Microsoft seems to have gotten around their troubles with the EU over Internet Explorer penetration by giving users of Windows 7, XP and Vista the option to change their default browser as part of an official software update, according to a report from Ars Technica.
Expected to coincide with the launch of Windows 7, a ‘browser ballot’ screen will appear in Internet Explorer inviting the user to change their default browser to any one of 10 third party providers. The option to delete Internet Explorer from their systems will also be presented.
The move is unique to EU countries following pressure from the European commission to address the issue of competition in the browser space. Having conceded that shipping Windows 7 without a browser, as previously expected, was not a viable option for consumers. It was also thought manufacturers were to be given a choice of what browser to ship with Windows 7 themselves.
The ballot screen move would appear to be a workable Third Way for Microsoft, who were hit by an €899 million fineafter an antitrust order found the company guilty of stifling competition.
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