February 24, 2023
Microsoft is allegedly injecting full-size advertisements into Chrome webpages in order to entice users to switch to its Edge browser. According to user reports, Microsoft is promoting its Edge browser via Google Chrome pop-ups with the message “Make the most of now with the new Microsoft Edge,” followed by a large “Get started” button.
The ads appear when users attempt to download Google Chrome, and while websites frequently promote their own services, the fact that Microsoft is doing so through Chrome’s own interface has sparked criticism. Some users have complained about the tactic, calling it invasive and pushy, while others have accused Microsoft of exploiting its dominant market position to promote Edge.
To discourage Windows users from switching, Microsoft began displaying two ads in the browser when they attempt to install Chrome using the Edge Canary version. The first ad (a tiny one) appears on the screen when the Chrome website loads, and the second ad (a massive full-size banner) appears once the download begins.
Microsoft even goes on to play a game of words by displaying a banner that reads, “Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.”
The ad is no longer visible in Edge Canary, Dev, or Stable. When users try to download Chrome, only the Beta version displays the banner.
The sources for this piece include an article in Neowin.
