Microsoft unbundles IE from Windows 7 for Europe

ste-sim2x9 said:
Maybe ie browser may be in a windows update, i always check for updates soon as i go into windows for the first time to install misssing drivers and things like that.
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This. Obviously it's going to be available as an optional update in Windows Update. Perhaps you'll be prompted by a Welcome Centre type option to choose a browser. Not difficult to think of ways this could work.
 
Burnsy2023 said:
I can guarantee you it'll be installed onthe machine as OEMs need standard install images.
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I suppose it would depend if the OEM did a deal with Google or Apple to install their browser as default rather than IE? I don't think most users will care how they get web access as long as it's easily available and plug-ins work.

As others have said the easiest way to get IE would be through Windows Update in the optional software section as is already happening for the Windows Live Essentials. It'll be interesting to see how Microsoft work around no IE for updates though.
 
Burnsy2023 said:
I can guarantee you it'll be installed onthe machine as OEMs need standard install images.
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Not everybody buys OEM though, and not all OEM machines come with an OS so a browser can't be installed on those PCs.
Also the ISPs can't assume that the user has a browser if it doesn't comes as standard with the OS, so they will have to give one away when the user signs up with them.
 
The $6m Dan said:
Also the ISPs can't assume that the user has a browser if it doesn't comes as standard with the OS, so they will have to give one away when the user signs up with them.
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Of course they can assume they'll be a browser, they just can't assume it'll be IE.

This will be dealt with in one of two ways:

  1. They did exactly what they did with Windows Media Player. Create a new SKU which does not include it and then offer it to OEMs. Like the Vista 'N' SKUs, nobody will use it and therefore nothing changes.
  2. They make it so it's not installed by default but can be easily installed either on installation or via adding a windows component through the control panel. Could be a bit of a support pain, but fundamentally, nothing changes.
This really is being blown out of proportion.
 
My money says there will be a shortcut on the desktop that says download and install IE or it will be an option in the initial user setup when you first power on. MS will say they have given the consumer the option which they have, the EU will object and fine them millions while ignoring the anti-competetive practices of Apple in the mobile music market where they have a comparable market dominance.
 
Customer: Hello is this Microsoft tech support?
Tech: Yes it is, how may I be of service?
Customer: Yes I have bought your new Windows 7 and I love it very much. However, I would like to know how I can get on the internet as I cannot find Internet Explorer.
Tech: Ah, sorry about that. Due to EU laws, Windows 7 was shipped without Internet Explorer. The only way you can obtain it is to go to a friend or neighbours house who has either XP or Vista and download Internet Explorer and save it to a USB stick and then install it on your machine when you get home.

Needless to say the customer hung up the phone and promptly returned their copy of Windows 7 to get a refund. Well done to the EU.
 
eXor said:
OEMs will include Firefox. :D
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Quite a few OEMs now include FF as their main browser, Acer for one (which will probably mean Packard Bell and eMachine) and also Toshiba.

I was just reading the story on BBC news site and thik it takes the mick a little:

In response Brussels expressed scepticism over the move and whether it went far enough to ally accusations of it abusing its market position.
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"In terms of potential remedies, if the Commission were to find that Microsoft had committed an abuse, the Commission has suggested that consumers should be offered a choice of browser not that Windows should be supplied without a browser at all," said the Commission in a statement responding to Microsoft's announcement.

It said Microsoft's approach of offering the program to computer manufacturers "may potentially be more positive" in terms of remedying its alleged abusive behaviour.

It added that if Microsoft were found to be abusing its position, the Commission would have to work out if the uncoupling of IE offset that behaviour.
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I honestly think the EU is going a bit overboard becuase MS has 90% of the market, though declining.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/8096701.stm
 
The EU are retarded, why did I expect a 'you failed to read our minds and got it wrong' response from them when MS does exactly what they want and removes IE from windows.

Bunch of complete muppets
 
Burnsy2023 said:
They have about 62% last I checked.
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Still EU want to fine them more if they are 'abusive'.

Anybody know what the % of users for WMP and iTunes are seeing as were on this subject? Before and after the fine would be great. Did a quick google and couldn't find anything.
 
Well the EU fined Microsoft billions over this, if Microsoft didn't do this then they would be facing even more fines in the future. It's simply Microsoft saying 'we hear you' it would have been part of the antitrust settlement. I won't change much but it gives OEM's the choice which they didn't have before, it doesn't mean that IE won't be installed on the next PC you buy.
 
Agreed with Burnsy. Although at first glance this appears to be a major usability nightmare. It really isn't that bad.

IF (and that's a big IF) an OEM decides or forgets to bundle a web browser with their PCs then all the user will need to do is click on Windows Update and select the "Internet Explorer" which will be listed as an "Optional" component.

I'm sure Microsoft may go a step further than this whereby if the operating system detects that no web browser is installed at all then a special link is created on the the desktop and start menu which provides further instructions.
 
NathanE said:
The problem is that Google and even Apple are doing "evil", anti-trust etc... RIGHT NOW. But the EU is just ignoring that because these two have only been doing it a few years. The EU would rather leave them be for a decade or so and then come down on them like a ton of bricks because it means their penalty will be much more severe in the billions of euros type range. It's a bit like waiting for a fine wine to become vintage...
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Agreed. It is annoying though, I imagine that pre made computer companies tech support lines are going to be ready to /wrists on the amount of "hi there, I have no internet icon" telephone calls.
 
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