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Alternative Browsers and Search Engines

Anonymous
2012-11-30T02:38:25+00:00

For the most part, I have been enjoying my Surface tablet running Windows RT.

The biggest problem I have with the OS is the lack of support for alternative browsers. I've read online that Microsoft is not providing access to the necessary APIs for 3rd party browser developers to produce a competitive alternative browser on Windows RT.  Are there plans to open up the APIs to 3rd parties so that other browsers are available?  Will we ever see Google Chrome or Firefox in RT?

My second biggest problem, since it seems I'm stuck with Internet Explorer on this device, is that I cannot figure out how to change the default search engine used for queries typed into the URL bar. Bing consistently provides me horrendous results compared to what I'm used to getting with Google.  Can I change which search engine is used from the URL bar in "modern UI" IE?

Thanks.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Internet and connectivity

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-26T03:20:30+00:00

    Ya. They need to open up to chrome and Firefox or they will lose big $$$$. I'm hoping they do. I wanted mine for streaming and it doesn't work on the site I use. Very disappointing, when my friend buys a tablet

    for 80$ and I buy this for three times that, and it won't even do what I want...... shame on you Microsoft.

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-12-25T23:29:57+00:00

    I would love to see MS open up the door for Firefox. I believe in Firefox because of what they stand for in keeping the web open and to prevent users from getting locked into ecosystems. We owe a lot to Mozilla for what they have done; I give them my loyalty in exchange for fighting for the users.

    Re Bing as a search engine: Re MichaelPetito's comments above - in recent months I have abandoned Google search in favour of Bing. Google's search results over the last year have degraded incredibly, with the top 20 being influenced by Google's preferences and partners (they try to keep that on the down-low). MS has publicly stated and committed to not influencing the search results through Bing. I have made Bing my default search engine as of about 2 months ago for all my devices and let me tell you I am happy about it. Personal opinion, 'Bing' is quite the stupid name, but I must say that as of current it is the best search engine I have used. The bing home page is also very cool with the breathtaking background photos, and the search results are nicely categorized. MS has done a good thing with search.

    Rod W

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-11-07T23:04:18+00:00

    I just bought the surface, and I literally am about to get my money back due to the fact you can only use IE.

    It's basically the dumbest move they possibly could've made.

    "I LOVE internet explorer !!!" - No one ever

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  4. Anonymous
    2013-12-27T21:45:38+00:00

    There is a version of Firefox being developed for Modern, and I'm hoping it'll run on the Surface RT.

    As far as I know, Google isn't bothering to produce a version of Chrome for it.

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  5. Anonymous
    2012-11-30T05:33:44+00:00

    I just saw a Google Search app in the Windows Store. You might try it out.

    Kate

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