Things have been quiet on Microsoft’s anti-trust case for a while now, but that looks like it is about to change after Google filed a complaint with the Department of Justice.
The complaint, which has been on-going since before the launch of Windows Vista, claims that the desktop search feature in Microsoft’s new operating system discourages end users from using competing solutions, like Google Desktop.
Google also believes that the feature violates the terms of the software giant’s landmark 2001 anti-trust settlement with the US government. In this settlement, Microsoft agreed not to use its commanding position in the operating system market to promote other products.
"Microsoft's current approach with Vista desktop search violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice," said Ricardo Reyes, a spokesman for Google.
Microsoft is yet to see Google’s 49-page complaint, but the company has stated that its desktop search feature in Windows Vista is designed to help users to quickly find files on their computer and doesn’t block competitive products. Lawyers representing Microsoft then went onto say that it went out of its way to make sure that the Vista search feature wasn’t linked to its own online search functions.
Whatever the case, this just seems ridiculous – I personally want an effective desktop search feature that’s embedded into my operating system because I prefer not to have lots of third-party software installed. Share your thoughts on the feud in the forums.
The complaint, which has been on-going since before the launch of Windows Vista, claims that the desktop search feature in Microsoft’s new operating system discourages end users from using competing solutions, like Google Desktop.
Google also believes that the feature violates the terms of the software giant’s landmark 2001 anti-trust settlement with the US government. In this settlement, Microsoft agreed not to use its commanding position in the operating system market to promote other products.
"Microsoft's current approach with Vista desktop search violates the consent decree and limits consumer choice," said Ricardo Reyes, a spokesman for Google.
Microsoft is yet to see Google’s 49-page complaint, but the company has stated that its desktop search feature in Windows Vista is designed to help users to quickly find files on their computer and doesn’t block competitive products. Lawyers representing Microsoft then went onto say that it went out of its way to make sure that the Vista search feature wasn’t linked to its own online search functions.
Whatever the case, this just seems ridiculous – I personally want an effective desktop search feature that’s embedded into my operating system because I prefer not to have lots of third-party software installed. Share your thoughts on the feud in the forums.
RELATED ARTICLES
MSI MPG Velox 100R Chassis Review
October 14 2021 | 15:04
Want to comment? Please log in.