Microsoft under fire for tying Windows Media Player 8 to new Windows XP operating system - Product Information - Brief Article

Telecomworldwire, April 27, 2001

TELECOMWORLDWIRE-27 April 2001-Microsoft under fire for tying Windows Media Player 8 to new Windows XP operating system (C)1994-2001 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD http://www.m2.com

Microsoft Corp is facing a barrage of criticism after it was revealed that customers wanting to use the latest version of Windows Media Player would have to upgrade to the new Windows XP operating system.

Windows Media Player 8 will only be available to consumers who upgrade to Windows XP, although the previous version will continue to be available separately as a free download.

The move has been compared to Microsoft's decision to bundle the Internet Explorer browser with Windows, which led to last year's massive anti-trust trial.

A Microsoft spokesman argued that certain features of Media Player 8 require close integration with Windows XP for optimal performance, according to CNET News.com. The company has denied any violation of anti-trust laws, claiming that its competitors are trying to prevent it from improving its products.

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