Bit by bit, more details are emerging about Microsoft’s much-awaited Windows 7 operating system. Although the launch was initially projected for early 2010, Microsoft has been dropping hints for months implying earlier and earlier launch dates.
Last week, Microsoft announced during the Computex 2009 show in Taipei that release to manufacturing versions will be out in the second half of July, and Windows 7 will be “generally available” on Oct. 22. Other reports indicate the company is taking a very aggressive approach to marketing and launching the new OS.
Not Just ‘Vista That Works’
One Web site, Engadget, published Friday what it said was a leaked memo from Best Buy.
The memo said PCs sold from June 26 to launch day with Vista Home Premium, Business or Ultimate qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. For the upgrade alone, the memo said prices will be $49.99 for the Home Premium upgrade and $99.99 for the Professional upgrade.
Prices for Windows 7 haven’t been released, but industry observers are speculating that its price could be very competitively priced around $100.
The published Best Buy memo also touts Windows 7 with a backhanded takedown of Windows Vista. Windows 7, it said, “isn’t just a ‘Vista that works’ program — it’s a new operating system with improved productivity, functionality and creativity that uses less computer resources.”
Laura DiDio, an analyst with Information Technology Intelligence Corp., said Microsoft has to be very aggressive with Windows 7’s release, and it has to “hit it out of the park the first time.” There can’t be the kind of bad-mouthing that has dogged Vista, she said.
According to a survey her firm conducted, only about 10 percent of companies using Windows XP have upgraded to Vista, and about half — 46 percent — are waiting for Windows 7 to upgrade.
‘Big Pent-Up Demand’
“This means…