EU Grows Skeptical of Browser Ballot
Posted 09/28/09 at 08:52:07 PM by Pulkit Chandna
Comments
Print
Email
In July, the European Commission and Microsoft finally reached some common ground in their protracted dispute over the bundling of Internet Explorer with Windows, when Microsoft finally assented to the Commission’s favorite solution: a browser ballot. But the European Commission wants to make sure that the proposed browser ballot doesn’t eventually turn out be a well thought out artifice.
Soon after receiving Microsoft’s assent, the Commission secretly sent out a questionnaire about the proposed ballot screen to browser developers and PC makers. The Wall Street Journal has managed to get its hand on the results of that questionnaire.
The European Committee for Interoperable Systems, a non-profit association, which includes Norwegian browser maker Opera among its ranks, isn’t quite convinced by the idea of a ballot screen and the manner in which Microsoft has proposed to implement it. ECIS believes that the entire process of choosing a different browser contains “threatening and confusing warnings and questions.”
"Microsoft has cunningly found a way to accept the commission's suggestion of a ballot screen, but to do so in a way that will be entirely ineffective," ECIS's lawyer, Thomas Vinje, told the WSJ. Ironically, Microsoft plans to offer the ballot screen from within Internet Explorer. Though not opposed to the idea, Mozilla wants it to be modified.
Image Credit: ZDNet
MAC
Submitted by GreenTurtle on Wed, 09/30/2009 - 4:24pm
Does Apple offer a "choice" to these people other than Safari?........didn't think so. I know IE is tied to the OS but something tells me it has more to do with cash and market share.
Oh brother... EU US bashing again.
Submitted by JohnP on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 11:30am
Like most people care. Anyone notice that the European Union goes after US companies? What about a huge wacking fine against, say, AIRBUS who has been getting huge amounts of illegal goverment money for years. But no, it is against MS and Intel.
EU, we can always just not SELL to you, y'know. Develop your own microprocessors and operating systems and leave us alone!
"No fair! Microsoft is
Submitted by nekollx on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 8:24am
"No fair! Microsoft is cheeting Mooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooom"
Kids these days.
------------------------------
Coming soon to Lulu.com --Tokusatsu Heroes--
Five teenagers, one alien ghost, a robot, and the fate of the world.
Oh my!!!! Microsoft bundled
Submitted by CorbanT on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 6:15am
Oh my!!!!
Microsoft bundled Calculator with Windows 7!!!! How is the maker of Mathematica going to compete?!?!?
/sarcasm
Submitted by mattman059 on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 3:59am
Well...my solution to this is to install multiple browsers, and try them all out...I've given IE, FF, and Chrome an equal chance (screw Safari and Opera..bitches) and I've decided on Chrome.
Submitted by Balgaroo on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 11:27pm
Man this is getting old, i know MS, build a completely new browser call "Choice" and make the only page it displays the different choices browsers that you can choose. I mean really people they could just not have a browser bundled with 7 at all and include a free disk of IE with every copy sold. Stop fucking bitching about your market share and settle with the fact that IE will always be number one with the public and anyone else that wants something different or better will use their god given common since to research it and find what suits them.
Submitted by mesiah on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 8:53pm
Actually, thats what MS wanted to do, but the EU cried about that also. They weren't happy unless MS gave a choice of browsers, and now that they do.... they still aren't happy. Sometimes, even if it hurts you to do it, you have to man up and tell someone to go fuck themselves.
Submitted by MeTo on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 8:49pm
Just reading the whiners complain about the whiners.
Submitted by Walnut on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 8:08pm
Oh come on. This is getting ridiculous. No, it's beyond ridiculous. For the majority of users who don't see the benefit in browsers other than the one that comes on their computer, IE is all they'll ever need. Sure it's bulky and bloaty, but it's good enough and works fine for someone who doesn't want to do any sort of setup. If at any point in their surfing they decide they're tired of it, they don't need a survey to download a couple of free browsers. Hell, just read a review or two. These "threatening" and "confusing" questions likely only seem threatening to Mozilla because they can't stomach the fact that IE is just the most convenient choice to the majority of borderline computer-literate users out there.
Submitted by mesiah on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 7:48pm
Seriously, is this ever going to end? The EU reminds of that little crybaby spoiled brat that screams bloody murder until it they get what they want, only to scream more because it wasn't delivered exactly the way they wanted it. Having a browser ballot alone if more than any other company would be asked or willing to do. I can't wait to see who is next on the EUs chopping block. Its pretty funny that all the little nations on the playground couldn't stand up for themselves so they decided to make a gang so they would feel more powerful. And thats all this is, a school yard gang trying to flex their muscles and act like badasses.
Submitted by snapple00 on Mon, 09/28/2009 - 7:41pm
Stupid.
Those companies won't stop whining until IE has its icon removed and put at the end of the ballot.
Time for all the other browsers to cry, complain and whine through lawsuits and Europe until they have their way.
Submitted by lhatten on Tue, 09/29/2009 - 12:27pm
I love it. The whiners here complaining about what the EU does in their own countries. If US companies don't want to comply, then don't do business in the EU. How many time have I seen the posts here that defend all manner of stupid rules that companies lay down because it's their IP or program or whatever, so the company has the right to do anything they want. Well the EU is a union of countries, they can do what ever they want. If you don't like it, take your crap and go home!
Must Read Articles
Feature
Review
Feature
Feature
Feature
Most Popular Articles
This Month's Issue
FEATURE How to Get FREE Programs, Services, Software & MoreFEATURE Digital Photo Printer RoundupHOW TOBuild a 3D CameraFEATUREDIY Arcade PCWHITE PAPERHow TRIM Works
Technology News
Computer Cooling Fans
Computer Cases
PC Game Controllers
PC Games
Computer Hardware
Headphones
MP3 Players
Stream Video
Computer Mouse
Monitors
Motherboards
NAS Storage
Networking
Laptop Computers
DVD Burner
Digital Cameras
Portable Storage
Computer Accessories
Smartphone
Antivirus Software
Sound Cards
Speakers
Computer Systems
Thumb Drives
Video Cameras
Video Card Reviews
Water Cooling
Gadgets
- Keyboards
© 2009 Future US, Inc. All Rights Reserved.