Microsoft agrees to adverts in Windows 7

Latest operating system can be added with product-spliced OS themes
Microsoft has given the go-ahead for companies to advertise their goods on Windows 7.
Now available on an official Windows 7 download page is a selection of OS themes that are laced with adverts for companies such as Coca-Cola, Ferrari, 7Up and Ducati.
These themes can colour their brands across the Windows 7 task-bar, start screen, system tray and so on. These downloads are optional for users and entirely free.
The themes have been applauded by participating brand owners, which are always seeking to expand their presence in an increasingly diverse number of ways.
Signalling the opportunistic nature of the OS ad spaces, one such Windows 7 theme is based around the upcoming film Avatar. If the adverts are deemed successful, more movie themes are inevitable.

Microsoft, which has made deals with the likes of Pepsi and Twentieth Century Fox for the OS themes, has not yet stated how much it receives for publishing the advert-covered themes.
The company signalled that the advert themes are currently part of a pilot scheme that will run for twelve months until a decision is made on the sustainability of ad-supported themes.

http://www.pcr-online.biz/news/32729...s-in-Windows-7