EU warns Microsoft over browsers

EU anti-trust regulators have told Microsoft not to repeat the mistake of denying consumers a choice of rival web browsers in its new Windows 8 operating system, in a dispute that has already cost the software giant over €1bn in fines.

EU competition commissioner Joaquin Almunia said yesterday he had spelled out his concerns to Microsoft about Windows 8, which is set for release tomorrow.

“I have precisely transmitted... my concerns, what kind of presentation should be avoided if they don’t want to take the risk of a new investigation,” Mr Almunia said.