IE7.0 - Google/Yahoo Toolbars

[Rubber Duck]

http://news.softpedia.com/news/Windows-Vista-Beta-1-Is-Already-Available-on-the-Internet-5594.shtml

"Windows Vista Beta 1 also includes Internet Explorer 7.0 Beta 1, which has to be downloaded through Windows Genuine Advantage. In Internet Explorer 7.0 Beta 1, Google’s and Yahoo’s toolbars no longer work, the default search engine being MSN Search."

Just a Beta1 Hiccup, or is the release of EI 7.0 part of a wider strategy to attempt to seize control of the PPC market in Asia? Is the urgency of IE 7.0 due to a perception that gaining market share of PPC in Asia is a now or never situation, and is the implementation of IDN a deliberate part of that strategy?

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

 

[dodo1]

I don't think the final release of IE7 will forbid Google's and Yahoo's toolbar,
because that would be counterproductive. People who want to use one of
those toolbars would switch to another browser like Firefox, etc.

 

[Rubber Duck]

I don't think the final release of IE7 will forbid Google's and Yahoo's toolbar,
because that would be counterproductive. People who want to use one of
those toolbars would switch to another browser like Firefox, etc.

I wouldn't necessarily agree, although I already use Firefox for other reasons. I have Google set as my home page so it would not really be much of an issues. I also run IE 6.0 to get round some little quirks.

The real prizes at stake are the 100 of millions of people in Asia that will come on line over the next few years and the PPC earnings that they will drive. If these people have no experience of Google or other browsers, they are unlikely to swap browser just to get the tool bar. However, not allowing it to be included might provide MSN with the edge, especially as it seems to have been installed by default into the address bar.

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

 

[Anthony Ng]

People who want to use one of those toolbars would switch to another browser like Firefox, etc.

I honestly don't think many would switch BROWSERS just because of a *toolbar*.

 

[dodo1]

I know many people who don't want to pass on their Google PR toolbar.

 

[Rubber Duck]

I know many people who don't want to pass on their Google PR toolbar.

I am sure that is correct, but at the end of the day Microsoft will be looking at the percentages over a broad spectrum of societies across the Globe, rather than a discerning minority, such as that which may visit and contribute to this forum.

In common which such govenmental bodies such as the EU, I have to say that I would not rule out the possibility that Microsoft might indulge in obstructive practices, if it allowed them better access to new markets.

Best Regards
Dave Wrixon

 

[Anthony Ng]

but at the end of the day Microsoft will be looking at the percentages over a broad spectrum of societies across the Globe, rather than a discerning minority, such as that which may visit and contribute to this forum.

EXACTLY! A LOT of the more web-savvy mistake a skewed minority as the mainstream, forgetting the fact that many folks can't even tell they are using "Microsoft Internet Explorer" but simply referring to it as the "Internet".