Microsoft Prepared To Remove Media Player

In an effort to settle its anti-trust dispute with the European Union, Microsoft is reportedly ready to remove Windows Media Player as a standard component of their Windows operating system.

In reports out of Europe over the weekend, Microsoft would use the removal of WMP from Windows as a means to reduce or eliminate the $613 million fine imposed by the EU earlier this year.

Meanwhile RealNetworks, creators of WMP rival RealPlayer, is prepared to fight any reductions to Microsoft' imposed penalty. A spokesperson for RealNetworks commented that the penalties imposed on Microsoft by the EU "are appropriate" and that there is no reason why the EU's initial ruling on the subject "should be further delayed."

News source: Internetnews.com