Microsoft is sending out Windows XP N, the version without Media Player forced on them by a free market unfriendly EU, to manufacturers on June 15.
Just to reiterate: The “violation” Microsoft commited was shipping its own software, which computer manufacturers paid for, with another piece of software it makes installed for free. This gave it unfair market dominance over another piece of software, which was also a free download, and would have been a free download regradless of Microsoft’s actions. So Microsoft’s mistake: Giving consumers a product they could ignore if they didn’t like, or making them download a program they would have had to download no matter what Microsoft did.
In the eyes of European governments, the common man is too stupid to do these things on his own. The common man is too stupid to download RealPlayer, and apparently Microsoft was taking advantage of this stupidity.
Condescending assholes.
Now you can get Windows without Media Player, for the same price as Windows with. Tell me how this product is more consumer friendly?
You know, when I order a case of grapefruits (and do not ask me why I might order grapefruits by the case), I get four free grapefruit spoons in the case. Now, this has killed any chance of me ever buying grapefruit spoons (I have a friend with over 100 accumulated spoons). I could not be more grateful for free stuff. Considering that European countries love giving people free stuff, like socialized healthcare, why are they so anathema to Microsoft doing it?
Links: Microsoft is sending out Windows XP N
Nathan Weinberg writes the popular InsideGoogle blog, offering the latest news and insights about Google and search engines.
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