The Grim Outlook for Windows

Published by Omkar Joshi | Filed under Uncategorized

Windows XP to Live on in Ultra-low-cost PCs

Published by Omkar Joshi | Filed under Microsoft, Windows, XP, Vista, Linux, ULCPC, Windows 7, Intel, Asus, Eee PC, Mobile Internet Devices (MID)

The advent of the new breed of “ultra-low-cost PCs” (ULCPCs) has led Microsoft to extend the life of Windows XP Home to accommodate for them, well beyond the original deadline of 30 June, 2008.

Microsoft has now allowed OEMs to install Windows XP Home on ULCPCs until 30 June, 2010, or until one year after the consumer release of the next client version of Windows, depending on whichever comes later.

Microsoft expects to ship the next client version of Windows, code-named Windows 7 roughly three years from Vista’s January 2007 debut. However, earlier this week, Bill Gates indicated that Windows 7 could come within the next year, far ahead of the development schedule previously indicated by the software maker. It is still however unclear as to whether Gates was referring to early testing of Windows 7 coming within the year, as opposed to a widespread release or debut. An early test geared toward developers would be conceivable. The company has repeatedly said that it will accelerate the development of new Windows versions, largely as a response to Vista’s near five-year gestation period.