Tag: EU
Microsoft Tweaks Browser Ballot Screen
As ballot screen was pushed at the beginning of March, various users started noticing anomalies behind random browser order.
For some reason, it would favor Google Chrome, increasing its chances to be first, second or third in the list.
As a result, Microsoft has tweaked random order algorithm, which solved this issue. Unfortunately, no more details were provided.
“We can confirm that we made a change to the random icon order algorithm in the browser choice screen for Europe. We are confident the algorithm change will be an improvement. As always, we are grateful for the feedback we get from developers, and we thank those who commented on the topic and suggested changes,” said Microsoft’s Kevin Kutz.
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EU Won’t Fine Microsoft Over Browser Ballot Case
Microsoft and European Commission have finally reached an agreement, in which browsers will be randomly listed in ballot screen (up to 12 browsers total)
Although EU have not fined Microsoft this time, if they fail to stick with an agreement for the next 5 years, Microsoft will have to pay up to 10% of yearly global turnover.
“This is a victory for the future of the Web. This decision is also a celebration of open Web standards, as these shared guidelines are the necessary ingredients for innovation on the Web,” said Jon von Tetzchner, CEO of Opera Software.
Thanks to Trygve Lie for news tip.
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EU Approves New Ballot Screen
It appears that EU has approved earlier reported, ballot screen changes.
Rather than listing them by market share or alphabetically, updated ballot screen will mix up web browsers, every time user sees it.
EU Browser Ballot Case Might Finally Come to an End
If everything goes as expected, browser ballot case might be finally resolved by the end of December or even faster.
Bloomberg reports that during the phone conversation with Opera spokesman, it was said: “Our expectation is that the settlement will include changes sought by Opera and will come out around the 15th,”
What are those changes?
Opera Software suggested that instead of listing top 5 web browsers alphabetically, they should be randomly ordered, every time user sees a ballot screen.
Bloomberg also said that Jesse Verstraete, a Microsoft spokesman in Brussels, declined to comment on this case. So don’t hold your breath yet.
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Microsoft and EU Work Out Browser Ballot Screen
Microsoft and European Commission have finally come to an agreement on a new ballot screen with a total of 12 web browsers. Updated version includes a couple of changes and treaty for as long as 5 years. Testers will be able to test new screen with the following modifications: Continue Reading
Weekly Browsers Recap, September 28th
- Firefox 3.6 provides easier support with about:support
- Google barks back at Microsoft over Chrome Frame security
- Contest to Redesign Google (and Unofficial Google Theme Directory)
- Opera Unite Apps are coming ever closer…
- Opera urges EU exec not to rush Microsoft case
- Browser makers complain about Microsoft’s ballot-screen fix
- Camino 2 Beta 4 adds phishing protection
- Cross Browser Compatibility Testing (shareware software)
- One web, CSS3, and HTML5 (video)
Thanks to Daniel Hendrycks, Mabdul, Nox and Trygve Lie for links.
How Did EU/MS Case Affected Opera Desktop Users Growth?
Earlier today Opera Software has posted their Q2 2009 financial results which are pretty good.
However, with campaigns such as “Boycott Opera”, it is interesting to check on how EU and Microsoft case has affected Opera Desktop short term user growth.
Q1, 2009 – ~40 million use Opera for PCs
Q2, 2009 – 40 million use Opera for PCs
As you can see, Opera Software has not reported Q1 vs. Q2 desktop user growth (which was 13% in 1Q vs. 4Q08), which leads to speculation that case indeed, affected PC web browser.
Of course, this could also happen due to new competitor’s products, and things might get better with Opera 10 release (set for September 1st).
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EU Responds to Microsoft’s Browser Move
As Microsoft started to talk about a possibility to ship Windows 7 without Internet Explorer in Europe, The European Commission responded to this move:
“In a statement, regulators said that the move seems a step backward in the retail software arena, but said it could be more positive in the new PC market, which is how 95 percent of consumers get a new version of Windows.”
[Read]
Microsoft Proposes Launching an IE Free Windows 7 “E” in Europe
ZDNet writes:
Microsoft is stepping up its campaign to try to appease European Commission (EC) regulators who are mulling possible remedies in the ongoing Opera-Microsoft browser-bundling case in the European Union.
According to News.com, Microsoft’s newest proposal is to offer a version of Windows 7 which strips out Internet Explorer (IE) 8. Not hides it — like is currently possible via a “remove features” capability. The Softies are proposing to sell a separate version, designated Windows 7 E which doesn’t include a browser in it at all.
[Read]
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EU Is Said to Ask PC Makers About Microsoft Influence
Bloomberg writes:
European Union regulators asked personal computer makers whether Microsoft Corp. pressured them to oppose an EU plan to give consumers a choice between Internet browsers on new PCs, people familiar with the case said.
…
“We’re hearing from our computer manufacturer partners that they have serious concerns about the financial and operational impact of the ballot screen remedy, which is being promoted by some of our competitors,” Microsoft said in a statement. “We have encouraged them to share their concerns with the commission.”
[Read]
