Technology Microsoft patent could force downloaders to view commercials

[enouwee]

A new patent application filed by Microsoft describes methods for "enforcing" advertisements in downloaded media. Traditionally, ads accompany streaming content and, by extension, restrict that content to a browser. But technology that could bring ads to downloaded content would open up new opportunities for digital distribution services, advertisers, and consumers, and could give DRM a whole new leg to stand on.

Microsoft's patent application, titled Enforcing Advertising Playback For Downloaded Media Content, describes systems that are based both on tokens and DRM which would prohibit playing a media file unless its accompanying advertising is viewed. The technology is designed to prohibit fast-forwarding, editing, or otherwise circumventing the advertisements, though it is unclear exactly where the ads would be placed. Internet users have repeatedly announced their distaste for pre-roll ads in streaming content and video games, but users of NBC's Hulu service reportedly don't mind its TV-like interstitial ads.

Microsoft patent could force downloaders to view commercials

New digital distribution tech could offer content in exchange for watching a …

arstechnica.com

 

[DDRtists]

No. No. No.
Thats all I have to say.

This is pure stupid.

 

[ReVolver]

Why would Mr.Gates force us to see ads? It's not like he needs more money.

 

[Rheias]

> It's not like he needs more money.

Haha! Oh that was brilliant. Someone doesn't need more money? Everyone always need more money.

 

[Rapmaster]

It's not to make you watch ads for Microsoft. It's technology that Microsoft will license to other companies... like NBC for example.

With an ability to guarantee that their ads are being delivered, companies like NBC would be more likely to put their shows up on the web. You think they make all those TV shows just to entertain you? No it's to make you watch TV and commercials. TV is slowly dying so this is there new way to make money. I doubt MS if the only one working on this though.

 

[UnknowVector]

I don't see what they plan to change. Streaming stuff will stay the same. And I don't think stored stuff will switch around much either.

The method they settle on will be using that token to decrypt the "selected content" (what you want to see), that is after all, the only way to stop people from just using a different media player. People will still download media, they will still hit the mute button and alt+tab back to their Warcraft mapping, and they will still use cleaver app.s that grab that token so you never need to hear ads to decrypt that video again.

If mp3 players ever go wifi, then this may start to show, though, someone at Apple probably would have thought of this already for the iphone.

Another patent for Microsoft, I wonder if they will go after youtube with this one? :banghead:

 

[DM Cross]

No. No. No.
Thats all I have to say.

This is pure stupid.

Really? Because a lot of sites I've seen do this. And it's really not that bad.

I see your opinion as being very childish and simply reactive.

 

[esb]

It's annoying, very. Like the advertisements in "news" websites, in their videos.

All you would have to do is not watch them? Unless it's on EVERY single video in the internet, yeah that would be annoying-er.
EDIT:

IF the ads were a bit relevant to the random videos some of us watch, or as entertaining, and not too repetitive, then maybe it wouldn't be so much of a pain.

All they need to do is get creative with their advertisement, and THEN people might enjoy them somewhat.

 

[DDRtists]

Really? Because a lot of sites I've seen do this. And it's really not that bad.

I see your opinion as being very childish and simply reactive.

Sure, I'm a Beta Tester at Hulu.com and the ads are fine there, but I don't want to make it so EVERYTHING I watch one the internet has ads...

 

[The Helper]

Yes, but what about a viewer that just showed you commercials equal to what amount of time you watched videos. That would be the advantage of this type of thing rather than every service showing an add. You might get to watch a couple of vids before the next ad with this thing.

 

[Wiseman_2]

As esb said, if the ads were relevant to the video being viewed, then they might well prove very useful; bumping up viewing figures and widening the viewing range of the audience.

Personally I can't stand ads for things that are plain exploitative and the like, but I could stand it if they were at least relevant. And not in a google-ads kind of way (like those you see on cheap websites which almost always direct you to a very suspect link/infect your computer).

 

[DDRtists]

Yes, but what about a viewer that just showed you commercials equal to what amount of time you watched videos. That would be the advantage of this type of thing rather than every service showing an add. You might get to watch a couple of vids before the next ad with this thing.

Ah, yeah. I can't stand the sites that make you watch a stupid 20 second ad for a 15 second funny clip. xP

 

[enouwee]

As esb said, if the ads were relevant to the video being viewed, then they might well prove very useful

Hmmm... they can't have that many pr0n ads to offer

This patent is yet another example how DRM "enhances customer relationship with content". And it's yet another "feature" that pirate movies lack.

 

[Sooda]

I watch media only because of commercials. They should reverse the process and show media first. Who wants to see that boring media instead of exciting commercials ?

 

[konerboy]

I watch media only because of commercials. They should reverse the process and show media first. Who wants to see that boring media instead of exciting commercials ?

IMO that some ads are pretty, but they are kinda anoying if it's something that you absolutly don't need.

offtopic: how would Tokyo look like without ads

Spoiler