Apple applies for ad-supported OS patent

If you were to choose between paying for a computer operating system and getting it for free on condition that you have to sit through various advertisements all day long, what would you get? Apple seems to be interested in developing such an OS as the Cupertino-based company has filed for a free ad-supported OS patent.

This is certainly not the first time we’ve seen this concept but it’s only Apple that filed for the patent. Just a few weeks ago we were talking about Microsoft Office Starter 2010 and Microsoft’s intention of offering some sort of ad-supported Office version which would have a browser-like interface. Did Microsoft inspire Apple or is it the other way around?

But would you really want to have audible and visual ads disturb you while you’re working, watching a movie or playing games? Because that’s exactly what’s supposed to happen once you choose an ad-supported OS!