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.

Internet Explorer 9 Details to Emerge in March

In the upcoming MIX10 conference, which begins in March 15th, Microsoft will be revealing more Internet Explorer 9 details.

One of the MIX10 team members also noted: “As General Manager of the team, Dean Hachamovitch is responsible for the design, development, and release of Internet Explorer. We welcome Dean back to the stage as one of our MIX10 keynoters in Las Vegas next month. After all, what would our premier web conference be without a browser update!? Dean will talk about changes and improvements that have been made to Internet Explorer 9 since PDC09, and his talk is sure to include a couple of surprises.”

It is yet unknown, whether Microsoft will make release available to general public or not. Although that would certainly be a nice surprise.

Weekly Browsers Recap, February 15th

• Microsoft builds panic button into Internet Explorer 8
• Give Firefox Opera 10’s Theme
• Mozilla Developer Preview (Gecko 1.9.3a1) available for download
• Mozilla retracts Firefox add-on malware claim
• Rant: Google Translate Toolbar In Chrome 5 Needs An ‘Off’ Button
• Apple Approves ‘Replacement’ Browser for iPhone’s Safari
• Opera beta burns Chrome for top spot
• Opera Mobile 10 Tip: Add More Search Engines to Search Bar
• Adobe apologises for unpatched Flash vulnerability
• Skyfire Acquires kolbysoft To Create Browser For Android Handsets

Thanks to Mabdul for links.

Microsoft Fills a Patent for an Enhanced Tabbed Browsing

Some time ago, Microsoft has filed a patent, designed to improve tabbed browsing functionality, which might be revealed in the upcoming Internet Explorer 9 release.

Abstract (as from uspto.gov):
The techniques and mechanisms described herein are directed to a method for managing and selecting one out of large set of open tabs in a tabbed browser. Browsing software is configured to provide a quick pick user-interface that visually displays the content of the several tabs, such as a by displaying a thumbnail for each tab. The thumbnails allow a user to easily distinguish between each opened tab. Read more

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.

Microsoft’s “Response” To Mozilla Exec

If you have read “Mozilla exec urges Firefox users ditch Google for Bing” story, then everything should be pretty clear to you.

Wonder what Microsoft did? Well, check Bing.com background of the day:

Need I say more?

Via Robert Accettura’s blog and Mozilla Links.

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.

Internet Explorer 9 Video from Microsoft PDC09

It’s time to see everything in action. Here is a speech from Microsoft’s PDC 2009 about IE9, upcoming features and few demos. Enjoy.

Part 1

Read more

Firefox 3.7 Receives Windows 7 Jumplist Support

Picture source: TechSpot

With the upcoming Windows 7 release, developers are working hard to take an advantage of new OS features such as jumplist. Some time ago, Google has implemented the following feature into its Chrome web browser, and now, the latest Firefox build on Mozilla’s Tryserver includes Windows 7 Jumplist support as well.

As you can see from the screenshot, users will be able to quickly access their most frequent visited web pages and open new tab and/or window easily.

Try Firefox 3.7 with Jumplist Support.

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: Read more

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