advertising strategy Archives

AppWizard

December 1, 2025

OpenAI Tests Ads in ChatGPT Android Beta, Sparking Privacy Fears

OpenAI is testing advertising features in the beta version of the ChatGPT Android app, indicating a shift towards monetization to diversify revenue streams amid rising operational costs. Leaked code suggests features like “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel,” which could integrate ads alongside user interactions. Speculation points to a potential ad rollout as early as 2026. OpenAI has recently hired advertising engineers to support this initiative, which aims to utilize user data from billions of daily prompts for targeted advertising. Concerns about privacy and user trust have emerged, with users worried about the monetization of personal conversations. The advertising strategy positions OpenAI against competitors like Google and Meta, who already monetize through ads. The introduction of shopping research features in ChatGPT may enhance commerce integrations with sponsored recommendations. User reactions have been mixed, with some expressing excitement over new opportunities while others feel betrayed by the potential commercialization of personal data.

Winsage

November 16, 2025

New Windows 11 Copilot ad accidentally shows AI fumbling a basic text size setting

Microsoft's Copilot experienced a mishap during a promotional campaign with Tech YouTuber Judner Aura, where it incorrectly guided him to the Display settings instead of the Accessibility settings for adjusting text size. Copilot also recommended a text size percentage that was already selected, leading Judner to choose a higher percentage. The video simplified the demonstration, omitting details about enabling Copilot Vision and selecting the app screen. Windows social media accounts are heavily promoting Copilot, but users have expressed dissatisfaction with the AI's integration into Windows, raising concerns about its effectiveness. Despite these issues, the recent Windows 11 November 2025 update introduced enhancements like a customizable Start menu and improved gaming performance.

AppWizard

November 15, 2025

A stylish new action RPG is making big waves on Steam, but its ‘AI chatbot’ NPCs have players howling in the wrong ways

Where Winds Meet, a martial arts RPG, received ten million pre-registrations and launched on Steam, attracting hundreds of thousands of players. Initially released in China at the end of 2024, it features a 10th-century China setting with 20 square kilometers of terrain. The game has faced mixed reviews due to AI chatbot NPCs that some players feel disrupt immersion. Its Steam rating fell to 'mixed' at launch but improved to 'mostly positive' as players appreciated the visuals and combat. Discussions on social media highlight both enjoyment and disappointment regarding the AI interactions, with players sharing humorous experiences. The game's use of AI reflects a broader trend in the industry, raising concerns about the impact on human creativity in game design.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

I’m so tired of being advertised at, man

The digital landscape is saturated with advertisements, infiltrating various platforms such as e-readers, televisions, and music streaming services. This saturation has led to a focus on advertising over product quality, diverting resources from enhancing user experience to creating compelling promotions. While some alternatives like indie games and physical books still prioritize user satisfaction, they are becoming rarer. The aggressive advertising strategy aims to maximize revenue through volume, raising concerns about sustainability and the impact on consumer attention. The current trajectory suggests a need to reconsider the relationship between advertising and media consumption.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp Set to Introduce Ads in Select Sections of Messaging App

WhatsApp will soon introduce advertisements within the app, specifically in the Updates tab, as part of Meta Platforms' strategy to monetize its 1.5 billion daily users. The company assures that user privacy will be maintained, as ads will not affect private chats and personal messages remain end-to-end encrypted. This change marks a departure from WhatsApp's original promise to remain ad-free when it was launched in 2009. Ad targeting will be based on limited user information such as age, location, and language, without using personal messages or calls. Additionally, WhatsApp will allow channels to charge subscription fees for exclusive content and enable business owners to pay for increased visibility.

AppWizard

June 17, 2025

WhatsApp to start showing ads to users in some parts of the messaging app

WhatsApp will soon introduce ads in the Updates tab of the app, while ensuring that personal messaging experiences remain unchanged and free from advertisements. The ads will be targeted based on user attributes such as age, location, and language, but will not utilize personal messages or calls for targeting. Additionally, WhatsApp has launched two monetization features: Channels, allowing creators to charge subscription fees for exclusive updates, and promotional services for business owners to enhance channel visibility.

Winsage

September 20, 2024

Windows 11’s new ‘Recommendations & Offers’ page might give you more say over what ads you see, but probably not enough to make you happy

Microsoft is updating the Settings app in Windows 11 to include a new page called 'Recommendations & Offers,' replacing the previous 'General' section under 'Privacy & security.' The update clarifies descriptions for managing ads and recommendations and includes a relocated and rebranded option called 'Personalized offers,' which allows users to toggle personalized tips, ads, and recommendations on or off. The feature is still in the rollout phase and may be integrated with the upcoming Windows 11 24H2 update. This change aims to improve user control over advertising preferences, although it does not indicate a reduction in Microsoft's overall advertising strategy within the operating system.

Winsage

August 15, 2024

Microsoft ‘temporarily’ pumps the brakes on its intrusive Windows 11 ads after receiving constant backlash from Windows 10 users

Microsoft has scaled back its aggressive advertising strategy aimed at encouraging users to transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11 in response to user feedback about intrusive ads. The company has not confirmed if this change is permanent but will share a new timeline in the coming months. Windows 10's market share has reached 30%, influenced by the upcoming end-of-support date and the introduction of Copilot+ PCs. Windows 11 has also gained market share, recently hitting 30%, despite facing challenges such as stringent system requirements and design flaws. Microsoft has introduced new AI features in the 24H2 release, but these are limited to users with Copilot+ PCs. An extended security update program will be offered for Windows 10 users after the end-of-support date on October 14, 2025. Microsoft has created a dedicated webpage to remind users of Windows 10's phase-out and guide them in purchasing new laptops that meet updated requirements.