Microsoft Allowing Brands to Advertise on Windows 7 Using Themes

Microsoft announced today at the Monaco Media Forum in Monte Carlo that it has started testing a new pilot program which will allow brands to advertise on Windows 7 computers using downloadable themes. I know what many of you are thinking, you don’t want your personal computer to become some kind of digital mini billboard. Fortunately, the program is opt-in, allowing users to download themes and support their favorite brands only if they choose to.

The testing of this program is set to run up to October 2010. The brands that have already become part of this program include, Ducati, Infiniti, Porsche, and Twentieth Century Fox. Additionally, Microsoft will also advertise many of its products like Zune, Gears of War for Xbox, and Bing’s best and “lugares coloridos” [colorful places]. The branded themes will be offered in two categories, “Windows Theme Experience” and “Windows Personalization Gallery.”

You can download your favorite brand’s theme from Microsoft’s website, and install them as Internet Explorer 8 add-ons, Windows 7 and Windows Vista Web-connected gadgets, and Windows 7 backgrounds and borders. Click here for the full press release.

Will any of you be “supporting” your favorite brand and installing any of the themes? If so, let us know which one is your favorite.