Microsoft Restricting Third Party Browsers on Windows 8 RT

Posted Date: 11-May-2012	Category: Windows 8 News
Author: Mridul Sachan	Member Level: Gold	Points: 65

Microsoft is planning to block the installation of third party web browsers in its Windows RT edition built for Tablet and other mobile devices. We have included Mozilla's , Google's opinion over the issue. Is this move of Microsoft is a right decision?

Recently Microsoft announced the launch of four Windows 8 editions officially. But a new debate has started on its move to restrict the installation of third parties web browsers and softwares on Windows RT (ARM) edition. On the same issue, Mozilla has raise a great concern on blocking third-party browsers in windows 8(RT) edition. A recent blog post by Mozilla indicates that Microsoft is planning to limit the users for web browser's choice on the windows RT platform.According to blog post, on ARM-based devices(tablets and other mobile devices which run on processors powered by ARM) the only web browser that would be allowed to surf Internet is Microsoft's Internet Explorer. But there's a still good news i.e. third-party browsers such as Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome would still run on the touch friendly Metro mode, but they will not have access to the Windows "Classic" mode. Google has also supported Mozilla's concern by saying that "We share the concerns Mozilla has raised regarding the Windows 8 environment restricting user's choice and innovation". Google further added, "We have always welcomed innovation in the browser space across all platforms and strongly believe that having great competitors makes us all work harder."

Microsoft's Explanation for restricting Third party Browsers

David Heiner (Attorney for Microsoft) explained that the reason why other third party browsers will not be allowed to be used on Windows classic mode is due to security and power needs of the ARM-based chips and processors
Windows 8 RT edition

Is this move of Microsoft is right decision?

I personally don't see this as a right decision taken by Microsoft. I think this decision of Microsoft may be adapted from Apple's policy , as Apple also does not allow any other browser other than Safari to run on iOS devices like- iPhone,iPad and Ipods.
I think it would be good if Microsoft changes its decision and ends up restriction of third-party browsers giving a place for competition to survive at the market. As most of he people (including me) prefer Mozilla Firefox or Google Chrome than Internet Explorer. This move also can't be appreciated as it blocks third parties to make a good apps in future for users.

what is Windows 8 RT edition

Windows RT is a version of Windows 8 that will mainly run on devices powered by ARM-based processors/chips- typically mobile devices like Tablets and some smart phones. Windows RT will come only pre-installed on specific PCs and tablets and it can't be obtained separately.

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Microsoft Restricting Third Party Browsers on Windows 8 RT

Microsoft's Explanation for restricting Third party Browsers

Is this move of Microsoft is right decision?

what is Windows 8 RT edition

Post Comment:

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