Microsoft will extend life of Windows XP--againAs predicted, Microsoft has decided to extend the life of Windows XP, although only for a limited class of machines.
Dix said Microsoft is confident it can discontinue Windows XP at the end of June for mainstream PCs. "We have received affirming feedback from partners that they are ready to make the transition," he said. Computer makers will be able to sell XP Home on new ULCPC machines through June 30, 2010, or one year after the launch of Windows 7, the next major release of Windows, whichever is later, Microsoft said. A Microsoft representative on Thursday reaffirmed that the company expects to ship the successor to Vista roughly three years from Vista's January 2007 debut. Microsoft is also publishing a set of guidelines designed to make it easier for makers of flash-based computers to use Windows. Many of these initial devices have launched running Linux, though some, such as the Eee PC from Asus, are also being offered in Windows versions. Microsoft has already extended the Windows XP sales deadline once. In September, it said computer makers will be able to sell Windows XP until June, rather than the original January 2008 deadline. At the time, Microsoft also announced that computer makers in emerging markets could sell Windows XP Starter edition until June 2010. For Microsoft, the recent announcement is an acknowledgment of two things. First, that Starter Edition alone does not fulfill all of the emerging market demand, and second, that developed markets are also showing interest in low-power, low-cost laptops. News.com's Mike Ricciuti contributed to this report.
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Ah... Why not putt Vista into the Bin and sell XP for everyone until Windows 7? Vista's a joke!
Apr 15, 2008 15:48
hmm.. i agree that XP still commands a respectable shelf-life..
it evolved into a more secure and stable OS with the release of the SP2 version..
one wonders about the rationale behind the "promotion" of Vista with release of "Windows 7" slated for the coming year.
the chicken and the egg theory of either (i) updated OS with higher system requirements or (ii) advancement in hardware allowing the "evolution" of OS..
from a conspiracy theorist at heart favouring the former option with a growing desire to switch to another rival OS but ending up in a similar cul-de-sac..
Apr 18, 2008 15:48
