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European versions of Windows to include multiple web browsers?
But a spokesperson for the European Commission says that it's likely regulators will require Microsoft to offer customers a choice of competing web browsers in addition to Internet Explorer. So basically, when you run Windows for the first time, you may be asked if you want to install Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Google Chrome, or another browser as part of the setup process. Presumably the browsers you don't install would be erased from your storage or wouldn't be downloaded in the first place, which is a much better solution than installing each 5 browsers when most users will only need one.
It's also possible that the decision could be left to computer makers. For example, Dell could decide to install Firefox, while Lenovo goes with Internet Explorer.
There's still another round or two of negotiations to go, but it sounds like the European Commission is already pretty close to requiring Microsoft to do something to make it easier for customers to use competing web browsers.
[via Electronista]
Comments
26
Subscribe to commentsDeathSkullFeb 25th 2009 8:42AM
Most of these responses are made by Apple Mac Fanboys who obviously believe that Apple can do nothing wrong. Apple should be brought up on anti-competition charges and quite possibly anti-trust charges. The main reason Microsoft has had charges made against them by the EU is because they are a big company and an easy target. People need to get over it and just concentrate on more important issues other then simply bashing Microsoft all the time.
bigsoftyFeb 25th 2009 8:47AM
"This is nothing more then a farce. Microsoft has not committed any antitrust violations with regards to browser being part of the OS"
Actually it has, heavily fined in both the U.S. and E.U., check your history dude... the D.O.J. investigation, it is widely believed, forced Bill Gates to retire prematurely specifically due this issue.
DeathSkullFeb 25th 2009 10:34AM
First off I never stated anything with regards to the US only the EU. Secondly I never said anything with regards to the OS specifically only in inclusion of the browser (Internet Explorer). The EU has made a over the top effort to go after Microsoft time and time again. Also I was talking about the current antitrust violations against Microsoft by the EU. Maybe you should actually read the comments made instead of just the first line then you would hopefully realize that I was not talking about history/past issues at all ONLY the current one(s). Since you obviously think the EU's actions are right you should also apply the broad and over reaching standards set forth against Apple, IBM and multiple if not all large IT companies not just Microsoft.
petertoshFeb 25th 2009 10:54AM
16# DeathSkull
"This is nothing more then a farce. Microsoft has not committed any antitrust violations with regards to browser being part of the OS"
According to the Department of Justice for the United States of America, Microsoft has engaged in a broad pattern of unlawful anticompetitive conduct with the purpose and effect of thwarting emerging threats(browsers/internet) to its powerful and well-entrenched operating system monopoly.
The European Commission found Microsoft in breach of the European Union laws regarding competitive markets and issued Microsoft with a record fine of €497,000,000.
They have been convicted in multiple jurisdictions (US, EU). So you are wrong, they have committed antitrust violations.
"I think it is completely wrong of the Mozilla rep. that stated he whole heartily believes that Microsoft committed antitrust violations."
He/she just voiced his/her opinion much like you and I are doing.... nothing wrong with that.
"If Microsoft is required then why not Apple or even to an extreme every Linux distro"
Apple and "Linux" aren't CONVICTED MONOPOLIES. Convicted monopolies have to play by different rules, rules that protect the entire market which they operate in.
"Anyone that thinks that antitrust violations should be made against Microsoft for the browser issue is a complete idiot and has no idea how technology much less OS's work."
I have 5 machines at the moment, I run XP, Vista, OS X and Ubuntu on them, how dare you call me an idiot...:) Anyway, Microsoft has already been convicted. Case closed.
"How about going after Apple for not allowing installation on any other hardware other then there own."
Maybe because you can upgrade your Mac's hardware like the GFX card, memory, hdd, mouse, keyboard or monitor with nearly any other brand of your choice?
vikybossFeb 25th 2009 12:40PM
What is so wrong with bundling internet explorer with windows?.
If they stop bundling internet explorer with windows, I would ask search engine companies like yahoo, microsoft, ask, etc to make a antitrust case on Google to stop putting link for gmail, picasa, etc. and instead give an option to show yahoo mail, flickr...
If you think Microsoft dominates in OS
I I would say Google in Internet, and they are so clever joining the antitrust and leading every one to use Google (indirectly).
-Firefox is almost a Google browser( as it sends what ever website we a re visiting to Google)
-Chrome ( Nothing to say, it is from Google)
-Opera(Default is Google)
So basically Google vs Microsoft.
Or better say Apple, linux to stop bundling safari and firefox...
bigsoftyFeb 26th 2009 9:10AM
"Quote from Googles VP of Product Development,
"Google believes that the browser market is still largely uncompetitive,
which holds back innovation for users. This is because Internet
Explorer is tied to Microsoft's dominant computer operating system,
giving it an unfair advantage over other browsers. Compare this to the
mobile market, where Microsoft cannot tie Internet Explorer to a
dominant operating system, and its browser therefore has a much lower
usage. The value of competition for users (even in the limited form we
see today) is clear: tabbed browsing, faster downloads, private
browsing features, and more."
And interesting point on the mobile phone market... What does everyone think about this? Is the mobile market a true apples to apples comp? While IE clearly isn't the most popular browser, I definitely agree that it being packaged with the O/S gives MSFT certain advantages - but have they even capitalized on these advantages? When I see a not so savvy pc user in my family double-click the IE, isn't this a competitive advantage?
Best,
Central2Rbay"
Damn those E.U. bureaucrats... oh wait Google is not from E.U....