New Microsoft browser raises Google's hackles

Google says Microsoft is unfairly grabbing Web traffic by making its MSN search engine the default in its browser.
The New York Times

The story "New Microsoft browser raises Google's hackles" published April 30, 2006 at 10:00 AM is no longer available on CNET News.

Content from The New York Times expires after 7 days.

[Hernys]

This is cr*p

In IE7 it takes two clicks (literally) to change search provider. It can't be any easier than that. Or they are asking that the product should not work by default, and the user must take some action (deciding for a search provider) in order to be able to search?

[freemarket--2008]

Really?

It takes two clicks just to get to any pull-down menu item, then at least one to select an item and another to close the window. IE7 must have some new-fangled interface.

If it's so easy, why can't they offer it up when you install Windows or the new browser. Oh wait, they said that would confuse people. Their FUD and double-talk is what confuses people...as intended.

[rcrusoe]

Easy? Consider the average windows user

Most people that use Windows, and therefore IE, are untrained on
the system and ignorant of their choices. Therefore few, if any,
default settings are ever changed.

If they really knew the danger of IE they wouldn't use it at all.

[cyberian]

Funny, the article says it takes 4

Googles' (valid) point is, MS has NO right to set the default to begin with! When installing the OS, there's plenty of other Q & A in the setup, so how hard is it to include one for search engine preference? It's not like MS is some innocent newbie to this scenario. They are pulling the same old **** they've been doing all along, because a leopard (or a bully) never changes its spots...and in MS' case, those spots are shaped like $$.
Keep it up MS, give everyone just ONE MORE REASON to check out Linux, Mac, or ANYTHING BUT MS!!!

And as for Hernias comment, yes, it CAN be easier than two clicks. The first time you launch, a pop-up can ask you to pick your search provider from a drop-down list. That's ONE click and done, with NO "MS default" ******** already set. MS simply doesn't get it, and will continue not to get it until somebody fines them SEVERAL BILLION DOLLARS. That's the only language the 'richest man in the world' is likely to understand. Better yet, fine them 5 or 10 BILLION, and disperse those funds via a 'foundation' for startups...

[ash_ak]

What abt Google backed Firefox

Firefox has the same search box powered by google at the top right and they do not even give you an option to change it, c'mon man i didnt see msn cry at that, while google coyly lapped up the users, i am sick and tired of this whole microsoft thing, the it landscape is ever changing, let the people choose, not the courts or a bunch of idiots in silicon valley or brussels

[converter42]

Changing the search engine

Click the little Google icon, drag to the search engine you want to use, release the mouse button, viola!

You can even add support for search engines that aren't in the default list, just select "Add engines..." in the menu. And yes, MSN search is one of the available options.

[Bruno Correia]

How about Apple, Google?

Safari ( Apple?s default browser ) has the same feature and it brings
Goggle as the default search engine. I believe Google doesn?t mind
that? ? right? I honestly think as low as possible of Microsoft but
as someone else already said, this is CRAP. Why don?t you Google
go spending money to develop a nice CSS for your site. Haven?t you
realized you are a functional but very UGLY baby?

[shawnlin]

Doesn't Apple have a Monopoly on the OS for Macintosh Computers?

Doesn't Apple's Mac OS have an operating system monopoly for Macintosh Computers? How about Sun Solaris on UltraSparq computers?

Sure, Microsoft has a monopoly for the operating system on personal computers, but they don't have a monopoly on the operating system for computing devices (anything with a CPU like chip in it such as digital photocopiers, PDAs, cell phones, various embedded devices,... etc, just to name a few).

So how do we determine which monopolies are ok and are allowed anti-competitive behavior, and which are not?

Why do people focus on the operating system market for personal computers and Microsoft's monopoly on this market? What about the operating system market for Macintosh computers? Why doesn't Apple get in trouble for bundling iTunes and Safari in the Mac OS? Why does Apple get to bundle the Mac OS with Macintosh hardware?

Why should some markets be allowed to have monopolies that can bundle whatever they want while others cannot have such monopolies?

More importantly, what rules should governments use to draw up boundaries that define a market for the purpose in investigating antitrust behaviors?

[oliversolman]

Google desktop

Google should make microsoft live.com search primary search engine in their app.

