Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Google lobs antitrust complaint against Microsoft, Nokia in EU, claims they're playing patent footsie (updated)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-lobs-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-and-nokia-in-eu/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-lobs-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-and-nokia-in-eu/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/31/google-lobs-antitrust-complaint-against-microsoft-and-nokia-in-eu/#comments European Union flags

The gloves just came off at Google: the company has just filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Microsoft and Nokia. Its gripe accuses the two Windows Phone partners of playing dirty pool through handing 1,200 wireless-related patents to Mosaid, a Canadian firm which spends most of its time suing the industry over WiFi rather than making products. Microsoft and Nokia are allegedly hiking the prices of devices by "creating patent trolls" that bypass deals preventing them from suing directly, possibly steering a few companies towards picking Windows Phone instead of Android.

Google argues that it's launching the complaint as an early defensive measure. Neither Microsoft nor Nokia has responded, although there's a degree of irony to the action: the complaints assert that Nokia is jeopardizing standards-based patents, but Google's recent acquisition Motorola has itself come under EU scrutiny for possibly abusing standards with its lawsuits against Apple and Microsoft. Either way, it's clear Google is concerned that Microsoft's Android patent licensing campaign might lose its decorum in the near future.

Update: Nokia's decided to have its say, in an email to Reuters:

"Though we have not yet seen the complaint, Google's suggestion that Nokia and Microsoft are colluding on intellectual property rights is wrong. Both companies have their own IPR portfolios and strategies and operate independently."

Google lobs antitrust complaint against Microsoft, Nokia in EU, claims they're playing patent footsie (updated) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 May 2012 18:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidantitrustcellphonecellphonescomplainteceueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionfrandgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidlicensingmicrosoftmicrosoft windows phoneMicrosoftWindowsPhonemobilepostcrossmosaidnokiapatentpatent trollpatent trollspatentsPatentTrollPatentTrollsstandardsStandards Essentialstandards-essentialStandardsEssentialwindows phoneWindowsPhoneThu, 31 May 2012 18:42:00 EST<![CDATA[EU competition head gives Google a 'matter of weeks' to offer an antitrust fix]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/eu-competition-head-gives-google-weeks-to-offer-antitrust-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/eu-competition-head-gives-google-weeks-to-offer-antitrust-deal/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/eu-competition-head-gives-google-weeks-to-offer-antitrust-deal/#comments EU flag

The European Union has been taking a leisurely pace investigating Google over possible antitrust abuses, but it's now accelerating to a full-on sprint. European Commission competition head Joaquin Almunia has given Google just a "matter of weeks" to propose how it would patch things up and soften fears that it was unfairly pushing its own web services over others. If Google makes the Commission happy, Almunia says, the whole investigation might wrap up and avoid fines. Google hasn't responded yet, but we wouldn't guarantee that it makes a deal: its execs have usually argued that there's nothing keeping users from going to another search site, and the company has been eager to emphasize that competition still exists. That said, Google only has to see what happened to Microsoft to know how expensive an EU antitrust fight can be.

EU competition head gives Google a 'matter of weeks' to offer an antitrust fix originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidantitrustantitrust regulationsAntitrustRegulationscompetition commissionCompetitionCommissionecEUeuropeEuropean CommissionEuropean unionEuropean Union Competition CommissionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionEuropeanUnionCompetitionCommissionfinefinesgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidInternetJoaquin AlmuniaJoaquinAlmuniaMicrosoftsearchsearch enginesearch enginesSearchEngineSearchEnginestravelMon, 21 May 2012 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Patriot Act admission has the EU up in arms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/microsofts-patriot-act-admission-has-the-eu-up-in-arms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/microsofts-patriot-act-admission-has-the-eu-up-in-arms/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/06/microsofts-patriot-act-admission-has-the-eu-up-in-arms/#comments Last week, Microsoft quietly confirmed that cloud data stored on its European servers can still be handed over to American investigators -- and the EU is none too pleased about it. As it turns out, the revelation has shed new light on a fundamental conflict between US law and the EU's Data Protection Directive -- an edict requiring that companies notify consumers whenever sharing their personal information. The bi-lateral Safe Harbor agreement calls for similarly strict protocol, but under the Patriot Act (which trumps all else), companies like Microsoft could be forced to hand over private data without informing targeted individuals. In response, some members of the European Parliament are calling upon legislators to take action and to implement safeguards that can't be overridden by third-party governments. It remains to be seen whether or not this leads to any new laws or transatlantic tensions, but if we've learned anything, it's that Europeans take their clouds very seriously.

