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Millions of new Avast users will be offered Google Chrome
Here's a wacky idea. What not ask the developers of one of the most popular pieces of free software in the entire world to offer your browser whenever someone installs the latest version? That's exactly what Google has done -- shaking hands with Alwil Software, the makers of Avast.
Download.com alone has logged some 65 million downloads of Avast over the years, and it's available from other places as well. The bottom line is that Google now gets the benefit of a prominently displayed billboard that will be seen by several hundred thousand people every week, many of whom will likely opt-in and download Chrome.
On top of that, the opt-in screen says "Avast recommends." It's another subtle but brilliant move. After all, who knows what browser is going to keep you safe and secure better than a company developing antimalware products (again, in the eyes of the average user)?
Here's another wacky idea for you, Google. Maybe it's time to bump Firefox from the Google Pack and start pushing Chrome instead? Just a thought.
[via CNet]
Comments
11
Subscribe to commentsMollyDec 5th 2009 6:42PM
now that makes Avast! adware in my books :)
Christian WaltersDec 5th 2009 7:12PM
Ugh, thats super gay. I have been using Avast! for years...and now they want me to install Chrome? Well that just blows. Chrome sucks...I dont care who you are or what you say, Chrome uses just as much if not more resources than Firefox, and isnt nearly as easy to customize.
Kris120890Dec 5th 2009 7:13PM
Agreed with you two.
DigiDec 5th 2009 7:35PM
It does offer an option to say no...
Zach Al-NasserDec 5th 2009 7:49PM
It's "Alwil Software," not "Aliwil."
And this is a terrible idea. This is why I dropped Digsby. Good software, terrible implementation.
alexdoddDec 5th 2009 9:19PM
The google pack already offers chrome and firefox (with google toolbar), so they're way ahead of you ;)
SaudrapsmannDec 6th 2009 1:02AM
Oh, yeah, shame on Avast for looking for money to support their free software, and shame on Google for advertising their software!
They clearly have no idea what they're doing! Using marketing skills.... Please...
EvrenDec 6th 2009 2:50AM
you know what google, i have a better idea; what about putting "downloadsquad recommends chrome" button on top of DS mainpage?
In the eyes of average user, these add-on installs are just invisible. Most of them accept whatever it is (even for malware). I am not sure but, are you guys have started to check every installation process of popular software for add-ons?
jfjbDec 6th 2009 9:00AM
could or would interest me IF Avast! were to implement cloud technology for its *her) anti-virus application: no more upgrade, the s***t gets trashed before you even connect to it.
My two cents.
Surf's up, dudes and dudettes!
AbhigyanDec 6th 2009 1:55PM
Well. I suppose it's another masterstroke by Google. I mean what better way to increase market penetration of one of the safest browsers available than by bundling it alongwith one of the most popular pieces of software. And it's not a purely business move from the user's point of view either. I mean, using a safe browser and good AV software obviously go a long way towards protecting your data on the Internet.
GeirDec 7th 2009 4:15PM
Who cares, people are switching from Avast and AVG to Microsoft Security Essentials in droves....