[tlite722]

wahhhhh....my name is google and msn won't share!!!!

cmon, google...don't be a baby. you got some money now and supposedly some pretty nifty programmers. you don't like explorer, develop your own browser and do what you want. and to support your claim by pointing to a RIDICULOUS...so RIDICULOUS as to be unbelievable that is...study your commissioned who's conclusion is that a vast majority can't do 3-4 clicks to change the default search? LAUGHABLE. Surely you jest. So just how much DID you pay for that sweet sweet piece of coffee table reading. just goes to show you EXACTLY what money can buy. oh...oh...here i am at 2 clicks. whaaaat? one more click to change default search? HELL NO!!! TOO COMPLICATED DAMMIT. MSN it is!!!

Sweet.

[t8]

Your argument is based on your own experience

But the reality is that 4 clicks is a lot for grandma and the majority of computer users. It's easy for you to make the argument you do, but if you were to do a professional survey of computer users habits, you would change your mind.

I think Microsoft is very happy for you to probogate your myth however. It hides the truth.

[nightveil]

The world according to Google

Apparently it isn't enough that the term "google" has replaced
"search" in the Internet lexicon, now the company wants
Microsoft to not point to its own search engine on the grounds
that it will steal traffic?

I doubt seriously that those folks who are going to use that
feature of IE 7 care what engine they use as long as they get the
hits they're looking for.

Further, I suspsect that many will change the search provider,
probably to Google.

Pointless sword-clattering signifying nothing.

[freemarket--2008]

Unfortunately...

This is has become the only way to deal with MicroSoft if you don't want to get walked all over. They only respond to lawsuits. They have settled dozens for billions of dollars because they don't know how to run an ethical business.

I don't personally think changing the search engine is a big deal, but I don't blame Google for slapping MS back once in a while. They don't want to end up as another Netscape.

[bhushan bhaagii]

Pointless Sword-Clattering? Not Really!

Google has achieved its objective of putting MS on notice. It has got the message out to browser users. Now, MS, which has had a hard time with EU, will be watching over its shoulder to see what the EU (and, perhaps the US Justice Depts Anti Trust unit) will do.

Crying "wolf" this early on in the game has helped Google. Discerning users may switch off MSN, and as Firefox and other browsers chip away at IE's monopoly, the effect will begin to tell.

However, let's admit, if MS is not prevailed upon to change, then it can certainly look to add
several million users to its search engine.

Bhushan B

[drfrost]

The world according to Micro$oft

"All your searches are belong to us."

[thanhvn]

unsympathetic to google in this case

As long as Microsoft delivers on its promise to make it extremely easy for the users to change the default search engine (as easy as changing the default home page is probably good enough for me) then I'm unsympathetic to Google's cause in this case. Of course, this all depends on whether Microsoft delivers on its promise. But, given Microsoft's behavior in the past, I will continue to judge its actions on a case by case basis until it can earn my trust (which I think will be a long way off).

[chrisaris]

Only the best can win!!!

When google came out initially as a fledgling search engine, it was the quality of its results that dictated its popularity and its subsequent growth .... No IE or MS onslaught could stop it from becoming what its become today -- a giant search company. Then why should it be soo scared about Microsoft embedding its search box into its OWN browser. I guess in the long run, the user will go to the search engine that gives the best results. In the past soo many years ive used IE as my primary browser, ive never ever bothered to use the Search Feature in IE ... and i dont think i would bother to use it in the future even if it was made more prominent (like the box) .... I think Google should focus on marketing itself more efficiently to over these petty obstacles. Offcourse unless this -- crying foul -- is just a part of its marketing strategy to turn the heat on IE. Google is anyways safe and sound!!!

[alba tross]

Well..

Netscape had a far superior browser to Internet Deplorer but thanks to Microsoft tying its browser illegally to its OS, Netscape lost big style. People will not look beyond what is provided for them. They will not put any effort into seeking out alternatives. This is why we have a crap browser as the market leader and are stuck with a bug ridden OS on all PCs. Microsofts action bankrupted Netscape and forced them into the ground. This will happen to google. Microsoft are NOT interested in the best customer service or producing the best search engine. They want the money from the advertising. FULL STOP. They MUST be prevented from putting this search option into their browser or yet another internet technology will turn to **** just like HTML, CSS and DOM.

[drfrost]

You underestimate the "new to computers" market...

People like you and I are creatures of habit. My homepage is set to google. It would take a lot change that. But I also help a lot of new computer users and once they learn to do something a certain way they like to stick to that. Even when I specifically point out to them that there is a more efficient means to their end, they insist on doing it the way they've grown accustomed to. Microsoft is going to grab a lot of these people. Not because they are better, but because they'll be the default!