Microsoft's Patriot Act admission has the EU up in arms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud dataCloudDatadataData Protection DirectiveDataProtectionDirectiveEUEU Data Protection DirectiveEuDataProtectionDirectiveeuropeEuropean Parliamenteuropean unionEuropeanParliamentEuropeanUnionlawmicrosoftparliamentpatriot actPatriotActpoliticsprivacySafe Harborsafe harbor agreementSafeHarborSafeHarborAgreementsecurityterrorismUSWed, 06 Jul 2011 09:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: European cloud data may not be immune to the Patriot Act]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-european-cloud-data-may-not-be-immune-to-the-patriot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-european-cloud-data-may-not-be-immune-to-the-patriot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/microsoft-european-cloud-data-may-not-be-immune-to-the-patriot/#comments If you thought you could evade US intelligence by moving to Europe and storing your dirty little secrets in Microsoft's cloud service, guess again. During this week's launch of Office 365, Gordon Frazer, managing director of Microsoft UK, admitted for the first time that cloud data stored at European datacenters could still be handed over to American officials, as outlined by US law. When asked whether Microsoft could guarantee that its EU-stored data would never leave the continent (even if requested under the Patriot Act), Frazer replied: "Microsoft cannot provide those guarantees. Neither can any other company." Because the company's headquarters are in the US, it's obligated to adhere to American laws, meaning that any of the data stored on its servers is fair game for authorities to seize and inspect. Frazer insisted that targeted users "would be informed whenever possible," but claimed that neither Microsoft nor any other US company can guarantee advanced notification. Bottom line: you're better off hiding those nefarious files the old fashioned way -- in an offshore safe deposit box.

Microsoft: European cloud data may not be immune to the Patriot Act originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudcloud computingcloud datacloud storageCloudComputingCloudDataCloudStoragedatacenterEUeuropeEuropean unionEuropeanUnionintelligencelawlaw enforcementLawEnforcementmicrosoftMSpatriot actPatriotActpoliticsterrorismUSUSAThu, 30 Jun 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lodges antitrust complaint against Google with European Commission, ignores irony]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-lodges-antitrust-complaint-against-google-with-europea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-lodges-antitrust-complaint-against-google-with-europea/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/31/microsoft-lodges-antitrust-complaint-against-google-with-europea/#comments So Microsoft doesn't like anticompetitive behavior, huh? Since when? Brad Smith, General Counsel for the Redmond rabblerousers, has posted a lengthy blog post outlining Microsoft's concerns with "a pattern of actions that Google has taken to entrench its dominance" in online search and ads, which he claims is detrimental to European consumers. Funnily enough, half the post is about Google's legal issues in the US, but we'll set that aside for now. What this boils down to is that Microsoft is finally taking the gloves off -- Google accused it of pushing other companies to do its dirty work -- and is now adding its name to the list of objectors to Mountain View's stranglehold on search in Europe. The European Commission is already taking a regulatory looksee at Google's tactics, so this isn't sparking off a new investigation, but it does add the glamor of two big names locking legal horns yet again. Hit the source link for Brad's exposition of Google's villainous wrongdoings.

Microsoft lodges antitrust complaint against Google with European Commission, ignores irony originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anticompetitiveantitrustbrad smithBradSmithcompetitioncomplainteceueuropeEuropean Commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionfairnessformalgoogleinternetlawlegalmicrosoftmonopolyobjectionregulatorsregulatorysearchwebThu, 31 Mar 2011 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EU launches preliminary antitrust probe against Google]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/23/eu-launches-preliminary-antitrust-probe-for-google/#comments Now that Microsoft's browser selection story is all but settled, it looks like the European Union is gearing up for a new antitrust probe, with its crosshairs aimed generally in Google's direction. According to the search giant's Senior Competition Counsel Julia Holtz (via its European Public Policy Blog), complaints from three European internet companies -- legal search group EJustice.fr, price comparison site Foundem.co.uk, and German-based Microsoft subsidiary Ciao.de -- have prompted the European Commission to launch a preliminary, fact-finding probe. The charges? Anticompetitive practices stemming from unfair downranking of its competitors in search results. Google denies any wrongdoing, while adding ,"we are also the first to admit that our search is not perfect, but it's a very hard computer science problem to crack." The Microsoft connection seems particularly notable to Google; Holtz reiterates that the company had a good relationship with Ciao until the Redmond company picked it up in 2008 -- "we started receiving complaints about our standard terms and conditions." Like we said, at this point it's just a fact-finding probe that could end up going nowhere, but seriously, Google's lawyers cannot seem to get a break these days.

