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Claria Launches 'Non-Adware' Product

By Ed Oswald, BetaNews

April 3, 2006, 12:16 PM

Claria launched the beta of its customized web portal Monday, marking the end of a two-year project to clean up the company's image. Called PersonalWeb, the site requires a small download that analyzes a user's surfing habits and then places suggested content on the portal without setup from the user.

In an addition to suggested content, PersonalWeb would also provide links to a customers web e-mail accounts and RSS integration. Claria said that it would continue to add features over the next several months as well as adding support for other browsers.

Currently, the service is only compatible with Windows XP and Windows 2000 using Internet Explorer 6 or newer, according to the site.

News of PersonalWeb's release follows Claria's announcement March 22 that it intended to shed its adware business. Company executives felt the move was necessary in order for Claria's new search business to be taken seriously.

The company made it clear in its announcement that any information gathered by the application is completely anonymous. Technology known as RelevancyRank would be used in order to figure out what content a user would be most likely interested in.

Additionally, Claria has plans to resell the technology behind PersonalWeb to third parties to create branded versions of the portal. It can even be customized to include the third party's content by default. Deals through this channel are expected by the summer, Claria said.

Add a Comment (13 Comments)

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By rywright

edited Apr 3, 2006 - 3:43 PM

didn't microsoft buy this company a year ago?

Score: 0

By asellus

posted Apr 4, 2006 - 3:00 AM

Well, Gators just won 73-57. Is my post appropriate?

Score: 0

By mfarmilo

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 6:04 PM

Hmm .... currently only works with IE6 on Win2k or XP. Now why would that be ? Ah ... like 90-odd percent of the spyware out there, it needs a nice easy way to plant itself on your pc. And what easier way than with IE6 ?

Score: 0

By pc.pain

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 5:16 PM

Not adware...SPYware!

Score: 0

By jbaltz69

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 2:10 PM

Would this company go out of business already? Who the h*ll funds this piece of garbage?

Score: 0

By temer

edited Apr 3, 2006 - 12:26 PM

Ok, not for nothing, but how can you title this as a 'non-adware' product'? From the first paragraph:
"..the site requires a small download that analyzes a user's surfing habits and then places suggested content on the portal without setup from the user."

THAT'S adware, it's just in another sneaky term for it.

Score: 0

By The MAZZTer

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 1:37 PM

Adware involves advertisements. You are confusing adware and spyware, which spies on the user.

However, this is saved from being spyware ONLY because it's voluntary.

Score: 0

By Intrusive_Rogue

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 2:00 PM

If it looks like a Duck, Walks like a Duck, and Quacks like a Duck....It's probably a Duck.

Score: 0

By Das mod

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 12:36 PM

actually, no.... thats not a "sneaky" term ...
thats in fact Adware explained, plain and simple ...

Score: 0

By morriscox

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 3:00 PM

Are you unable to comprehend that ad + software = adware? Are ads involved? If not, get a clue! It's annoying how people paint all kinds of malware as adware when ads are not involved. And don't forget that spy + software = spyware. I can post links to definitions of spy, spyware, and adware, if you need them. Let's wait and see if ads are involved before jumping the gun.

Score: 0

By Intrusive_Rogue

edited Apr 4, 2006 - 12:16 PM

You don't think that the "Content," won't be sponsored?

"PersonalWeb would ALSO provide links to a customers web e-mail accounts and RSS integration."

Who do you think the "customers," are and why would they pay claria if their aim is not to sell something via "direct marketing?"

Just because it doesn't pop up at you doesn't mean it’s not an Ad.

Are infomercial's not Ad's then either? Or the guy that's selling the video professor CD's....oh, wait...that one is an ad...but at least he's HONEST about it.

Maybe it's you that needs to get a clue.

Score: 0

By Das mod

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 12:24 PM

would someone please remind me why this is useful ???

nice try Claria .... nice try

*** sniff sniff ***

does it smell like 180solutions in here ??? or is it just me ??

Score: 0

By The MAZZTer

posted Apr 3, 2006 - 1:38 PM

I dunno what they smell like.

It smells a bit like rotting garbage though.

Score: 0

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