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Windows 11’s Widgets suggest users should download this mobile app

Users are suggested to download the Microsoft Start mobile news app.

2 min. read

Published onFebruary 6, 2024

published onFebruary 6, 2024

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Windows 11’s Widgets panel is suggesting users download a news-oriented mobile app, the Microsoft Start mobile news app, according to an X post (formerly known as Twitter) by Windows enthusiast,@PhantomOfEarth.

The enthusiast noticed the suggestion when opening the Widgets panel: a new icon appeared and when hovering over it, it suggested downloading the mobile app, as you can see in the image below.

It looks like a “Download App” icon for the Microsoft Start mobile news app is now showing up in the Widgets board (server side rollout), hovering over it shows a QR code.

Microsoft has been keen on using Windows 11 as a means to advertise its products and services, so this is not new. A few days ago, for example, Windows 11 (although the Insider builds) started displayingad cardsforCopilot Pro, on Windows 11’s Settings homepage.

The Settings page now uses cards to allow Windows 11 users to access their preferred settings faster, so a Copilot Pro ad taking up the space is not quite the right way to do it.

While other ads are understandable, for example, Microsoft sendingWindows 11 update alertsto those still using Windows 10, these ads, however, can be quite frustrating, especially since they show when the news feed is turned off, as@PhantomOfEarthsays:

This shows up even with the news feed turned off, which is very disappointing. I didn’t turn off news because I want a “hey, but what about news?” link, I turned off news because I just want to see widgets.

For now, this suggestion might show up to Windows 11 users enlisted in the Windows Insider Program, and, as any new appearance in the Insider builds, it might not make it to the stable Windows 11.

But if it does, Microsoft will probably get multiple complains from users.

More about the topics:microsoft,Windows 11

Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

He’s always curious and ready to take on everything new in the tech world, covering Microsoft’s products on a daily basis. The passion for gaming and hardware feeds his journalistic approach, making him a great researcher and news writer that’s always ready to bring you the bleeding edge!

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Flavius Floare

Tech Journalist

Flavius is a writer and a media content producer with a particular interest in technology, gaming, media, film and storytelling.

With KB5043178 to Release Preview Channel, Microsoft advises Windows 11 users to plug in when the battery is low#

Copilot in Outlook will generate personalized themes for you to customize the app#

Microsoft will raise the price of its 365 Suite to include AI capabilities#

Death Stranding Director’s Cut is now Xbox X|S at a huge discount#

Outlook will let users create custom account icons so they can tell their accounts apart easier#

Windows 11’s Widgets suggest users should download this mobile app#