MSN 7 is a lot more commercial - advertising theme packs

Posted on Thursday, April 07 2005 @ 18:52 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
In order to increase its advertising income Microsoft will make free "theme packs" for MSN Messenger 7 available to its users. The theme packs will include backgrounds, emoticons and graphics built around a certain advertising campaign. Besides these sponsored packs Microsoft will also make make a few free normal theme packs available as well as paid packs.
The world's largest software maker is launching the program with ad campaigns from sportswear maker Adidas and soft drink producer Sprite. Blake Irving, a corporate vice president with Microsoft's MSN online unit, said Microsoft hopes to attract users who are so taken by the advertising campaigns that they choose to associate themselves with the brand — much like a person might wear a Nike T-shirt or buy a Starbucks coffee mug.
Microsoft will also allow businesses to advertise to users of a certain age or gender, or who live in a specific area. MSN Messenger 7 will also feature text ads at the bottom of each instant messaging screen.

We also have a mirror for a tool that allows users to hide the advertising banners and to open multiple MSN clients. More info at USA Today


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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Re: MSN 7 is a lot more commercial - advertising theme packs
by Anonymous on Thursday, April 07 2005 @ 19:46 CEST
Another option would be to use Trillian, a multi-protocol and in my opinion superior IM client. No advertisments there, and you can open as many clients as you want.