Week in review: A matter of antitrust

Microsoft and Intel this week are finding themselves on opposite sides of antitrust favor, while Facebook may find itself in the crosshairs.

Microsoft and the European Commission have settled their differences over the choice of Web browsers in Windows. As part of the settlement, Windows PCs sold in the European Economic Area will now present users with a Choice Screen, allowing them to install alternative browsers beyond Internet Explorer.

The Choice Screen will offer users the ability to install up to 12 of the most widely used Web browsers that run under Windows. The choices will include the more widely known browsers, such as IE, Apple's Safari, Google's Chrome, Mozilla's Firefox, Opera, and AOL's browser, and lesser-known products including Maxthon, K-Meleon, Flock, Avant Browser, Sleipnir, and Slim Browser.

Microsoft initially proposed stripping a browser out of Windows 7 entirely, a move first reported by CNET. Both competitors and the EU balked at that idea though, instead favoring some sort of ballot screen. Microsoft eventually relented, though the company and its rivals have gone back and forth for a while over the details.
•  Microsoft top lawyer: EU deal opens new chapter

FTC sues Intel over 'anticompetitive tactics'

The agency says Intel has robbed consumers of both choice and innovation in microprocessors, "running roughshod over the principles of fair play."
•  FTC wants Intel to mend its ways
•  Graphics chips a new legal front for Intel
•  Nvidia CEO: FTC action 'transforms' industry

FTC may enter latest Facebook privacy debacle

Scattered griping about the social network's new privacy policies could turn into a firestorm, as EPIC complains about the decision to push more member content public.
•  FTC's new strategy: Kick 'em when they're down

More headlines

Microsoft: We did copy Plurk's code

The software maker says that an investigation shows that the Juku microblogging application on MSN China did swipe code from a rival.
•  Plurk holding Microsoft's feet to code-copying fire
•  Start-up claims Microsoft China took its code
•  Microsoft investigating charges it stole rival's code
•  Microsoft pulls China blog site amid code-theft charges

787 Dreamliner takes to the sky

After two years of delays, Boeing's new plane finally got off the ground Tuesday. Its first flight was witnessed by thousands of company employees and excited fans.
•  Boeing's 787 completes first flight

Google phone looks 'supersharp'

After Google distributes its Android phone to employees to test, CNET gets a look. The slick-looking unlocked HTC "mobile lab" device runs the Android 2.1 operating system.
•  Inside the Google phone: A 'snappy' chip

Facebook sues men for allegedly phishing, spamming

Facebook's latest lawsuit accuses three men of getting access to Facebook user accounts by phishing and then sending spam from their accounts.
•  Facebook's audience is diverse--carve it up, advertisers
•  How to hide your Facebook friends list
•  Russian firm DST on a roll, upping stake in Facebook?
•  Facebook helps reunite woman with her rescuers
•  Forgot your anniversary? Facebook's got it covered

Firefox, Adobe top buggiest software list

Open-source Firefox reports all holes, putting it at the top of the list for bug reports, while Adobe replaces Microsoft in the second spot, reports find.
•  Adobe to patch zero-day Reader, Acrobat hole
•  Firefox 3.6 beta released

Study: The road ahead for electric cars

Decisions made in 2010 will play a crucial role in shaping how consumers and the auto industry adopt all-electric and hybrid vehicles.
•  Struggling Saab finds partner on electric vehicles
•  Yet another hybrid supercar
•  Plugless power is coming

Also of note
•  Biden to unveil $2 billion in broadband grants
•  Windows 7 leaving Redmond's help desk less busy
•  PC shipments turn positive in third quarter