Microsoft to offer Browser Choice to Europeans From Mar 1

    As part of the recent deal between Microsoft and European Commission, the software giant will ask the European people what browser they are willing to install. A pop up window will prompt the user to select any of the 12 choices for browsers or go with Microsoft’s own browser.

The Browser Choice screen will be offered to those users in Windows XP, Vista and 7 who already have IE set as their default browser. It will be installed by the automatic update system. Following installation, a new “Browser Choice” icon will show on the desktop and the IE icon will not be seen from the Windows 7 taskbar. An introduction screen is going to appear which explains what a browser is.

The users can select any of the five browsers eg. IE, Firefox, Chrome, Safari and Opera from the browser choice screen. Also, 7 randomly ordered browsers will be available if the user scrolls horizontally. The user can also opt for “later” installation of the browser. The system will be able to install any number of browsers. Although, the update can be applied for Windows XP, Vista and 7, not all users will see it. Those who are already using different browsers like Firefox, Safari or Chrome will not be able to see it. But, the users who already have Internet Explorer as default browser must able to see the browser choice section. Those that have automatic updates turned off can go to the Windows Update site and run a “Check For Updates” to get it.

As per the Web Stats, IE has 62% market share and Firefox has 24%. The browser choice screen is expected to lower IE’s market share. However, it can be presumed that any user who is not sure about his browser choice will select “IE” option.