In fact, there was a previous test of ads in File Explorer in Windows 11. Ads are already present on the lock screen and in the Start menu in Windows 10, so their appearance in Windows 11 was somewhat expected.
Overall, this development has sparked mixed reactions from users, with some expressing concerns about privacy and others viewing it as a potential avenue for app discovery. As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Microsoft navigates the delicate balance between monetization and user experience in their operating systems. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving story on World News Live.
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