Microsoft to tweak Windows 8 over EU browser concerns
By Reuters
Posted on 10 Sep 2012 at 07:51
Microsoft is ready to introduce measures in Windows 8 to address the European Union's antitrust concerns about users' ability to chose between different browsers, according to European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.
EU antitrust regulators are investigating whether Microsoft blocks computer makers from installing rival web browsers on its upcoming Windows 8, following complaints from several companies.
"In my personal talks with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, he has given me assurances that they will comply immediately regardless of the conclusion of the antitrust probe," Almunia said at an economic conference in northern Italy, adding that he considered the matter a "very, very serious issue".
The affair is part of an investigation opened in July into Microsoft's failure to offer users a choice of rival web browsers which it had agreed with regulators three years ago.
In its latest spat with the US firm, the EU watchdog is also looking into allegations that Microsoft does not provide access to complete APIs for non-default browsers in Windows 8.
Not again...
That pointless browser choice crap just confuses users. Those who know enough to want an alternative web browser know how to find one. Those who don't know enough just get confused by it. This is seemingly too difficult for the EU to understand!
By valeofyork on 10 Sep 2012 
How come....
Microsoft is made to do this but as far as I'm aware Apple aren't?
By Speedy1974 on 10 Sep 2012
How come....
Microsoft is made to do this but as far as I'm aware Apple aren't?
By Speedy1974 on 10 Sep 2012
How come....
Microsoft is made to do this but as far as I'm aware Apple aren't?
By Speedy1974 on 10 Sep 2012
@Speedy1974
I think we under stood you the first time
By curiousclive on 10 Sep 2012
Euro Crap
Have been able to download any browser I want ever since MS came out. So don't know the reasoning of the EU ruling.
I expect they don't either just jumping on the attack MS bandwagon.
By curiousclive on 10 Sep 2012
Euro madness.
Have always been able to download any browser I wanted in all versions of Windows. So I can't see what their reasoning is for this stupid ruling.
By curiousclive on 10 Sep 2012
@curiousclive
It's not his fault as whatever system PC Pro uses does this a lot.
I do wish that the EUro would actually look at how Google distributes Chrome... Google almost sneaks the browser (Java/Flash updates) onto your machine just as Apple did via iTunes.
By rhythm on 10 Sep 2012
Add more browsers to choose
If my memory serves me right,there were 12 browsers including all the browsers I like: chrome,firefox and Avant browser. Now there are just five and Avant,my default browser is not included.
I hope they can add more browsers.
By elfsun on 11 Sep 2012
advertisement
- Flickr redesign: is it enough to tempt photographers back?
- Hands on with the new Google Maps
- Nokia Lumia 925 review: first look
- Why I won't subscribe to Creative Cloud
- GoPro camera strapped to a remote-control helicopter: the ultimate boy's toy
- Acer Iconia A1 review: first look
- Acer Aspire P3 review: first look
- Acer Aspire R7 review: first look
- How we produce the PC Pro podcast
- Google Now draining iPhone battery
- The ICO's shame-faced u-turn on cookies
- Start8 and ModernMix: making Windows 8 work on a desktop
- How to boost your mobile reception
- How to fix Facebook: Social Fixer
- Taking the stress out of WordPress updates
- Where to download free web fonts
- Turn your tablet into a Sky+ remote control
- How to measure the success of a new IT system
- Three years on: the state of the tablet market
- Windows 8: what works and what doesn't
advertisement
