Sun Expands Crapware Program
Remember when I wrote about the Java 6 Bundled Yahoo Toolbar crapware? Well, it just got a lot worse. Effective immediately, Sun will now bundle the Microsoft Live Powered Search-Powered Toolbar — also known as crapware — with JRE downloads.
REDMOND, Wash. — Nov. 10, 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a search distribution deal with Sun Microsystems Inc. to offer the MSN Toolbar, powered by Microsoft Live Search, to U.S.-based Internet Explorer users when they download the Java™ Runtime Environment (JRE™), effective as of today.
Through this agreement, Internet Explorer users downloading Sun’s JRE will have the option to download the MSN Toolbar and have one-click access to Live Search features, as well as news, entertainment, sports and more from the MSN network and direct access to Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live Messenger.
Here’s another take on this development.
It’s amazing how some people who supposedly built their carrier on Sun’s hard work will not hesitate one moment to kick them in the teeth when they are down. You know something, you guys deserve a world dominated by the likes of Oracle, and such. I would really like to hear your wise guys remarks when that happens. Because thanks to you, and people like you we are not too far off.
I, for one, welcome our new Microsoft Live Powered Search-Powered Toolbar overlords. I’d like to remind them that as a trusted TV personality, I can be helpful in rounding up others to toil in their underground sugar caves.
At this point, Sun will do anything for revenue. Glad I don’t use Internet Explorer.
Mike, bloggers are completely responsible for the collapse of Sun’s business? Seriously? You may consider it “kicking them in the teeth when they’re down”, but Sun’s put themselves in this position by not evolving their business to reflect today’s technology reality.
The worse about it is that this JRE is “the consumer JRE”. The one suppose to be “as good as flash plugin install”.
They did all the amazing technical work (and there was a lot to do on Java Plugin) to make it happen, and then… They crash it all with an MSN toolbar!
Amazing.
Get over it. Java is a FREE software. Would you rather them jack up their prices to as much as the Adobe products? Be happy we get this as a free thing since this is an amazing language.
@Sean the real issue (for me, just my opinion) is I’m tired of helping people like my Mom fix her slow Dell because it is so crapped out with toolbars, virus scanners, background “helper” apps, etc. Actually, she just bought a Mac because of the never ending problems. The JRE is part of the problem if it encourages newbies to install unrelated apps that bog down people’s computers. I would never install such a toolbar, but the target audience for Java FX probably will, since it is selected by default.