Europe posts

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

Windows 7 upgrade editions, Family pack to be available in Europe

by Brad Linder Aug 24th 2009

You know how we told you last week that you could pick up some versions of Windows 7 in the UK for half the US price? It sounds like that's going to change pretty soon.

Basically, Microsoft has decided to offer full versions of Windows 7 in select areas at similar prices to the upgrade version in the US. That was because Microsoft was not planning on offering the upgrade version of the operating system in Europe. Customers were supposed to buy a full retail copy of Windows 7 whether they planned to upgrade from Windows Vista or an earlier operating system.

But now Microsoft has changed its tune... and it all has to do with the ballot screen that will allow European Windows users to decide which web browser they want to use when setting up Windows. Basically, by adding a ballot screen option, Microsoft is complying with a European Union anti-trust ruling, and the company no longer needs to offer a Windows 7 E version. So Europe will get the same version of Windows 7 as the rest of the world, including upgrade versions.

The long and short of it is that starting soon, customers in Europe will be able to order the upgrade version at normal upgrade pricing... and the cheap full versions of Windows 7 will probably disappear. So get 'em while you can. The good news is that Microsoft will also offer a Windows 7 Family Pack in Europe. The Family Pack lets you install the operating system on 3 systems fat a deep discount over the price of buying 3 licenses separately.

Tags: ballot-screen, europe, family-pack, windows-7, windows-7-e, windows-7-family-pack

Filed under: Internet, Web services, Microsoft, web 2.0

In Europe? Bing-powered Water Watch shows you where it's safe to swim

by Lee Mathews Jun 19th 2009

There are plenty of good reasons to use web-based mapping tools besides simply finding directions from point a to point b. For example, let's say you're taking a holiday to Cork and you want to know where the good swimming spots are.

Fortunately for you, Microsoft and the European Environment Agency have just the thing for you. The Eye on Earth Water Watch does exactly that for countless spots across the continent.

Find a suitable spot, click the water quality icon, and the Bing-powered map displays an overlay containing a Virtual Earth image as well as live webcams and user submitted photos (if available, of course).

There's more to it than finding a place to have a relaxing dip, of course. As Microsoft's Rob Bernard puts it, "Eye on Earth is a great example of how technology has the power to help governments, business and individuals understand what is happening to our environment. Eye on Earth provides people with information which has historically been difficult to find."

[via Softpedia]

Tags: bing-maps, EEA, environment, europe, swimming, vacation

Filed under: Windows, Microsoft, Browsers

European versions of Windows to include multiple web browsers?

by Brad Linder Feb 24th 2009

The European Commission appears to be a few steps closer to forcing Microsoft to provide customers with a choice of web browsers as part of an antitrust measure. European regulators took similar measures a while back by requiring Microsoft to offer a version of Windows sans Windows Media Player. But simply unbundling Internet Explorer is a bit more complicated, since, as many readers pointed out when we first mentioned the possibility - it's a lot easier to download an alternative browser if you have a browser to start with.

But a spokesperson for the European Commission says that it's likely regulators will require Microsoft to offer customers a choice of competing web browsers in addition to Internet Explorer. So basically, when you run Windows for the first time, you may be asked if you want to install Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, Opera, Google Chrome, or another browser as part of the setup process. Presumably the browsers you don't install would be erased from your storage or wouldn't be downloaded in the first place, which is a much better solution than installing each 5 browsers when most users will only need one.

It's also possible that the decision could be left to computer makers. For example, Dell could decide to install Firefox, while Lenovo goes with Internet Explorer.

There's still another round or two of negotiations to go, but it sounds like the European Commission is already pretty close to requiring Microsoft to do something to make it easier for customers to use competing web browsers.

[via Electronista]

Tags: antitrust, europe, european-commission

Filed under: News, Microsoft, Browsers

European regulators could force Microsoft to unbundle Internet Explorer

by Brad Linder Jan 19th 2009

Sometimes it may seem like there are only two or three web browsers that matter. Most computer users surf the web with Internet Explorer, Firefox, or Safari. But there are a ton of other options, including Opera, Google Chrome, and Sleipnir. Still, most people continue to use Internet Explorer, and one of the main reasons for that is because it's the web browser that comes bundled with Windows, the operating system installed on around 90% of all consumer oriented computers.

