Microsoft is pumping the breaks on the overabundant use of the notification tray in Android to peddle its Office wares ads.
In the lead up to snagging 300 million active Windows 10 users, Microsoft has been under fire for utilizing some arguably user-unfriendly tactics that included overly complicated opt-out procedures and insistent pop-up notifications for upgrades.
However, with over 300 million active users finally making use of Windows 10, in some form or another in under a year, some would be hard-pressed not to say their tactics were unsuccessful. If pushing Windows 10 upgrades on Windows-enabled devices was considered bothersome by users, pushing Office ads on Android devices is being seen as bridging next level annoyance for some.
According to betanews, Microsoft is responding to user complaints of Office ad spam in their notification trays by removing them. While most are either indifferent to the practice or have yet to experience it, those who have, are making themselves readily apparent to Microsoft.
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?” -Thom OSnews.
Beyond, the colorful description by Thom, it appears that not only were Microsoft’s Office ads on Android intrusive and annoying, they are also remnants of an ill-conceived shotgun approach to gaining notification real estate. Fortunately, Microsoft had this to offer:
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 action to turn off these notifications. This update will be reflected in the coming days.”
While not an outright admission of guilt or responsibility by the company, Microsoft will hopefully make good on its intentions to reduce notification clutter. Hopefully, the outcry that is the Windows 10 upgrade fiasco will help Microsoft tailor its marketing.