14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has just announced a new type of ad for Windows 10 systems, but this time, it’s not entirely as bad as it sounds.
While it appears that Windows 10 adopters are getting used to seeing ads across the operating system after the Start menu “recommendations” and the File Explorer sagas, this time Microsoft is targeting app developers with a new type of ad which it says can provide a better experience to the user.
It’s called playable ad and you’re probably familiar with it because it already exists on rival platforms such as Android and iOS.
This new ad format is available in limited series for the time being, but Microsoft undoubtedly wants to make it available for all developers who want to include it in their apps that are published in the Windows Store.
Playable ads
The description provided by Microsoft for these playable ads says pretty much about them, so here it is:
“Playable Ads are a completely new way for end users to interact with ads and apps. With this capability, end users never leave the current app. The ad click will result in inline expandable app streaming: for three minutes, the user can interact with the app as if it’s already installed on his/her device. This gives the user time to decide if he or she wants to install the app. At the end of the streaming session, users can click on a link to install the app if the app experience met expectations.”
Unfortunately, as compared to the other ads that you see in the operating system, these playable ads cannot be blocked because they’re integrated at an app level and it’s the developer’s decision to show them.
On the other hand, it’s also a way to monetize great apps, though we all know how frustrating it is to be spammed with ads all day long.
It’s worth knowing that Windows 10 adopters who don’t use Store apps won’t see any playable ads, but on the other hand, there’s a good chance they’ll come across different ones in the operating system if Microsoft sticks with this aggressive approach.