Microsoft Making Changes To Browser To Quiet Eolas

from the and,-slowly,-the-internet-changes dept

Eolas, the small patent shop that never actually built a product, and appears to have received a patent on something with plenty of prior art is getting under Microsoft’s skin. While Microsoft has insisted all along that (a) Eolas’ patent is not valid and (b) even if it was valid, they weren’t infringing on it, they’re now saying that they’re going to make some changes to the next version of Internet Explorer to make sure they’re not infringing. Of course, it’s a bit odd to say you don’t believe you’re infringing, and then make the necessary changes, but it’s probably the smartest long term move – just in case. The changes, though, are going to be a bit of a nuisance for users. Instead of letting plugin applications run embedded in a website, users will now have to click through an approval each time they want the application to run. Thanks goes to Eolas for making the internet one step more annoying.


Rate this comment as insightful
Rate this comment as funny
You have rated this comment as insightful
You have rated this comment as funny
Flag this comment as abusive/trolling/spam
You have flagged this comment
The first word has already been claimed
The last word has already been claimed
Insightful Lightbulb icon Funny Laughing icon Abusive/trolling/spam Flag icon Insightful badge Lightbulb icon Funny badge Laughing icon Comments icon

Comments on “Microsoft Making Changes To Browser To Quiet Eolas”

Subscribe: RSS Leave a comment
4 Comments
RB says:

Eolas Patent

The way I see it is that the U Of CA is a state school, funded by the federal gov, and state gov. The patentee used the money, lab, property, of the people of california, and the US in general. In my opinion, this type of funding must stop. If a person works for a public institution they should not be able to use the public money to do research, then go out and start a private company for profit. Another example of how americans are being robbed. This patent should belong to the people of califonia and the US that pay taxes for these research faciliies! If I am wrong please explain!

Mark says:

IE and plugins

MS would love nothing more than to kill non-MS plugins anyway. So who knows, maybe this is just the first step in their process of making IE incompatible with anything that isn’t based on their own technology. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time they’ve done something like that, and such a course would make a lot more sense than deliberately making their browser a pain in the neck to use.

Add Your Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Have a Techdirt Account? Sign in now. Want one? Register here

Comment Options:

Make this the or (get credits or sign in to see balance) what's this?

What's this?

Techdirt community members with Techdirt Credits can spotlight a comment as either the "First Word" or "Last Word" on a particular comment thread. Credits can be purchased at the Techdirt Insider Shop »

Follow Techdirt

Techdirt Daily Newsletter

Ctrl-Alt-Speech

A weekly news podcast from
Mike Masnick & Ben Whitelaw

Subscribe now to Ctrl-Alt-Speech »
Techdirt Deals
Techdirt Insider Discord
The latest chatter on the Techdirt Insider Discord channel...
Loading...