Microsoft WordPad might soon display ads for Office web apps

[Matrix]

It could be the first noticeable update for Microsoft's good ol' word processor in years

 

 

 

In a nutshell: A recent discovery in an Insider Preview of Windows 10 has revealed that Microsoft is experimenting with ads in its WordPad app in a bid to encourage users to try out the web versions of its Office productivity apps.

The humble WordPad is one of the oldest applications to ship with Windows and remains a simple yet effective word processor for basic needs. Although its feature set is unlikely to grow in the future, Microsoft seems to be testing an update for the app that displays ads for the company's Office web apps.

 

According to Rafael Rivera, a Windows researcher, the company is experimenting with six variants of the ad, which appear below the toolbar, asking users to try out one of the free online versions of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

 

It remains to be seen if (and when) Microsoft pushes this change as part of a Windows 10 update. As of now, the public reaction is divided, with some people seeing little harm done in Microsoft suggesting a free and better alternative to WordPad.

 

Others, however, consider it an invasive move from the company that's trying to convince users to switch products by pushing ads into free software. There's also a third category that's still trying to remember the last time they used WordPad.

 

Nevertheless, Rivera says that the change is "probably designed to increase some KPI, like monthly user engagement. Or new signups," giving Microsoft a better idea of its Windows 10 userbase that still relies on WordPad for their productivity needs.

 

Source

[steven36]

It may or may not happen because  of negative  feedback. it will be a shame if it does  that a company that is worth around a  trillion dollars  from selling subscriptions and licenses   have to  keep sinking so low as putting more ads in there OS .  They going to keep on tell they run what few consumers they have left  off Windows . Last time i used Windows 10 i was having to turn off ads all over the place and remove ad infested  Windows 10 apps like candy crush and why do it come with a Facebook app ?  If you want that it should be optional no need for Windows 10 to be calling home to Facebook  when you don't even use it!