Firefox Banned On ARM-Based Windows, Claims Mozilla

According to Mozilla, it seems Microsoft is back to muscling aside its competitors in the browser market. This time, they’re banning Firefox from ARM-based Windows. Harvey Anderson, Mozilla’s General Counsel, claims “They’re trying to make a new version of their operating system which denies their users choice, competition, and innovation,” and that “Making IE the only browser on that platform is a complete return to the digital dark ages when there was only one browser on the Windows platform.” This looks to be the beginning of another browser war like that seen in the 1990s where Microsoft used their muscle to force out Netscape bringing about a stagnation in web browsers. As it stands, Mozilla could build a browser for ARM-based Windows, but that browser would be crippled due to how Microsoft has handled access to various modes and APIs. Microsoft’s only defense comes from Deputy General Counsel David Heiner who listed two reasons why they wont permit other browsers:

• ARM processors, which power virtually all iOS, Android, and Windows Phone smartphones and tablets today, are different from the x86 chips that power PCs. The chips have new requirements for security and power management, and Microsoft is the only one who can meet those needs.
• Windows RT — the version of Windows 8 geared for ARM devices — “isn’t Windows anymore.”

Will this result in another anti competitive lawsuit against Microsoft, or will Mozilla and the Redmond giant make peace and work things out? Time will tell, but for now it looks like Microsoft won’t be budging from their decision. This is probably because they don’t wish jeopardize the best possible user experience they can provide, which looks to be a play taken from Apple and their iOS. Regardless, Anderson hopes an amicable solution will be found. More in depth analysis on the issue can be found at the source.