• Microsoft is tackling the Windows piracy problem by offering free upgrades to Windows 10 to non-genu
    44 replies, posted
[QUOTE](Reuters) - Microsoft Corp is making its biggest push into the heavily pirated Chinese consumer computing market this summer by offering free upgrades to Windows 10 to all Windows users, regardless of whether they are running genuine copies of the software. The move is an unprecedented attempt by Microsoft to get legitimate versions of its software onto machines of the hundreds of millions of Windows users in China. Recent studies show that three-quarters of all PC software is not properly licensed there. Terry Myerson, who runs Microsoft's operating systems unit, announced the plan at the WinHEC technology conference in Shenzhen, China. "We are upgrading all qualified PCs, genuine and non-genuine, to Windows 10," he said in a telephone interview with Reuters. The plan is to "re-engage" with the hundreds of millions of users of Windows in China, he said, without elaboration. Myerson said Windows 10 would be released globally sometime "this summer". That is the first time Microsoft has put a time frame on the release, although it has been expected in autumn, based on Microsoft's release history. Microsoft said in January it would offer free upgrades to Windows 10 for users of Windows 7 or later in an attempt to hold onto users and make up for lost revenue by selling services such as Office over the Internet. Microsoft is working with Lenovo Group Ltd, the world's biggest PC maker, to help roll out Windows 10 in China to current Windows users, Myerson said. It also is offering Windows 10 through security company Qihoo 360 Technology Co and Tencent Holdings Ltd, China's biggest social networking company, which will build a Windows 10 app that will work on smartphones and PCs for its popular QQ gaming and messaging service. QQ has more than 800 million users.[/QUOTE] [url]http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/18/us-microsoft-china-idUSKBN0ME06A20150318[/url] Don't think this is China only, think this is everywhere
God I can't wait for Windows 10
Nice of them, but i have a feeling its gonna be the home edition they are gonna give away and not the professional. Don't get me wrong, Yay for free stuff. I'm just sayin'.
[QUOTE=fruxodaily;47345835] Don't think this is China only, think this is everywhere[/QUOTE] [quote=http://blogs.windows.com/bloggingwindows/2015/03/17/windows-10-launching-this-summer-in-190-countries-and-111-languages/]Strategic partnerships with Lenovo, Tencent and Qihu 360 will help Windows 10 reach hundreds of millions of customers in China and spur adoption of Windows 10 worldwide.[/quote]
[QUOTE=Zero!;47345849]Nice of them, but i have a feeling its gonna be the home edition they are gonna give away and not the professional. Don't get me wrong, Yay for free stuff. I'm just sayin'.[/QUOTE] It'll probably be whatever edition you're currently running - why would they earmark pirated copies if they're gonna be treated like everyone else?
Eh, the whole non-genuine detection system they have is bullshit. I bought my desktop a few years back, it came with Windows and the whole shebang, and I've started to get pop-ups about my Windows copy not being genuine since last week, even though I put in the code that came with the CD when I first set it all up.
[QUOTE=Maximo13;47345953]Eh, the whole non-genuine detection system they have is bullshit. I bought my desktop a few years back, it came with Windows and the whole shebang, and I've started to get pop-ups about my Windows copy not being genuine since last week, even though I put in the code that came with the CD when I first set it all up.[/QUOTE] Have you reformatted it at all?
[QUOTE=Maximo13;47345953]Eh, the whole non-genuine detection system they have is bullshit. I bought my desktop a few years back, it came with Windows and the whole shebang, and I've started to get pop-ups about my Windows copy not being genuine since last week, even though I put in the code that came with the CD when I first set it all up.[/QUOTE] You never deactivated the code, so Microsoft will assume it's being installed on multiple computers. Just call their automatic authentication process, it takes like 5 minutes max.
[QUOTE=Bradyns;47345976]Have you reformatted it at all?[/QUOTE] I had to wipe everything and then reinstall once, didn't know it mattered. I just use the computer and google if I have any problems :v: [editline]18th March 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=GoDong-DK;47345983]You never deactivated the code, so Microsoft will assume it's being installed on multiple computers. Just call their automatic authentication process, it takes like 5 minutes max.[/QUOTE] Thanks for the info, you two!
They're reaaally pushing W10. Which to me suggest they're planning on using it mainly as a platform for selling you stuff and make their money back that way. I'll definitely wait for a good while after release to see what's up with that. Not exactly expecting microtransactions for reskinning your taskbar, but who knows with this drastically different approach to distributing Windows.
[QUOTE=Marik Bentusi;47346044]They're reaaally pushing W10. Which to me suggest they're planning on using it mainly as a platform for selling you stuff and make their money back that way. I'll definitely wait for a good while after release to see what's up with that. Not exactly expecting microtransactions for reskinning your taskbar, but who knows with this drastically different approach to distributing Windows.[/QUOTE] Apps probably?
The windows app store that's already in 8 and 8.1 [editline]18th March 2015[/editline] And to convince devs to come back to windows.
[QUOTE=Del91;47346099] And to convince devs to come back to windows.[/QUOTE] When did devs leave windows?