A while back, the folks behind the Opera browser decided to do something about this, and filed a complaint against Microsoft with the European Commission. And last week, the Commission ruled that Microsoft is violating EC antitrust rules by bundling its browser with its operating system.

It's not clear what the next step is yet. It's possible that the EC could impose a stiff fine against Microsoft, or it could require Microsoft to offer a version of Windows without Internet Explorer in Europe (which would still be available as a free download from Microsoft's web site). That's the approach European regulators took a few years back with Microsoft's bundling of Windows Media Player. But even if Microsoft is ordered to unbundle Internet Explorer, Microsoft may retain the right to sell two versions of Windows, one with IE, and one without.

What do you think, is it anti-competitive to include a web browser with your operating system, or is it just common sense since most people expect to be able to surf the web immediately after plugging in their new computer? If Microsoft is told to unbundle Internet Explorer from Windows, would it lead to surge in popularity of alternative applications like Firefox or Opera?

Tags: antitrust, europe, european-commission, internet-explorer, microsoft, web-browsers

Filed under: Internet, Microsoft

Microsoft buys price comparison, research company for $486 million

by Brad Linder Aug 29th 2008

Microsoft is apparently throwing around some of the money it didn't spend on buying Yahoo! or Facebook this year. Steve Ballmer recently pulled $486 million out of his wallet to acquire Greenfield Online, the German company that runs price comparison and shopping portal Ciao.

The move could help Microsoft make inroads with European internet users. Ciao receives over 26 million unique visitors each month. Greenfield also operates an online sales and market research division, but apparently Microsoft isn't as interested in that business. PaidContent reports that the company plans to sell off the research arm and just hang onto Ciao.

Sure, Microsoft could have just pumped a few million dollars into making its own shopping site more useable, but when you've got mountains of cash lying around, sometimes it's easier to just buy an already popular service.

Tags: ciao, europe, greenfield-online, microsoft, price-comparison, product-comparison, shopping

Filed under: Audio, Internet, Apple

European music update: Apple announces uniform pricing, UK to legalize CD ripping

by Brad Linder Jan 9th 2008

We have two bits of probably unrelated news about digital music in Europe to share today. First up, Apple has announced plans to establish uniform pricing for iTunes downloads throughout Europe. Right now, UK residents are paying more for their music than customers in any other country in Europe.

The reason for that is because Apple has to pay record labels more money to distribute music in the UK than in other countries, but Apple is hoping to force those labels to lower their rates.

In other news, British regulators are considering legalizing CD ripping. That's right, up until now, it's been considered illegal to buy a CD, stick it in your computer and create MP3s that you can put on an iPod or other portable media player in the UK. Of course, everyone does it anyway, which is probably why Britain is thinking about legalizing the act.

Do these two announcements have anything to do with one another? Probably not. But we can't help but ponder that the only way to legally load up your iPod in Europe right now is to buy digital music online from stores like iTunes. If there's a handful of people who are steadfastly avoiding ripping CDs for fear of spending the rest of their natural lives in jail, any change in that law could cause them to give up iTunes. And Apple could be trying to lower its prices in an effort to keep those paying customers.

Tags: Britain, cd-ripping, Europe, itunes, music, UK

Filed under: News, Windows, Microsoft

Microsoft to EU: You win, we'll change

by Brad Linder Oct 22nd 2007

After nine years, Microsoft has given up its fight against European Union regulators. Essentially, the EU says Microsoft is a monopoly, and as such should take certain measures to give consumers more options and open up its source code a tiny bit to enable interoperability with third party software.

Microsoft has decided not to appeal the latest EU court ruling, which means the company will fork over $705 million which had been sitting in an escrow account since since the fine was levied in 2004.

Other highlights of the agreement include:

Microsoft will allow third party companies to license non-patented technology to ensure interoperability with Windows
Companies will only have to pay a one-time €10,000 fee for that intellectual property, not an ongoing royalty

In return, the EU is removing its hit from Microsoft's head. In other words, no more fines against the company until the next time it tries to do something incredibly anti-competitive, like (hypothetically) engineering an operating system that plays well with Microsoft Office but not so well with competing software suites like OpenOffice.org.