EU launches preliminary antitrust probe against Google originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti trustAntiTrustbreaking newsBreakingNewseceueuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUniongooglelawlegalmicrosoftsearchTue, 23 Feb 2010 21:47:00 EST<![CDATA[EU settles affairs with Microsoft, no fines this time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/16/eu-settles-affairs-with-microsoft-no-fines-this-time/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/16/eu-settles-affairs-with-microsoft-no-fines-this-time/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/16/eu-settles-affairs-with-microsoft-no-fines-this-time/#commentsMomentous moment alert -- the EU has just closed the book on its lengthy investigation into potential Microsoft antitrust violations. Lasting through nearly the entire noughties, The European Commission's dissatisfaction with what it perceived as monopolistic practices from Redmond has resulted in some hefty fines over the years, but the conclusion to hostilities has been pleasingly amicable. In exchange for Microsoft's legally binding promise to offer up to 12 other browsers alongside its own, the European executive will give the company a clean bill of competition-friendly health. All this means is that the ballot screen will be around on Windows operating systems for at least the next five years (starting in mid-March 2010), which should give the EU plenty of time to think up the next batch of allegations to throw Microsoft's way.

EU settles affairs with Microsoft, no fines this time originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbrowserschoicecompetitioncompetition lawCompetitionLawconsumer choiceConsumerChoiceeueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionfineslawmicrosoftmonopolisticmonopolywindowsWed, 16 Dec 2009 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly randomizing browser ballots to appease EU, asks 'are you happy now?']]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/microsoft-reportedly-randomizing-eu-browser-ballots-ask-are-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/microsoft-reportedly-randomizing-eu-browser-ballots-ask-are-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2009/12/06/microsoft-reportedly-randomizing-eu-browser-ballots-ask-are-yo/#commentsSome might say that Microsoft just can't catch a break. Others might argue that it's getting exactly what it deserves. Whatever your take on the situation, it seems as if Microsoft may finally have the EU off of its monstrous back (at least momentarily), as a report has surfaced noting that said software giant is nearing approval for a new browser ballot screen demanded by the European Commission. As you well know by now, rivals Mozilla, Opera and Google all submitted change requests to EU regulators in hopes of having browser selection boxes randomized and not displayed within Internet Explorer. Purportedly, the all-clear will come down on December 15th (or earlier), and the antitrust case will be settled as Windows customers have a clearer choice when it comes to selecting a go-to browser from day one. 'Course, said ballot screen wouldn't be pushed out to existing users until early next year, but when it goes live users will be able to decide between Chrome, Firefox, IE, Opera and Safari for their browsing needs. Huzzah!

Microsoft reportedly randomizing browser ballots to appease EU, asks 'are you happy now?' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 06 Dec 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbrowserchoicechromedealEUeuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionfirefoxgoogleIEinternetinternet explorerinternet explorer 8InternetExplorerInternetExplorer8microsoftmozillaoperaregulationsregulatorsrulessoftwareweb browserWebBrowserSun, 06 Dec 2009 17:39:00 EST<![CDATA[European Commission likes Windows 7 browser ballot screen, will probably fine Microsoft anyway]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/european-commission-likes-windows-7-browser-ballot-screen-will/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/european-commission-likes-windows-7-browser-ballot-screen-will/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/07/european-commission-likes-windows-7-browser-ballot-screen-will/#commentsEuropean Commission likes Windows 7 browser ballot screen, will probably fine Microsoft anyway
Well, it took two months, but the European Commission has finally decided that Microsoft's idea for a Windows 7 ballot screen, in which users pick which web browser they want installed, is acceptable, saying it'll give users "an effective and unbiased choice between Internet Explorer and competing Web browsers." Previously MS was working on a custom version of the OS for EU shores, called Windows 7 E, but nobody was particularly fond of that idea. We're glad to see the European Commission and Microsoft finally starting to warm to each other -- maybe money can buy you love.

