Talks between AOL-Time Warner and Microsoft to extend their technology sharing/distribution agreement have collapsed, the two companies said today. Microsoft will no longer bundle AOL access with its Windows operating system, following AOL's refusal to support the Windows Media Player on its Web sites. AOL is a proponent of rival technology from Real Media. And, Bloomberg reports, Microsoft "also sought a guarantee that AOL-Time Warner wouldn't lobby lawmakers, complain to antitrust enforcers or bring legal claims alleging that Windows XP violated antitrust laws, according to people familiar with the talks".
|