Tags: anti-trust, antitrust, Europe, European-Union, Microsoft

Filed under: Fun, Games, Internet

Practice your world geography with Statetris - educational time waster

by Brad Linder Sep 24th 2007

A few months back we realized that we don't know Kentucky from Kansas thanks to Statetris, an online game that combines geography with Tetris. At the time, all we could do is bungle the placement of US states. But now that Statetris has gone international, we realize just how little we know about world geography.

There are new versions of Statetris for Africa, Europe, France, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, and for some reason, the state of South Carolina.

Game play is pretty much the same for each version. Just drop geographical locations into the appropriate place on the map. Depending on which version you're playing, the goal may be to put states, provinces, or countries in the proper location. Play often enough and you might just be able to figure out how to find Latvia on a map.

[via Brent Evans]

Tags: africa, europe, france, japan, netherlands, statetris, uk

Filed under: News, Microsoft

EU issues Microsoft $690 million fine in antitrust case

by Brad Linder Sep 17th 2007

There's good news and bad news for Microsoft today. The bad news is that the European Court of First Instance has upheld a 2004 court decision finding Microsoft guilty of violating antitrust laws. The god news is that if anyone can afford a $690 million fine and 80% of court costs, it's Bill Gates. But somehow we doubt he'll see it that way.

The Court upheld portions of the 2004 ruling that ordered Microsoft to share information with other software developers in order to make sure their programs were compatible with Microsoft's operating systems and applications. Microsoft also needs to have a version of Windows that does not come with Windows Media Player pre-loaded.

The Court did throw out one portion of the earlier ruling. A lower court had ruling had established an independent trustee to monitor Microsoft, but the Court of First Instance found this step unnecessary.

Microsoft General Counsel Brad Smith released a statement saying that he is still reviewing the decision. He does say the company will "comply with our obligations under European law," and implies that Microsoft may still appeal today's decision.

Tags: anti-trust, antitrust, europe, windows-media-player

Filed under: Business, Fun, Internet, Photo, Blogging, Web services, Social Software, web 2.0

Fotolog gets snapped up, with new plans to make some real cash

by Chris Gilmer Aug 28th 2007

Fotolog gets snapped up, with new plans on making some real cash

Leading photo blogging website Fotolog, has been bought up by the leading Europen interactive company Hi Media based in Paris, for a little less than the competition. But does it really matter when you can monetize the service better?

Fox acquired Photobucket for about $250 million earlier this year, and this deal with Fotolog was only for about $90 million. Sure Fox has deep pockets, but Hi Media might have scored big with this one. Now they only have to compete with Fox. The plans are to better monetize the current incoming traffic, as well as work a publishing element into the mix. So in the end, if Hi Media can easily make back the $90 million spent quicker than Photobucket, guess who is really in the lead. Look out for some interesting developments with Fotolog in the near future.

[via GigaOM]

Tags: europe, fotolog, fox, hi media, HiMedia, images, interactive, paris, photo, photobucket, web2, web2.0

Filed under: Business, Fun, Video, Web services

YouTube launches localized versions in Europe

by Chris Gilmer Jun 19th 2007

YouTube, the top destination online for videos, was once lacking in two areas, localized content and accessibility. The website served only as a platform for users that spoke English and views from a PC. That was then.

Enter now. As we spoke about in the latest Googleholic, YouTube launched localized versions of its popular video sharing service throughout Europe. The new versions of the site are targeted at users in Brazil, France, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, UK, and the U.S. At the moment, the video content is pulled from YouTube's U.S. based site, but as time goes on more local content will get added to the database.

This new local market proves to visitors that YouTube is serious about making their service as accessible as possible. YouTube Chad Hurley made the announcement at a press conference in Paris that the big thing for YouTube in 2007 is access. This comes only a few days after the launch of YouTube for mobile devices, whereby users can now view video content on mobile phones through a special portal, and an announcement about Apple providing YouTube content through the new Apple TV box.

Tags: europe, google, local, video, youtube

Filed under: Business, Fun, Internet, Video, Web services

Jalipo, a YouTube alternative for professional content

by Chris Gilmer Apr 16th 2007

In this time of either punking off YouTube, or being its best friend, Jalipo is erring on the side of competition for professionally generated content.

