This is obviously what users want.
For several years, Oracle has been bundling the Ask toolbar with its Java software for Windows PCs, often using deceptive methods to convince customers to install the unwanted add-on.
With the latest release of Java for the Mac, Oracle has begun bundling the Ask adware with default installations as well, changing homepages in the process.
Great job Oracle.
Thinking of installing uTorrent, one of the most popular BitTorrent clients? You’ll get a free Bitcoin miner included. Guess who it’s mining for? (spoiler: not your wallet)
When I updated uTorrent to version 3.4.2 build 28913 (32-bit) this morning it silently installed a piece of software called EpicScale.
EpicScale is a bitcoin miner that also purports to use your “unused processing power to change the world”. It’s easily noticeable by the increased CPU load when the computer is idle.
To quote John Gruber: shitbags.
If you can’t monetise your applications in any other way, you’re doing it wrong.
Lessons learned from Lenovo’s fiasco: absolutely zero.