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European Commission likes Windows 7 browser ballot screen, will probably fine Microsoft anyway originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 07:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballot screenBallotScreeneueuropeeuropean commissionEuropeanCommissionmicrosoftmicrosoft windows 7MicrosoftWindows7windows 7windows 7 eWindows7Windows7EWed, 07 Oct 2009 07:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's browserless Windows 7 E gets EUthanized]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/microsofts-browserless-windows-7-e-get-euthanized/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/microsofts-browserless-windows-7-e-get-euthanized/http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/03/microsofts-browserless-windows-7-e-get-euthanized/#commentsMicrosoft's browserless Windows 7 E get EUthanized The saga of Microsoft vs. the European Commission just keeps on keepin' on. MS was accused of harming the browser competition by including IE with Windows, and as part of its pledge to play nice proposed a Europe-only version of Windows 7 that would completely lack Internet Explorer, dubbed Windows 7 E. Last week the company came up with an alternative: a so-called ballot screen version that would allow users to pick (nearly) any browser they like upon start-up -- or just stick with the already installed IE. Buoyed by generally positive feedback from the move, Microsoft has indicated it's going to go ahead and kill off Windows 7 E -- despite the lack of an official agreement from the Commission as of yet. So, the whole, wonderful world will get the same flavor of the OS, and everyone browsed happily ever after. The end...?

[Via ComputerWorld]

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Microsoft's browserless Windows 7 E gets EUthanized originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ballot screenballotBallotScreenballotbrowserECEUeuropeeuropean commissionEuropeanCommissioninternetinternet explorerInternetExplorermicrosoftoperating systemOperatingSystemOSsoftwareweb browserWebBrowserwindow 7 eWindow7Ewindowswindows 7Windows7Mon, 03 Aug 2009 07:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft giving Europeans with Windows XP and Vista choice of browser, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/29/microsoft-giving-europeans-with-windows-xp-and-vista-choice-of-b/#comments
As it turns out, it won't just be Windows 7 that'll be giving Europeans a choice of what web browser to use. In fact, the lengths that Microsoft is going to appease the European Commission is quite extreme. Ars Technica did some digging and here's the fine print of the proposal. Within three to six months of the EC's approval, an update will be sent out to Europeans with Windows XP and Vista, labeled "high priority" or "important." User who install the update and have Internet Explorer as the default browser will see the ballot screen on next log in, which will show up to ten different browsers with at least a 0.5 percent share of the market in the European Economic Area (EEA). Users can then choose to download something new, ignore the screen, or defer until an indefinite time in the future. Windows 7 users will get the ballot update within two weeks of the Commission's decision or by its October 22nd launch, whichever comes second. Extreme? You betcha -- but we can't argue over having more choice.

[Thanks, Adrian]

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Microsoft giving Europeans with Windows XP and Vista choice of browser, too originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsereceueuropeeuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionieinternet explorerInternetExplorermicrosoftmicrosoft windowsMicrosoftWindowsvistaweb browserWebBrowserwindowswindows 7windows vistawindows xpWindows7WindowsVistaWindowsXpxpWed, 29 Jul 2009 00:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft to appeal $1.35B EU antitrust fine]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/microsoft-to-appeal-1-35b-eu-antitrust-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/microsoft-to-appeal-1-35b-eu-antitrust-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/09/microsoft-to-appeal-1-35b-eu-antitrust-fine/#comments
Microsoft's no stranger to appealing antitrust decisions before the European Commission's Court of the First Instance, and it looks like it's saddling up for another go 'round: the software giant has decided to appeal that $1.3B antitrust fine handed down in February. Saying that it was only filing as part of a "constructive effort to seek clarity from the court," Microsoft has asked that the decision be annulled. Yeah, that seems pretty clear. As always, our suggestions that this be resolved with a GTA IV / CoD4 round-robin deathmatch on Live have gone unheeded in favor of tedious paperwork and months of delay, but we're still holding out hope.