I have to agree with Google on this. This is more of the same old tactics that got Microsoft in trouble in the first place. Taking the "low road" is an established pattern for Microsoft. It's what we've come to expect at this point. (Sony is quickly vying for dominance in this area though.)

"Hey, I know... we'll make the search engine an essential part of the entire operating system so people CAN'T get rid of it. We'll integrate it into the file/folder/disk search technology. Then if we get sued we'll say we couldn't possibly take it out without compromising the entire OS."

Sound familiar?

[Tanjore]

Google don't be a cry baby

Google has established relationships with all browsers excepting IE to be a default search provider.

Why should IE even support Google search!!! Google should compete on its own strength.

IE should make it easier to support google search only if Google tool bar makes it easier to choose msn as search engine!!!

[freemarket--2008]

Nonsense

Microsoft has a built-in advantage as an abusive monopolist in the O/S market to steer people to their ever-expanding list of tools.

As the most popular browser, Google has every right to expect MS to allow it's users to choose their default browser instead of being spoon-fed the usual MS pablum. If MS wants to increase their share of the browser market, let them improve their browser.

As far as the Google toolbar offering MS search, that is the most foolish thing I have ever heard.

[booboo1243]

All downhill from here

"Don't be evil" apparently doesn't apply to whining to the government and asking them to tell other companies how to build products. Isn't Google the company PAYING people to distribute Firefox with it's default Google search box?

This is a sign for Google. They are evolving from a scrappy, innovative company to a sniveling anti-Microsoft welfare case looking for government handouts. That business model worked *so* well for Novell, Caldera, Netscape, and the other ragtag loser companies who went begging to DC.

[freemarket--2008]

Your point is well taken

Don't go to the government for help, because MS owns them anyways. You'll just waste taxpayers dollars and MS will get a slap on the wrist and then it's back to business as usual.

Just lay back and take it and end up like Netscape and all the others MS has destroyed.

Do you whine and complain when MS sues people right and left when they think they have an advantage? Or when MS loses suits for billions and passes on the cost to their customers?

[slaha11]

Google hypocrisy

This is a good example of Google hypocrisy!!!

I use Google for 100% of my internet searches, and in IE Beta2, I have already changed the default search engine to Google.

Tell me one thing Google, why do Firefox browser has Google as default search engine? Because you pay them?
Why dont you ask Firefox to remove that?

If a third party software can host your service as a default one, and you make no ado about that, why would not MS showcase their first-party search engine in their own browser?? Ask yourself Google.

[ikenna4u]

and i thought Google were the good guys

I am a lover of *nix. I hardly use MS products, but I am taken aback by this comment by Google. Google, I thought u said you'd do no evil?

When firefox used google as the default search engine, neither yahoo nor microsoft sued nor complained to the antitrust commission.

What on earth is wrong with MS determining which is the default search engine on their own product??? (And its not like their making it the only search engine on IE7).

Like I said I am not an MS lover, but sometimes I feel some of the regulators are giving MS to much flak.

[freemarket--2008]

Umm...

If you read the story, Google has no problem with Firefox offering a choice to users as well.

As the number one search engine, it makes sense that Google is the default. People go to Firefox to get away from Microsoft, why would they want MS search to be the default.

Besides, MS is the competition to both Google and Firefox so why shouldn't they cooperate? User's can still select MS search if they really want, but I suspect very few would.

I have no problem with monopolies, if they have earned it and are open to competition. So far, Google has followed that path well enough. MS on the other hand...

[slaha11]

Google hypocrisy

This is a good example of Google hypocrisy!!!

I use Google for 100% of my internet searches, and in IE Beta2, I have already changed the default search engine to Google.

Tell me one thing Google, why do Firefox browser has Google as default search engine? Because you pay them?
Why dont you ask Firefox to remove that?

If a third party software can host your service as a default one, and you make no ado about that, why would not MS showcase their first-party search engine in their own browser?? Ask yourself Google.

[Lindy01]

I use to like google

It started to go down hill with the e-mail and having to have a "special" invite to use it....that and the fact they use your email for marketing research.

Every thing they have is beta. Heck live live.local zooms down to 30 yards...compared google earth (free of course).

Then they got all liberal and had some totally stupid display at Christmas...could not show a tree GOD forbid but hey they could get all over other holidays that are just money grabbing cr@p.

