MSN Shutting Out Non-MS Browsers

from the evil-empire-at-work? dept

It seems that Microsoft has a special talent for doing things that stink of monopoly practices. They don't even try to hide it any more. The latest is that they're apparently blocking access to MSN.com unless you come in using IE. Since I don't use MSN.com at all, this isn't such a big deal to me, but it seems like a very silly way to force people to upgrade their browsers to the "approved" version. All it does is anger people who were doing just fine with whatever browser they chose until Microsoft came along and decided it wasn't good enough. Update: Following the outrage from many people Microsoft has decided to open up MSN.com viewing to other browsers, though they warn the experience won't be as good. Oh, darn. Update again: Okay, Microsoft lied. They're still not letting in many non-IE browsers.
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  • identicon
    MLO, 25 Oct 2001 @ 11:32am

    No Subject Given

    I read the article, and I don't understand where
    Microsoft gets the idea that the newer version of
    runs faster. Its still slow, but now it is even
    more annoying to look at. Also, it appears to have
    been changed from "MSN" to a pimp site for Windows XP
    MLO

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    MLO, 25 Oct 2001 @ 11:38am

    No Subject Given

    Oh, and for the love of Mike, would someone please
    tell Microsoft to knock it off with the FisherPrice color scheme??
    We are not a bunch of third-graders
    MLO

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    u2604ab, 25 Oct 2001 @ 1:33pm

    NetScape

    NetScape4.7 on my trusty mac seems to have no problem with MSN.com.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Dave Dixon, 26 Oct 2001 @ 4:18am

    they may have a point

    OK, I know that it's not the most fashionable thing in the world to start defending Microsoft, but they may have a point.
    MSN is a free service, and MS are not a charity so there's no reason to expect them to offer a service free of charge to just everyone. If the 'entrance fee' is to use IE rather than another browser then that seems fair. You pay your money (or not), your take your choice.
    Personally I think that this is a valid enough action on their part, but it might have been executed in an undiplomatic way.

    link to this | view in chronology ]

  • identicon
    Devboy00, 26 Oct 2001 @ 9:10am

    Mozilla

    Well, it is 11:00 on Friday and My new and I still get the "go away" page. I think Microsoft is digging their own grave. It is unfortunate, since I am a developer, and have used their stuff for years. Now I am moving away to stuff that works, and that isn't so...whatever-Microsoft-is-turning-into.

    link to this | view in chronology ]


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