[Thanks, Hosain]

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Microsoft to appeal $1.35B EU antitrust fine originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 May 2008 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrusteueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionlawsuitlegalmicrosoftFri, 09 May 2008 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[HD VMD clears up European Union, spring break related rumors]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/07/hd-vmd-clears-up-european-union-spring-break-related-rumors/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/07/hd-vmd-clears-up-european-union-spring-break-related-rumors/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/07/hd-vmd-clears-up-european-union-spring-break-related-rumors/#commentsAlleviating worries that mere format war irrelevance had gotten our friends in the VMD camp down, a statement was issued today regarding stories "emerging" on the internets alleging EU officials had confiscated money from Microsoft and/or Sony, and given to NME to subsidize its fledgling red laser HD disc (Hadn't heard about it? Neither did we.) NME, the backers of HD VMD, would like everyone to know that not only is that completely false, it also did not have sex with Brad at Cabo San Lucas, as had been reported. With that rumor smashed we can go back to eagerly anticipating our pre-ordered Lazy Town HD VMDs, just 499,999 more to go!

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HD VMD clears up European Union, spring break related rumors originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu rayblu-rayblurayeueuropean unionEuropeanUnionformat warFormatWarhdhd dvdhd vmdhddvdHdVmdmicrosoftnmeother formatsotherformatsotherssonyvmdMon, 07 Apr 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Third-gen Zune to hit in 2009, make it to Europe]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/13/third-gen-zune-to-hit-in-2009-make-it-to-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/13/third-gen-zune-to-hit-in-2009-make-it-to-europe/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/13/third-gen-zune-to-hit-in-2009-make-it-to-europe/#comments
Seeing how long it took the Zune to make it over the northern border and into Canada, it shouldn't be any surprise that it's going to take even longer to get to Europe -- not until late next year, according to the director of Microsoft France. The wait should be worth it, though: that's when the third generation of Zunes will be released, as well as a Europe-friendly version of the Zune Marketplace. There are also some sketchy rumors that Windows Mobile 7 devices will be able to take advantage of Zune content and services, but it doesn't look like Microsoft has anything to say about that yet -- but if that goes down you know a Zune phone is right around the corner.

[Via Anything But iPod]

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Third-gen Zune to hit in 2009, make it to Europe originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropemicrosoftphotonportable audioportable videoportableaudioportablevideowindows mobilewindows mobile 7WindowsMobileWindowsMobile7winmowinmo 7Winmo7zunezune marketplaceZuneMarketplaceThu, 13 Mar 2008 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[European Xbox 360 price cuts officially official]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/european-xbox-360-price-cuts-officially-official/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/european-xbox-360-price-cuts-officially-official/http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/10/european-xbox-360-price-cuts-officially-official/#comments
Yeah, we had plenty of advance notice, but it looks like those European Xbox 360 price cuts are now the real deal. The 360 Arcade is now just €199.99 / £159.99, while the Premium drops €80 / £50 to €269.99 / £199.99 and the Elite comes down €80 / £40 to €369.99 / £259.99. That means the Arcade is now half the price of the 40GB PS3 in the EU -- not necessarily a great 1:1 comparison, but something tells us it's going to look awfully convincing on store shelves.

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European Xbox 360 price cuts officially official originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360eumicrosoftprice cutsPriceCutsukxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 10 Mar 2008 11:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft slammed by European Commission with $1.35b fine]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/microsoft-slammed-by-european-commission-with-1-4b-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/microsoft-slammed-by-european-commission-with-1-4b-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/27/microsoft-slammed-by-european-commission-with-1-4b-fine/#commentsIt's a good thing Microsoft has tons and tons of money, because they keep finding themselves in a position where they've got to pay out -- big time. Such is the case today, where the European Commission has fined the monolithic company €899 million (or $1.35 billion) due to failure to comply with a 2004 ruling on monopolistic business practices. The Commission found that the folks in Redmond had been guilty of -- gasp! -- freezing out competition by not providing "vital information" to rival software companies. This isn't the first time it's had to pay, as the company already dropped $357 million on the case back in 2006. "Microsoft was the first company in 50 years of EU competition policy that the Commission has had to fine for failure to comply with an antitrust decision," said Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes. Perhaps Ballmer and co. saw this one coming when they went "open" last week, though we're fairly confident this kind of fine carries only the slightest sting for the software giant.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

