10.25.08
Fade to Black - Microsoft’s Latest “Antics”
As reported by Ars Technica:
Those who are using pirated versions of Windows—particularly those in China—are getting riled up over Microsoft’s latest tactic to “encourage” them to purchase legit copies. The software giant recently began issuing an update that changes users’ desktop backgrounds to a black wallpaper with a reminder to switch to a legal copy of Windows as part of the Windows Office Genuine Advantage program. Now, Chinese users in particular are getting up in arms over the tactic, saying that Microsoft is violating their rights and isn’t thinking of its users.
How dare they!
It’s worth pointing out that the update wasn’t just issued in China—it was released to XP users across the globe who have opted to allow Internet updates from Microsoft. However, Microsoft says that there has been little outcry in other parts of the world, with Chinese users apparently alone in their angst. And angsty they are. “Why is Microsoft automatically connected with my computer? The computer is mine!” one commenter wrote on Sina.com
So let me get this straight. Users are upset because their stolen unpaid for copy of Windows is reminding them that their copy is not legit, because they downloaded the latest Microsoft Genuine Advantage update, which is completely voluntary. I am confused. Why didn’t they listen to the guy at Hailong that told them to turn off the automatic updates.
A few other sections in the article caught my attention:
Still, upsetting what could potentially be Microsoft’s largest software market could turn out to be a bad move…
it could add to Microsoft’s troubles in monetizing a huge market with a proven appetite for its software.
A proven appetite indeed, but for fake unpaid for software. Let’s do the math. Let’s say a half of Microsoft in China users now get a black screen on their computer, and of those a quarter decide to switch to another operating system. Microsoft’s net loss would be: 50% x 25% x 0$ = 0$ .
China may decide it’s fed up with Microsoft’s antics and either try and build its own software solution or make a serious investment in other, open source options, practical or not.
Good luck!
China has “successfully” explored this path before: WAPI instead of WiFI, their own version of RFID, TD-SCDMA their own 3G standard. Why would someone pay for such a software solution when they can get free copies of Windows?
But the worst part is that, after the very first time I am actually on Microsoft’s side, they go on and do this:
Share ThisMicrosoft, of course, has already begun to do damage control on Chinese users’ reactions to the blackouts. “We are extremely grateful for our users’ attention. At the same time, we believe there are numerous misunderstandings about the Windows Office Genuine Advantage program,”Microsoft wrote in an open letter to its Chinese users, published on Sina.com