M'soft, EU Agree On Windows Name

Media Player-Free Version To Be Called 'Windows XP Home Edition N'

(AP) 
The EU ordered Microsoft to offer consumers an MP-less version, compatible with other competitor software, such as Real Player, to allow consumers to decide which media player they wanted to use.

Gutierrez said all nine proposed name changes, including Microsoft's first choice: "Windows XP Reduced Media Edition," were rejected. EU regulators said that name would discourage sales and mislead customers.

"Two months ago Microsoft provided the Commission nine additional names and took the unusual step of offering to adopt any name chosen by the Commission from this list," Gutierrez said.

The agreement should clear the way for Microsoft to start shipping the new MP-less version of Windows to computer shops.

Software rivals are now complaining, however, that the new MP-less version is not fully compatible with their programs, further complicating the implementation of the EU's antitrust ruling.