When Microsoft first started talking about making the Windows user interface more like the XBox 360 UI, I wondered if that also meant we would be seeing advertising in Windows 8. I was both surprised and relieved to see that the Windows 8 Start screen was not filled with ads, which alas cannot be said of the XBox 360 UI.

Well, that relief was short-lived. It was recently announced by Microsoft that the search function built into Windows will display advertising, starting with the Windows 8.1 update. As you read the announcement, marvel at the way advertising will “mak[e] it easier for consumers to complete tasks.” Nice try.