Jalipo lets content owners offer channels through its online marketplace for TV and Video. Jalipo uses J:Credits which is a unique way for owners of content that might not be in a position to give content away, the ability to sell views of it. It's a pay as you watch type system where some content owner's price videos at a per-minute rate. It can be expensive, but it is quality content. There are also some territory restrictions where certain videos might not be available in certain areas due to local rights restrictions. Jalipo sits at the forefront of the new online video revolution right alongside the likes of Joost.

As an alternative to the YouTube's of the world, Jalipo has partnered with, and currently providing content from the BBC World, Bloomberg, Al Jazeera English, and looking to sign some deals to show live sports, concerts, and independent films. The CEO is a former president of Sony Europe, and it looks like his connections and drive are pushing Jalipo into slowly becoming a strong player in the online video marketplace.

No downloads are necessary for the player.

[via Reuters]

Tags: bbc world, BbcWorld, bloomberg, europe, google, jalipo, jcredits, online, sony europe, SonyEurope, tv, video, view, watch, youtube

Filed under: Business, Internet, Web services, Google

Ask bashes Google in the UK

by Chris Gilmer Apr 5th 2007

Ask has been running some new controversial ads in the UK recently informing people about Google's huge success and the impact it could have.

The campaign is trying to get across that 75% of all searches performed in the UK are done through Google, thus limiting the sources that people are getting information from.

Ask is trying to ramp up its search engine market in Europe by creating a tiny rebellious market through the use of a non branded campaign encompassing radio, street stunts, TV, and web. Most ads and materials do not even mention Ask, they just direct the audience to an Information Revolution website which encourages people to "Join the Revolution."

It's a very interesting and unique approach, and Google welcomes the competition, but has Ask gone a little far by creating a "Revolution" to gain a bit of market share in Europe?

Check out a video of the ads and commercials after the jump...

Additional coverage can be found on SearchEngineLand and WSJ.

Tags: ask, europe, google, information, revolution, search, uk

Filed under: Business, E-mail, Web services, Google

Google loses European Gmail trademark battle

by Chris Gilmer Feb 1st 2007

Google has failed to win the Gmail name in a trademark battle in Europe. The name has been owned for over six years by a German entrepreneur that has founded a service called GMail, a same day mail delivery service. A body that is responsible for European community trademarks rejected the appeal from Google. Google had apparently tried to buy the rights for $250,000 but were shut down and saw to be threatening, aggressive, and unfaithful by the entrepreneur. Shortly after, the entrepreneur also mentioned that he also owned trademarks for Switzerland, Norway, and Monaco. Google had already had issues with the Gmail name in the UK, where a financial analytical software company settled with them out of court. Looks like Google will have to rename their Gmail email service to Google Mail all across Europe.

Tags: europe, gmail, google, law, lawsuit, trademark

Filed under: Internet, Open Source

Firefox on the rise in Europe

by Jordan Running Dec 8th 2006

According to French analytics company Xiti Monitor, Firefox is no longer a niche player in Europe, with 23.2% of European web surfers using the open source browser, up from 19.4% in April. More telling are some of the individual countries' figures, with Firefox holding about a third of the browser share in six countries including Germany, Poland, Hungary, and Slovakia, and about 40% in Finland and Slovenia. In the southern hemisphere, Australiasia is a 23.4% Firefox region, but here in North America it holds just 14.5% of the market, according to Xiti.

Here at Download Squad things look a bit different, however--if Site Meter is to be believed, 48% of you use Internet Explorer, followed by 46% Firefox faithful, with Konqueror (3%), Safari (2%), and Opera (1%) bringing up the rear.

[Via Boing Boing]

Tags: browser share, BrowserShare, europe, firefox, ie, internet explorer, InternetExplorer, market share, MarketShare, mozilla, xiti

Graveyard Shift - zombie-busting Time Waster

With Halloween fast approaching, it's a great time to get in some practice defending your territory against zombies. In Graveyard Shift, you take aim at zombies and other creepy-crawlies, blasting them into splatters of cartoony green guts. It's a casual first-person shooter, and it's very easy to get the hang of - use the mouse to aim, click to fire. Graveyard Shift has at least 15 levels, and it might even have some secret stages I haven't unlocked yet. They key to getting good at Graveyard Shift is learning to use ...

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