I might sound dumb but why even sell it for the entire first year if pretty much anyone can get a copy? I mean Windows 7 and 8 owners can upgrade to windows 10 for free. And now those who have nongenuine 7 and 8 owners can do the same, and get a valid copy. What would for example stop me from torrenting w7 for the sole purpose of getting a free w10 copy for the first year of w10? [sp]outside the part where my computer is shit of course[/sp]
[QUOTE=WaRRioRTF;47346207]I might sound dumb but why even sell it for the entire first year if pretty much anyone can get a copy? I mean Windows 7 and 8 owners can upgrade to windows 10 for free. And now those who have nongenuine 7 and 8 owners can do the same, and get a valid copy. What would for example stop me from torrenting w7 for the sole purpose of getting a free w10 copy for the first year of w10? [sp]outside the part where my computer is shit of course[/sp][/QUOTE] My guess is they're just trying to give people a sense of urgency "Upgrade now or you'll never get the upgrade for free!" - why would anyone, who did not upgrade in the first, free year, ever pay for the update? Doesn't really make sense. [editline]18th March 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=Marik Bentusi;47346044]They're reaaally pushing W10. Which to me suggest they're planning on using it mainly as a platform for selling you stuff and make their money back that way. I'll definitely wait for a good while after release to see what's up with that. Not exactly expecting microtransactions for reskinning your taskbar, but who knows with this drastically different approach to distributing Windows.[/QUOTE] They want to make their app store a viable platform basically. Microsoft weren't making [I]that[/I] much money off of upgrade licenses (which is why they sold them for $15 when 7 and 8 launched), they're mostly making money off of OEM licenses, and these will still cost the OEMs money. You have a whole year to upgrade so you can of course wait it out, but I would be more than seriously surprised if Microsoft started including DLC - they want a consistent platform that devs can target, feature fragmentation isn't going to help them.
Have there been any more word on the proposed subscription model? Cuz a sub model is a deal breaker for me.
[QUOTE=Dr. Evilcop;47346290]Have there been any more word on the proposed subscription model? Cuz a sub model is a deal breaker for me.[/QUOTE] There are people still believing this :v:
[QUOTE=Scratch.;47346363]There are people still believing this :v:[/QUOTE] Didn't say I believed it, I was just asking if there was any more information available, as I (obviously) haven't followed it very closely. Cool yer jets.
Wonder how much it'll cost for the people that can't get it for free one way or the other
Probably the best way to stop pirates because they say they've got a pirated version and prove that it is and then they send the police around. I don't see this working out well for anyone.
i'm really happy about this i will not elaborate on why
[QUOTE=Passing;47346531]Probably the best way to stop pirates because they say they've got a pirated version and prove that it is and then they send the police around. I don't see this working out well for anyone.[/QUOTE] entrapment is probably not to microsoft's advantage [editline]18th March 2015[/editline] [QUOTE=DoF;47346670]i'm really happy about this i will not elaborate on why[/QUOTE] you don't live in china :gasp:
I'm sorry, but everytime I read/hear anything coming from Microsoft, a resounding "BUT..." hits my brain. There must be a catch in all of this "windows piracy tackling" resolve, I don't "buy it" :dance:
Apple did this with iWork a couple years ago, if you had the apps on your mac in any form you got the new version legitimately ror free. It was awesome.
[QUOTE=Maximo13;47345953]Eh, the whole non-genuine detection system they have is bullshit. I bought my desktop a few years back, it came with Windows and the whole shebang, and I've started to get pop-ups about my Windows copy not being genuine since last week, even though I put in the code that came with the CD when I first set it all up.[/QUOTE] Windows Genuine Advantage needs to go the way of its Office counterpart: it needs to die.
They make it basically free and I still have no desire to upgrade. :v:
Call me paranoid but this move is very unlike Microsoft. Wouldn't be surprised if this free update came with a bunch of free spyware and an updated NSA backdoor. Doesn't help that they're targeting this release to Chinese consumers.
Man, Microsoft is really trying to get [i]everyone[/i] to upgrade to 10. Good for them; the more people on it, the wider the standard is adopted. They really [i]have[/i] been making a lot of "good guy" moves lately; it's a pretty heartwarming sight. [QUOTE=DoF;47346670]i'm really happy about this i will not elaborate on why[/QUOTE] Out of curiosity, does it have anything to do with why you're posting from a Wii or Wii U at the moment, or that just because you're chilling on a couch or something?
[QUOTE=reedbo;47347338]Call me paranoid but this move is very unlike Microsoft. Wouldn't be surprised if this free update came with a bunch of free spyware and an updated NSA backdoor. Doesn't help that they're targeting this release to Chinese consumers.[/QUOTE] They're targeting this release to the Chinese because most of them still use XP Chinese consumers have clearly displayed they aren't paying for windows, the only way for them to get on the same level of support as other people in other countries is to hand it out for free and + that's some dumb shit stuff about NSA backdoors, why in the living name of fuck would they do that
[QUOTE=reedbo;47347338]Call me paranoid but this move is very unlike Microsoft. Wouldn't be surprised if this free update came with a bunch of free spyware and an updated NSA backdoor. Doesn't help that they're targeting this release to Chinese consumers.[/QUOTE] I think MS just really really wants us all to have W10, just so they can say 'SEE? We can still make good OS... W8 was just an accidental thing'
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