Smaller Web Browsers Demand Microsoft Display for Fairness
Six software firms have complained to the EU, saying that a huge proportion of the public do not realise their programs are on offer as an option in Microsoft's browser choice screen. "The final choice screen design leaves the vast majority of users unaware that there are more than five browsers to choose from," they said in their petition.
To see all 12 web browser options, users must scroll to the right when viewing Microsoft's ballot screen, which many are unlikely to do.
The current choice is being offered as part of a settlement of an anti-trust case brought against Microsoft by the European Commission. From 1 March, the revised browser choice has been displaying on the screens of millions of Europeans who have Internet Explorer as their default web browser.
The petition is signed by the makers of the Avant, Flock, Maxthon, Slim, Sleipnir and Green browsers. The company K-Meleon however did not sign it.
Early reports suggest the new browser choice, even though not perfect according to the petition, is leading to a rise in the numbers of people trying browsers other than Internet Explorer.