The fisrt search engine that is as good or better...and I done with their BS.

[anarchyreigns]

That post is a prime example...

That post is a perfect example as to why it would be great, if it were possible, to have a minimum age limit on the Internet. <rolls eyes>

www.live.com is now the best

I really like the new live.com search it has better features than Google and I now use it as my default search engine.

Google has fallen behind.

Cheers

[anarchyreigns]

Hack. <eom>

<eom>

[lavo96]

Apple and Google

One other thing about Google in Safari is that you cannot change it,
unlike IE. Is it just me or is Google becoming the next Microsoft?

[freemarket--2008]

Hmm?

Did Google create the Safari browser? Apple would seem to be the culprit here, so why bash Google?

Microsoft is a mutual competitor, so it makes sense they team up, but it was totally Apple's choice to omit the option to change browers (assuming you are correct).

[lavo96]

Apple and Google

One other thing about Google in Safari is that you cannot change it,
unlike IE. Is it just me or is Google becoming the next Microsoft?

[open-mind]

That's different.

Google has not been declared a monopoly by any legal authority. That is not true of IE.

Also...

Apple's decision to support Google search exclusively does not give google an advantage in a second market. So even if Google was a search monopoly, it's still legal.

[drfrost]

Very different....

Google didn't decide that Safari would only support Google. Apple made that decision. That's a very important and key difference.

[eichelman2]

Microsoft Bully!

An easy code change would be that the first time the user uses the box, a popup is displayed asking the user to select which search provider they want as default.

Most users of IE cant figure out how to change the default options, thats why they use IE! Thats why it is unfair to preconfigure the default.

Go Google, sue their pants off! No one else, not even the USA gvmt can! And Europe seems like it may back down.

[KsprayDad]

Why should they...

Do you go to McDonalds and they give you a menu from every burger joint in the area?

Do you go to your Ford dealer and get a test drive of Audi and BMW?

Why should you expect to have an upfront choice of search engines if you choose to use IE?

[eichelman2]

... to clarify

You have to have IE practically when you get a PC, because they all come practically with Windows.

This monopolistic position, besides it being unfair, also requires them not to leverage their market share in other software products. Google does not share the monopolistic position of browsers that come with Windows, and so can play by other rules.

[mcepat]

easy change?

how easy fdo you want it to be moron, just add search providers, its very easy, if a user can't see how easy that is maybe they shouldn't be using computers

google even prompts you whenn you go there home page and you can add them as a search provider in one click

90's=today
google=microsoft

[KsprayDad]

Agreement

Well...seems all the commentators are in agreement on this one.

Google...I would expect Microsoft to feature their own search engine in their own product.

Why don't YOU make a browser and do the same? (Instead of paying FF to do it for you).

I'm a user of FF/Gmail/Googlepages/GDesktop etc but you are WRONG on this Google. Shut up and be innovative...stop the hate.

[freemarket--2008]

Not all agree

I see a lot of Google bashing, but not many valid arguments. Why should Google have to write their own browser? Even if they do, Microsoft will still install IE by default anyways.

Google is a webtool/search company. They provide a few free desktop tools, but that is not their strong point. It makes sense for them to team up with Firefox, the most popular search engine with the most popular alternative browser.

Google's popularity is based on the quality of their search result's not on having a lock on the desktop. MS should respect their customer's wishes and allow them to use the product they prefer.

[genewell]

Google: Watch out lest you become your own worst enemy.

I've been using Microsofts explorer 7 now for a month. My search box is Google. It was quite easy to set that as a preference.

Dear Google,
If you don't like that Microsoft Explorer defaults to a Microsoft Search then get your own browser and quit crying like a spoiled rich kid. Start acting like Google (you remember don't you: fast, friendly and innovative).

Greg
www.ohiowebtrain.com

[lmjohnso]

Uh...can anyone say Firefox.

I can't believe Google has the nerve to cry about this one. I have been using the Firefox browser for some time, and that little box defaults to Google. Additionally, the homepage defaults to Google as well. You can change the search bar to use other engines by clicking on it, but one has to manually download the msn option (mysteriously, absent at installation).

Whoever wrote this article should have pointed this out as well. I hate the way everyone attacks Microsoft for the way they craft their OWN products. If Google doesn't like it, they should create their own browser and quit expecting their competitors to play nice. Ultimately, I think consumers are impacted more negatively when the courts decide our technology options as opposed to the market.