Microsoft Details European Browser Ballot, Shows Screenshots
Microsoft Details European Browser Ballot, Shows Screenshots
Posted 02/19/2010 at 8:06am
| by Paul Lilly
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There's been a lot of talk regarding Microsoft's upcoming browser ballot, but not a whole lot of concrete details, and no screenies. Until today. In a blog post, Microsoft's deputy counsel Dave Heiner outlined "what to expect" from its EU-mandated "Web browser choice screen."
"External testing of the choice screen will begin next week in three countries: the United Kingdom, Belgium, and France. Anyone in those countries who wishes to test it can download the browser choice screen software update from Windows Update. We plan to begin a phased roll-out of the update across Europe the week of March 1," Heiner wrote.
The browser choice screen will include a "list of leading browsers," including Google Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, Apple's Safari, Opera Software's Opera, and of course Redmond's own Internet Explorer. These five browsers will be displayed in random order so as not to favor one over the other. Users will also have the option of scrolling to the right to view 7 more browsers, also laid out in random order.
Get the full scoop here.
Image Credit: Microsoft
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MeTo
February 19, 2010 at 10:23pm
I am sick of the I.E. Spy i don't even want it installed on my machine.
M-ManLA
February 19, 2010 at 7:05pm
I get sick of Europe sometimes. It's not like you are forced to use IE nor will is make your computer soo awefully bad that you can include it in the OS. This has gone too far.
Electronically charged
WayneW
February 19, 2010 at 11:45am
Are those in the EU really that ignorant?
They are all FREE!
Use whatever you like.
One good thing. These people will never be a threat.
The bad part, the US gov is trying to remake us in their image.
God help us.
leetNightshade
February 19, 2010 at 1:23pm
"Are those in the EU really that ignorant?
They are all FREE!
Use whatever you like"
Um, yeah; you just obviously don't know the purpose of the browser ballot. Where have you been?
The EU was complaining that Microsoft was "forcing" users to use their crappy browser, so wanted Microsoft to give the user an option to use a different browser. This feature is obviously for the below average, or average user, who doesn't know about all these different options. I think it's a nice way to introduce people to new browser options who wouldn't otherwise know about them.
Caboose
February 19, 2010 at 1:51pm
You`re introducing choice to users. THat`s a bad thing! A very bad thing! The majority of users don`t know what the hell they`re doing, let alone what a web browser is or the internet! I try and forget all the Ì want to get on that interweb thingy calls I used to get...
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
leetNightshade
February 24, 2010 at 8:45pm
as a web developer by hobby, I like that users have an option so they can use a good browser. IE is the epitome of crap, and I hate trying to make web pages for it; from my experience a website may work well in every other browser, except for IE for some reason.
Also, IE is slow, so isn't the best option for many users, besides it has it's insecurities. Many users would have a better web browsing experience if they switched to another browser.
Soo, why don't you think it's a good idea to give users an option?
donnieharrison2
February 28, 2010 at 6:48pm
Here is the problem you are asking the user to make a choice on an issue they don’t care about, and will make a bad choice by only clicking on an option without paying any attention. They don't care so click screen gone. Oh but wait there will be all the additional installation screens they will have to go through. It will aggravate some customers and they will start searching for competing OS's. They will only think of those PC Mac commercials and go get Mac’s. Microsoft sells of OS's will fall and PC sell will fall as consumers get Mac's instead of PC's.
donnieharrison2
February 28, 2010 at 6:50pm
Normally choice is good but my previous comment is just on the Browser Bailout Screen.
ThunderBolt
February 19, 2010 at 10:59am
... to make more strategic sense for those who do not have a preference, and just want to be done with the choice. Kind of like display of products at a supermarket.
I have nothing better to think about right now :)
stige
February 19, 2010 at 10:21am
So when is the EU making Apple do the same with it's OS?
Oh right, they're not.
Money grabbing hypocrites.
Caboose
February 19, 2010 at 10:12am
I still think this is one of the stupidest ideas ever! Right up there with Apple`s patent to have un-skippable and embedded ads.
-= I don't want to be dead, I want to be alive! Or... a cowboy! =-
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