Microsoft uses its Bing engine to serve search results from inside Windows 8.1. Those results came from inside a person"s PC, from their SkyDrive account or from the Internet. As it turns out, the Bing engine in Windows 8.1 will also serve up something that some people might not care for: ads.
In a post on the Bing Ads blog, Microsoft says that ads will be an "integral part" of the search features in Windows 8.1 when the final version of the OS update is released later this year. Microsoft says:
Now, with a single campaign setup, advertisers can connect with consumers across Bing, Yahoo! and the new Windows Search with highly relevant ads for their search queries. In addition, Bing Ads will include web previews of websites and the latest features like site links, location and call extensions, making it easier for consumers to complete tasks and for advertisers to drive qualified leads.
Microsoft already puts in banner ads inside many of its in-house Windows 8 apps and allows third party app developers to do the same. The blog states that with this new ad feature inside the search functions of Windows 8.1, it will offer benefits for companies who are looking for easier ways to present their products to the public. The blog also says that it will also provide "the best consumer experience with the most relevant results."
The blog does not mention anything about if Windows 8.1 users can choose to opt out of seeing ads when searching inside Windows 8.1.
Source: Microsoft | Image via Microsoft