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Microsoft slammed by European Commission with $1.35b fine originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 08:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnionfinemicrosoftmonopolisticmonopolyWed, 27 Feb 2008 08:24:00 EST<![CDATA[EU says it'll believe Microsoft is going open when it sees it]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/eu-says-itll-believe-microsoft-is-going-open-when-it-sees-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/eu-says-itll-believe-microsoft-is-going-open-when-it-sees-it/http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/21/eu-says-itll-believe-microsoft-is-going-open-when-it-sees-it/#comments
Echoing the reactions of many to Microsoft's decision to open things up this morning, the European Commission issued a statement this morning saying that while it welcomes any moves towards "genuine interoperability," it's not going to believe it until it sees it -- it's counted four similar announcements by Redmond in the past, with nothing to show for it. Of course, Microsoft is currently being investigated for antitrust violations in Europe, so there's a whispered belief that the new steps are a ploy to derail that process, but that's pretty doubtful -- and the EU's not having it anyway, saying that "Today's announcement by Microsoft does not address the tying allegations." For its part, Microsoft actually agrees, saying that it's opening things up on its own -- the move reflects both "the reality of our unique legal situation" as well as "new opportunities and risks in the connected world." That's certainly an interesting approach -- but we'll see how the EU reacts if and when Microsoft follows through on these promises.

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EU says it'll believe Microsoft is going open when it sees it originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Feb 2008 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrusteueuropean commissioneuropean unionEuropeanCommissionEuropeanUnioninteroperatbilitymicrosoftThu, 21 Feb 2008 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft due for another round of EU antitrust probes]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/microsoft-due-for-another-round-of-eu-antitrust-probes/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/microsoft-due-for-another-round-of-eu-antitrust-probes/http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/14/microsoft-due-for-another-round-of-eu-antitrust-probes/#comments
Microsoft, the ever-present target of scorn from the little guy, has once again been hit with antitrust charges in the EU, according to a report in the Wall Street Journal today. This time it's charges related to the company's refusal to disclose "interoperability information" for a variety of products, including Office, which is keeping competitors from marketing compatible software (we've heard complaints of this type from Open Office users for some time). Additionally -- just as we reported in December -- Norwegian web browser outfit Opera is stepping up to the plate, alleging that Redmond's inclusion of Internet Explorer with its ubiquitous operating system leaves little room for rival companies to enter the game. Considering how Microsoft's last antitrust case went in the EU, this may bode poorly for the giant, though a ruling in favor of reforms could benefit the end user. Stay tuned to this space for more information as we get it.

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Microsoft due for another round of EU antitrust probes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Jan 2008 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrusteueuropean unionEuropeanUnioninteroperabilityinvestigationmicrosoftoperaprobeMon, 14 Jan 2008 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Opera files EU antitrust suit against Microsoft for bundling IE]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/opera-files-eu-antitrust-suit-against-microsoft-for-bundling-ie/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/opera-files-eu-antitrust-suit-against-microsoft-for-bundling-ie/http://www.engadget.com/2007/12/13/opera-files-eu-antitrust-suit-against-microsoft-for-bundling-ie/#comments
Oh man, here we go again. Opera just filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft in Redmond's least favorite place to litigate, the EU. The suit claims that Microsoft is stifling competition by distributing Internet Explorer in its Windows OS. The Norwegian company, backed by the European Committee for Interoperable Systems (ECIS), a long-time opponent of Microsoft, is asking the EU Commission to force Microsoft to comply with industry standards for web browsers and either unbundle IE from the OS or include other browsers along side IE. That would be the Opera Browser we presume, eh Opera (wink, wink). Unlike Apple, Nokia/Symbian, and others who also bundle a browser with their OS, Opera argues that web designers build their sites with IE in mind due to its dominant position in the marketplace and non-compliance with industry standards for web browsing. As such, other browsers won't render some pages correctly -- a disincentive for users to browse with anything other than Microsoft's IE. Sit tight kids, this ride will be bumpy.

Update: Here's Opera's press release on the matter.

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Opera files EU antitrust suit against Microsoft for bundling IE originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 13 Dec 2007 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbreaking newsBreakingNewseuieinternet explorerInternetExplorerlegalmicrosoftoperaopera browserOperaBrowserThu, 13 Dec 2007 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft concedes, complies with EU antitrust ruling]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/22/microsoft-concedes-complies-with-eu-antitrust-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/22/microsoft-concedes-complies-with-eu-antitrust-ruling/http://www.engadget.com/2007/10/22/microsoft-concedes-complies-with-eu-antitrust-ruling/#comments
After losing the appeal and suffering daily penalty payments for years, Microsoft has finally conceded to the European commission. This after withdrawing its appeal in the South Korea antitrust case last week. The "substantial changes" to Microsoft's behavior can be boiled down as follows:
  • Rival software developers (including open-source) can now access and use Microsoft interoperability information
  • Royalties for this information will be reduced to a one-off payment of €10,000 / $14,000
  • Royalties for a world-wide license to use Microsoft's product and patents will be reduced from 5.95% to just 0.4%
While Microsoft can technically still appeal the September ruling on the original 2004 decision, it certainly looks like this dog has been beaten into obedient, doe-eyed submission.

