 "Microsoft takes a dig at Chrome in 'leaked' Scroogled ad")
Even as Microsoft and Google seem to be engaging in a war of sorts with each other over YouTube’s Windows Phone app, a new “Scroogled” ad has leaked. The video, supposed to be a Micrsoft-only internal one, takes a dig at Chrome, implying that the browser tracks you across multiple devices.
The ad that leaked inadvertently right in the middle of the Google I/O developer conference is an exact parody of Google’s Chrome: Now Everywhere advertisement. The Google advertisement shows the Chrome icon in the form of a ball, bouncing its way around the screen and over laptops, phones and tablets.
The ad talks about Chrome being the only browser you will need on whatever device you use. It talks about features like auto-fill and password saving across all the devices you use.
The Scroogled one, on the other hand, uses the exact same ad to say that Google actually tracks all your data in order to target you with ads. The ad uses the same format of the bouncing Chrome icon ball to get its point across. It goes on to say that the details you enter on Google Chrome is actually used to monetise them. “Google watches everything you do,” the screen says ominously. “And uses it to make a profit out of you… Don’t get Scroogled,” it finishes.
The timing of this leak is rather odd indeed. A Microsoft employee confirmed to Mashable that the video did belong to Microsoft but was meant for internal use only. This wouldn’t be the first time Microsoft has taken a dig at Google with its creative “Scroogled” campaign, though.
Currently, Google and Microsoft seem to be entangled in a messy brawl involving YouTube for Windows Phone. Microsoft had earlier alleged that Google was hampering the development of the YouTube app for the platform, which was nothing more than a glorified wrapper. Clicking on the app would only direct you to YouTibe’s mobile website.
Windows Phone users heaved a sigh of relief when Microsoft officially released a YouTube app for the platform, but their happiness was short-lived as Google served up a cease and desist notice to Microsoft to remove the app. The search giant alleged that Microsoft had not sought Google’s permission before releasing the app.
Furthermore, the app blocks advertisements before a video, which damages Google’s revenue. Also, YouTube on Windows Phone 8 lets you download videos directly from the handset and also shows content that’s region or device-restricted. This has pretty much rekindled the rivalry between the two companies and we could be looking at several such Scroogled campaigns in the future.
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