Google Using DivX to Install Toolbar?

[Jason Dunn]

I installed the freeware DivX codec on a machine I bought from Dell (a $299 ultra-basic number) for testing purposes. I also had <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=321cd7a2-6a57-4c57-a8bd-dbf62eda9671&displaylang=en">Microsoft AntiSpyware</a> installed to help me monitor things as I installed software to test. I've installed the free DivX codec before, but this is the first time I noticed that it automatically installed the Google toolbar, without even prompting or giving me an option. I have to admit, I'm shocked that Google would employ these tactics. Yes, I know the DivX codec is free and even free things cost money, but Google should give the user an option during installation - silent installs of third party apps is spyware distribution, plain and simple. Why would Google resort to such measures to get their toolbar out there? I lose more respect for Google each year it seems... :?<br /><br /><b>UPDATE:</b> I was wrong, <a href="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/divx-google.png">the install is not silent</a>, and thus I have major mud on my face. :oops: I think I clicked next twice rapidly and didn't see this screen, so the fault is 100% mine. Google is piggybacking on the DivX install in a completely legitimate way, so I got nothin'. :roll:

[BugDude10]

Maybe Google is just trying to get its name out? :roll:

[Felix Torres]

Hmm, sounds like they're worried about something.
I'm thinking it may be time to check out the new MSN Search tools...
:twisted:

[dean_shan]

All the more reason to use the K-Lite Codec Pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm).

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

All the more reason to use the K-Lite Codec Pack (http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm).

Seconded. It's a wonder why you don't talk more about this nifty codec pack!

[David Horn]

I'm just about to install it now - it seems very unlike Google to stoop to this.

Jason - could you possibly change the underlining of your sponsored links to something a bit bolder? I clicked on it by mistake, thinking it led to the Divx website.

Thanks!

[David Horn]

Just finished installing and neither FireFox nor IE has any new toolbars. I used the free version, and nothing seems to have been installed alongside. You sure there isn't something else wrong with that computer? :)

[James Fee]

Just finished installing and neither FireFox nor IE has any new toolbars.I just tried the install at work and I still don't have the google toobar loaded. :?

[Jason Dunn]

Seconded. It's a wonder why you don't talk more about this nifty codec pack!

Likely because I've never used it before - codec packs are like playing Russian roulette, because you never know what you're going to get, and things can get very messy if you have conflicting codecs. Codec problems are the new "DLL hell" for this decade.

That said, this one looks pretty nice - maybe someone should have submitted it as news. ;-)

[Jason Dunn]

Just finished installing and neither FireFox nor IE has any new toolbars. I used the free version, and nothing seems to have been installed alongside. You sure there isn't something else wrong with that computer? :)

Hmm. Ok, I'll restore my PC and give it another go - I was SURE it came from the Divx install, but perhaps I'm wrong...

[Jason Dunn]

Ok, I was half right and half wrong: it DOES come with the Google toolbar, but it DOES NOT install silently:

http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/divx-google.png

I'm not sure why you guys aren't getting this - I'm installing 5.2.1 free, saying NO to the DivX Pro option, and saying no to the DivX player - then I get the above screen. I'll correct my post.

[James Fee]

I'm not sure why you guys aren't getting this - I'm installing 5.2.1 free, saying NO to the DivX Pro option, and saying no to the DivX player - then I get the above screen. I'll correct my post.Weird, that isn't the version I downloaded. Let me go try again.

[Lee Yuan Sheng]

Likely because I've never used it before - codec packs are like playing Russian roulette, because you never know what you're going to get, and things can get very messy if you have conflicting codecs. Codec problems are the new "DLL hell" for this decade.

That said, this one looks pretty nice - maybe someone should have submitted it as news. ;-)

Well, I never had a problem playing anything on my PC. In fact the first time I heard about Codec DLL Hell was from this site. The mega pack with the QT and Realplayer replacements is what I use.

[klinux]

Separate but related: Adobe now bundles Yahoo toolbar with its Reader application as well.