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Microsoft concedes, complies with EU antitrust ruling originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 22 Oct 2007 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-trustantitrusteueuropemicrosoftMon, 22 Oct 2007 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft contritely responds to EU decision]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/microsoft-contritely-responds-to-eu-decision/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/microsoft-contritely-responds-to-eu-decision/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/microsoft-contritely-responds-to-eu-decision/#comments
Sounding like a child who's just been caught with a hand in the proverbial cookie jar, Microsoft issued a decidedly contrite, non-confrontational response this afternoon to the decision handed down earlier today by a European Grand Chamber of the Court of First Instance, thanking the court for its time and promising to take whatever steps are necessary to comply with the ruling. While playing up its commitment to Europe, aspirations for increased transparency, and continuing changes to its business practices, Redmond Senior Vice President and General Counsel Brad Smith also admitted that "we all have to acknowledge that there are some issues that do remain open" and even welcomed "continued discussion to adhere to our duties with the European Commission." Notably absent from Microsoft's response was any mention of an appeal, and while the topic does seem to have been broached in post-statement Q&A, the company's press release conveniently lists all questions as being asked "off mike" -- therefore, the only clue we have regarding future plans is Smith's assertion that "I don't want to talk about what will come next in terms of the legal process." In other words, it sounds like this case may well enter its second decade before a final decision is reached.

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Microsoft contritely responds to EU decision originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrusteueuropelegalmicrosoftMon, 17 Sep 2007 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[EU rules on Microsoft antitrust appeal: Bad news for Microsoft]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/eu-ruling-on-microsoft-antitrust-appeal-bad-news-for-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/eu-ruling-on-microsoft-antitrust-appeal-bad-news-for-microsoft/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/17/eu-ruling-on-microsoft-antitrust-appeal-bad-news-for-microsoft/#comments
The 15-month deliberation into Microsoft's appeal to the European ruling in their anti-trust case is over. The news is pretty bad for Microsoft as their appeal has been dismissed. As such, the $688 million fine imposed in 2004 stands and Microsoft must pay 80% of the Commission's legal costs as additional insult. Microsoft did succeed at abolishing the independent monitoring trustee established to supervise Microsoft's behavior. Microsoft can still appeal to the highest court in Europe so this isn't over by any stretch of the imagination.

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EU rules on Microsoft antitrust appeal: Bad news for Microsoft originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Sep 2007 03:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>antitrustbreaking newsBreakingNewseueuropelegalmicrosoftMon, 17 Sep 2007 03:29:00 EST<![CDATA[EU hits Microsoft with $357 million fine]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/12/eu-hits-microsoft-with-357-million-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/12/eu-hits-microsoft-with-357-million-fine/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/12/eu-hits-microsoft-with-357-million-fine/#commentsEven though we've resigned ourselves to the fact that Windows Vista isn't coming out until it's good and ready, EU regulators aren't as forgiving as us when it comes to Microsoft playing the delay game, and have hit the software giant with a $357 million fine based on that 2004 anti-competition ruling. What's more, EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes has decided to slap the company with a three million euro-per-day fine starting on July 31st if the document disclosure stipulation of the original decision -- which requires Microsoft to make the Windows source code more accessible to rivals provide technical information to makers of competing server software -- has not been fulfilled. Redmond, for its part, claims that it has been fully cooperating with regulators; general counsel Brad Smith argues that the commission's original demand was too vague, and therefore the issue is not one of compliance but clarity. In the end, Microsoft can complain all day and night about unfair rulings and unclear requirements, but if it wants to continue having unfettered access to the lucrative European market, it seems the company has little choice but to toe the line on this one.

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EU hits Microsoft with $357 million fine originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eueuropean unionEuropeanUnionfineslegalmicrosoftmonopolyneelie kroesNeelieKroesoperationg systemOperationgSystempenaltiesredmondrulingssoftwaresource codeSourceCodeWed, 12 Jul 2006 12:40:00 EST