Microsoft promises to stop spamming Android Notification Tray with app ads

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The new Microsoft is pretty aggressive at promoting their properties and services, be it from Windows 10 using the GWX.exe app on Windows 7, to the Start menu app ads in Windows 10 to now the latest, ads for their Office apps in the Android notification centre.

The ads were noticed by Thom on OSNews who writes:

I have a few questions. First, why is Microsoft sending me an advertisement in my notification tray? Second, why is Word sending me an advertisement for Excel? Third, why is this allowed by Google, even though the Play Store rules prohibit it? Fourth A, why is Microsoft sending me advertisements for products I already have installed? Fourth B, why is Microsoft sending me advertisements for products I already use? Fourth C, why is Microsoft sending me advertisements for products I already pay for because I have an Office 365 subscription? Fifth, who in their right mind at Microsoft thought this was not a 100%, utterly, completely, deeply, ridiculously, unequivocally, endlessly, exquisitely invasive, stupid, aggravating, off-putting, infuriating, and pointless thing to do?

Abusing the notification centre like this is of course against the rules, and Microsoft has now responded by saying they will halt the practice, saying in a comment:

Microsoft is deeply committed to ensuring that we maintain the best possible experience for our customers in addition to complying with all applicable policies. We have taken the action to turn off these notifications. This update will be reflected in the coming days.

Now if only Microsoft was as respectful of the wishes of their Windows 7 users…

More about the topics: android, microsoft, office

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