July 27th, 2005
Views into Vista Beta 1
According to Windows head Jim Allchin, the first beta of Vista is not suitable for mere mortals. "Beta 1 is not what I would call deeply interesting, unless you are a real bithead. This beta isn’t really for even tech enthusiasts. This beta is to test out some of the capabilities that we’ve got, if you will, in the plumbing." We have the story on this initial release of Vista, which will go through a long beta cycle–like the gestation period of a giraffe (395-425 days) or camel (406 days)…or even an elephant (640 days).
Windows Vista Beta 1 (more screen shots)
As Windows Vista goes through its lengthy beta cycle over the next year (it is scheduled for release for the holiday season in 2006, but no one really knows if it will ship on time, although Microsoft has enough experience in these matters to build a cushion to meet the prescribed timeframe), it will be interesting to see how it compares to future iterations of the Mac OS and how the Linux/Solaris platforms will evolve. Will it be too little too late for Vista to become a hugely successful upgrade? At least we will get a closer look at how Avalon and Indigo will play…
Updates: Review of Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 7 Beta from Rob Vamosi , Interview: Allchin talks up Vista
Dan Farber, editor-in-chief of CNET News.com, has more than 20 years of experience as an editor and journalist covering technology. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations.
