Comments on: Microsoft To Launch In-Car Advertising

By: Robert Farago

Robert Farago — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 21:35:44 +0000

After Ford PR provided new information, we have removed the word “Ford” from this story. We’ve changed the headline from:

Microsoft To Launch Sync-based In-Car Advertising

to:

Microsoft To Launch In-Car Advertising

and the first sentence from:

C/Net reports that it all starts innocuously enough: upgraded Sync-based navigation systems with live, local updates.

to:

C/Net reports that it all starts innocuously enough: upgraded navigation systems with live, local updates.

For a full explanation, please see our correction here.

By: blautens

blautens — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 14:18:35 +0000

If you actually read the article, the imagined ads are in lieu of paying a subscription fee for services such as traffic updates/navigation/Internet access. So for free connectivity, you would see ads on the nav screen – pay and they go away.

And it’s all quite vaporware, as this imaginary scenario is for a car capable of connecting to some OTA network, which does not exist, and this version of Sync is not capable of connecting to even if said network did exist.

Our current version of Sync still offers tremendous function and value for a very low price, and is not in danger of being a conduit for advertisement.

By: raast

raast — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:59:31 +0000

Good grief! I troubleshoot Microsoft products for a living. Keep the stuff outta my car – if you put it in there, I don’t want it. It will bring a whole new meaning to “drive-by exploit”.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 06:13:07 +0000

OK, I admit I happen to be susceptible to advertising for innovative new beef- and cheese-based fast food products. I’m the victim here. If this in-car advertising happens, it’ll not only be annoying but I’ll soon weigh 400 lbs.

By: mel23

mel23 — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 01:01:20 +0000

I’d like to see the agreement Ford signed with MS to allow this. I can’t believe Ford got into this knowingly or was so careless to sign on for something that allows it. A big screwup either way.

By: UnclePete

UnclePete — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 23:04:00 +0000

I’ve spent a lot of time getting Billy Boy’s stuff out of the house, only to have it end up in the car? Not happening. I would never, ever buy a car with that sort of crud in it. I’ll stick with the analog input to the radio to connect my iPod and my Garmin if I need directions somewhere.

By: Gardiner Westbound

Gardiner Westbound — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 22:08:47 +0000

What next, a Window Genuine Advantage scan before the car starts? Ford is shooting itself in the foot marrying up with Microsoft.

By: cRaCk hEaD aLLeY

cRaCk hEaD aLLeY — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 21:47:27 +0000

DUAL BOOT. LINUX. MOZILLA. ADBLOCKER.

By: hltguy

hltguy — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:57:17 +0000

NickNick: Perfect analogy. I saw the TV at Graceland that Elvis blew out when Goulet was singing, priceless!
I am beginning to miss the one speaker AM radio days and paper folding maps

By: serpico

serpico — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:35:51 +0000

I can’t believe this crap! Advertising in the car? I thought the issue was less distractions in the car not more. OMG. If a new owner is already paying for the feature when buying the car isn’t that enough?!

By: mextup

mextup — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:34:10 +0000

This is absolutely disgusting.

We find advertising everywhere. On the street, in our movies, in our children’s books! Now we get to find them in the car? Will it ever go away? Where are the ethics involved in this? The morale?

And second. This only makes the navigation system more distracting. Don’t get wrong, I think that this is a great feature and the convenience is excellent. But throwing advertising in there is only going to cause us to watch it more, while we will be even less focused on the road.

Microsoft. Stop trying to take over the world.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:15:43 +0000

LOL! guyincognito wins.

By: guyincognito

guyincognito — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:13:11 +0000

I, for one, can’t wait for my car to guide me to my nearest penis enhancement resource.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:30:12 +0000

lewissalem wrote:
I’m not so sure people will accept this. The browser pop-up died a few years back because of consumer revolt. I’m more concerned with the inevitable security risks. Will Microsoft run the software on the same network that controls my cruise control? Talk about one hell of a virus.

Now that I think about it, it would be pretty useful to write a virus that would allow me to control other drivers’ cars. Definitely would be handy for those left-lane speed enforcers.

By: lewissalem

lewissalem — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 18:09:29 +0000

I’m not so sure people will accept this. The browser pop-up died a few years back because of consumer revolt. I’m more concerned with the inevitable security risks. Will Microsoft run the software on the same network that controls my cruise control? Talk about one hell of a virus.

By: BuckD

BuckD — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:58:42 +0000

You know, I was just thinking the other day, “I need more exposure to advertising. And the interior of my car could really use a little sprucing up with the occasional pop-up ad.” Thanks Microsoft, and thank you, too Ford!

By: Edward Niedermeyer

Edward Niedermeyer — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:52:39 +0000

Here’s what I’m looking forward to:

1- The lawsuits. Oh sweet Jesus will there be some lawsuits over this when someone mows down the patio section of a Starbucks while trying to load their free Paul McCartney mp3.

2- The 2001: Space Odyssey scenarios suggested earlier… specifically killing a fugly new Focus while it pathetically sings “A Bicycle Built For Two.”

3- Searching for special offers from wrecking yards. “Can’t let you do that Dave,” etc.

4- When they decide to project advertisements directly onto you windshield. Further carnage/lawsuits ensue.

By: yankinwaoz

yankinwaoz — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:46:28 +0000

You know how some new PCs are pre-loaded with all sort of demo products and other crap? (Looking at you HP). Then you have to spend 2 days trying to clean it up so you have a system you can work with? Perhaps the future of new cars is not far behind? Think about it… the trunk comes pre-packed with all sorts of product demos. The Nav system is packed with ads. You have to listen to a 30 second ad on the radio before the motor will start. Etc, Etc.

By: Rick

Rick — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:33:35 +0000

What’s next? A gas cap that won’t open unless you’re at a Shell station or something?

“I’m sorry Dave. I’m afraid I don’t like Sunoco.”

By: Mervich

Mervich — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:32:38 +0000

With Microsoft’s horrifying track record of huge security holes, this should prove interesting when hackers can manipulate/crash your nav system and/or have access to your bluetooth phone (and other devices) through the Sync system. This sounds like a similar scheme that Microsoft built into Windows Messenger to enable them to run pop-up ads on your computer desktop which gave nearly every hacker out there free access to your pc…a security disaster.

By: BabyM

BabyM — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:31:48 +0000

SCENE: Interior of a Ford Focus, being driven down a residential street by a man. A woman is in the passenger seat.

DRIVER: (touching a button on the steering wheel) Play – artist – The Strokes.

CAR: I’m afraid I can’t do that, Dave.

DRIVER: (irritated) Play! – artist! – The Strokes!

CAR: I’m not going to do that, Dave. I can’t allow you to jeopardize the mission.

PASSENGER: Honey, let me. (To car.) Gort! Klaatu barada nictoe!

(The car shudders to a halt, engine stopped, electrical system shut down.)

By: NICKNICK

NICKNICK — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:25:38 +0000

Elvis : TV playing Robert Goulet :: NICKNICK : Sync w/Ads

By: Jonny Lieberman

Jonny Lieberman — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:19:37 +0000

BlueBrat:

Just wait until your car starts arguing with you — it’s coming.

By: BlueBrat

BlueBrat — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 17:16:14 +0000

Oh for fuck’s sake this is complete bullshit. Sorry for the strong words but I do not want advertising IN my car. It’s bad enough with the billboards already and the on-radio adverts, but this? Christ.

By: blautens

blautens — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 16:45:29 +0000

As a big proponent of Sync, I’m horrified. As a Microsoft shareholder, I’m thrilled.

Oh, the inner turmoil…