14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft can’t wake up from the nightmare called web browser choice screen, as the company now has to alter the standard configuration in Windows 8 in order to comply with EU requirements.
The Redmond-based technology company is now investigated by EU’s antitrust body for failing to offer users a web browser choice screen, but regulators have also demanded Microsoft to change the standard settings in the upcoming Windows OS.
“If a user decides to set a rival browser as the default browser, there should not be unnecessary warning windows or confirmations by the user, and the Internet Explorer icon should also be unpinned from the Start screen. We expect Microsoft to address these issues,” EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia was quoted as saying by ZDNet.
Surprisingly, Microsoft has pledged to make all the necessary modifications before the official debut of the new operating system.
Windows 8 is scheduled to be unveiled in New York, during a press conference that will begin at 11:15 AM EDT.
“After discussions with the Commission, we are changing some aspects of the way the Browser Choice Screen works on Windows 8 and will have those changes implemented when Windows 8 launches later this week,” the company said.
While users can freely change the default web browser on a desktop computer, not the same thing can be said about the Windows RT build developed to be installed on tablets.
This particular platform provides no other choice beside Internet Explorer, but the EU antitrust body says Microsoft doesn’t infringe any regulation in this case.