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What sort of message does that send.
Microsoft gives up on charging for Windows in China - TechRepublicCall it amnesty. Call it common sense. Call it whatever you want, but Microsoft's decision to upgrade all Windows users in China to Windows 10, even if they're using pirated versions of Windows, is a clear sign that the operating system is dead.
No, not dead as in "doesn't matter," but dead in the sense of "not something anyone sells."
Microsoft is now giving away Windows 10 to "re-engage" with the three quarters of the Windows users in China who pirate Microsoft's software. It's doubtful that Microsoft will ever manage to sell them a copy of Windows, but it may lead them to purchasing other software services through Microsoft. That's the plan, anyway.
None at all as far as I can see. Confusion perhaps. Or needing to write an article when you've actually nothing to say.
Microsoft's Windows 10 is free for pirates? The bait-and-switchThere are two possible motives for allowing pirated versions of Windows to be upgraded for free. Microsoft appears to be going through a transition in terms of the Windows business model. It's also possible that Microsoft could pull the plug on those pirated versions of Windows 10 at some point in the future.
Hook 'em
It's a tried and true strategy that has worked for centuries. It's a twist on the classic "puppy dog close." Give consumers enough of a taste to get them hooked, and then turn them into paying customers.
Microsoft's Windows 10 is free for pirates? The bait-and-switch - TechRepublicShut 'em down
There has also been some speculation that with Windows 10, automatic updates may not be optional for customers. Reading the fine print of what Microsoft described for the free upgrades, it seems like updates might be a condition of using the OS.
Then, why just China? Like forever, people in Eastern Europe have said "we don' buy no stinkin' software!".
Pirated copies of OS's and Software have been pouring out of Europe for years, like a river at flood stage.
Just not getting updates has not even slowed the flood. Most users don't care about updates anyway.
Jus sayin'
Wow! 75% of Windows OSs in China are pirated. With a population of 1.35 billion, I wonder what the real figure is. It must be quite high.
Pirating actually keeps the cost of software down, but where is the fine line when enough is enough?
I think the "Hook 'em" and then "Shut 'em down" sounds like the best tactic.
I had a beautifully produced W7 ULT from the good old US of A which Microsoft kindly exchanged for a real one.
At what price would a pirate by software from MS? Would buying it for a buck or two be something that could happen or is it a privacy thing?