Microsoft is ready to introduce measures in Windows 8 to address the European Union’s antitrust concerns about users’ ability to chose between different browsers, according to European Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.
EU antitrust regulators are investigating whether Microsoft blocks computer makers from installing rival web browsers on its upcoming Windows 8, following complaints from several companies.
“In my personal talks with Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer, he has given me assurances that they will comply immediately regardless of the conclusion of the antitrust probe,” Almunia said at an economic conference in northern Italy, adding that he considered the matter a “very, very serious issue”.
The affair is part of an investigation opened in July into Microsoft’s failure to offer users a choice of rival web browsers which it had agreed with regulators three years ago.
In its latest spat with the US firm, the EU watchdog is also looking into allegations that Microsoft does not provide access to complete APIs for non-default browsers in Windows 8.
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