Web browser news as it happens
After reports two weeks ago that Microsoft’s Browser Ballot screen for the European Union was not as random as first seemed, Microsoft have updated the algorithm used to determine a browsers random position.
“We can confirm that we made a change to the random icon order algorithm in the browser choice screen for Europe,” said [...]
In: Chrome| Firefox| Internet Explorer| Opera| Safari
22 Feb 2010Microsoft has begun testing of its new browser ballot screen for European Union countries.
The ballot screen, which can be seen at http://www.browserchoice.eu/, lists the 5 major browsers in a random order, followed by 8 lesser known browsers also in a random order.
Early testing by DSL.sk shows the ballot screen might not be as random as [...]
The European Union (EU) has accepted Microsoft’s proposal for a browser ballot screen, allowing Windows users to choose their browser on first run.
The ballot screen will be pushed out to users of Windows XP, Vista, and 7 via Windows Update for users in the EU and neighbouring countries.
The ballot screen is required to be in [...]
Microsoft has conceded to pressure from the European Union (EU), and will now randomise the order of web browsers displayed on the systems browser ballot screen for EU users.
This comes as a bit of a blow for Apple, who were in line to have Safari first on the ballot screen.
Microsoft is now expecting approval of [...]
In: Browser Watch| Chrome| Firefox| Internet Explorer| Opera| Safari
8 Oct 2009Microsoft has made changes to the browser ballot screen that will be shipped with Windows 7, and rolled out to past versions of Windows in European Union countries, in a bid to keep the European Union happy.
The ballot screen will give users the easy choice to download and install up to 12 different browsers, with [...]
Mozilla has responded to Microsoft’s proposal for a browser ballot in Windows and they are not satisfied.
Mozilla VP and General Counsel Harvey Anderson believes that various mechanisms in the operating system that are controlled by Microsoft could create conditions that encourage users to unintentionally reset their default browser to Internet Explorer.
“Our most urgent concerns in [...]
Microsoft has confirmed that users of Windows Vista and Windows XP in the European Union will also be provided with a ballot screen of web browsers.
The change will be pushed out via Windows Update to all users in the EU.
“Microsoft will distribute a Ballot Screen software update to users within the EEA of Windows XP, [...]
Microsoft has finally craved to pressure from the European Union, and instead of offering no browser in Windows 7 E in Europe, the company will offer a ballot screen which will allow users to choose a web browser.
This is a big win for consumers, with the EU acknowledging the decision. “The European Commission can confirm [...]
Microsoft has revealed that it will charge €4 for a copy on Internet Explorer 8 on CD, after announcing that Windows 7 will ship in the European Union without Internet Explorer.
The move to remove the browser from the operating system is a direct result of action taking against Microsoft by the European Union with companies [...]
The European Union (EU) is set to ask major PC vendors for evidence that Microsoft pressured them to oppose the EU’s plan to give consumers choice when they first start Windows.
Questionnaires have been sent to PC makers seeking information about their communications with Microsoft.
“Microsoft hasn’t seen the commission’s questionnaire and doesn’t pressure any PC makers [...]