When Bill Gates talks, the entire world still listens. And sometimes, that can lead to misinformation and misunderstandings. The latest example: Gates offered a quick sound bite about when the next Windows release — version 7.0 — will arrive. Now, the entire world seems to be analyzing his every word to determine Windows 7.0′s real target ship date.
Officially, Microsoft has stated — multiple times — that version 7.0 will arrive roughly three years after Windows Vista’s debut. Translation: Look for Windows 7.0 in early 2010. But Gates, speaking at an event in Miami today, apparently told audience members that version 7.0 could arrive within about a year, according to CNet.
Given Microsoft’s track record of software delays, The VAR Guy thinks Gates’ statement is wishful thinking.
So, what’s the truth? The VAR Guy suspects Gates was referring to “beta” versions of Windows 7.0, while Microsoft corporate continues to point to 2010 as the official release date. (Still, All About Microsoft, penned by Mary Jo Fley, pegs late 2009 as a potential launch date for Windows 7.0.)
Either way, a solid, reliable, secure, fast-loading version of Windows 7.0 can’t arrive soon enough for frustrated Windows Vista users who purchased underpowered PCs preloaded with the operating system.
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Windows 7 doesn’t have a prayer of shipping in 2009. Microsoft would have to be in early to mid beta by now for that to happen.
Dear Sir:
After about two hours of play with the then new Windows Vista System, I told a computer engineer friend: “Francois, about three years and no one will even recall Windows Vista. Too slow, too user unfriendly; as though designed for an owner with very little previous computer experience and meant to be a bridge from inexperience into the world of easily applied computer science.” There can be no such bridge and this is why I feel 3 years tops is what it will take for Microsoft to swallow this bitter pill. ……… As it is I will keep my XP and wait hopefully for a better product.