July 2nd, 2007
Windows Vista Extras - what a rip off!
Microsoft has broken silence over Windows Vista Extras and given us some vague ideas of what’s in the pipeline:
We intend to ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs by the end of the summer. We will not ship the last two Extras showcased in January (Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs) until they meet the high quality bar required by our enthusiastic customers—and we believe that we can achieve that bar by the end of this summer.
We also intend to deliver additional Extras in the future. In addition to Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we plan to ship a collection of additional Windows Ultimate Extras over the next couple years that we are confident will delight our passionate Windows Vista Ultimate customers. We cannot identify dates or provide details at this time—but once we ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we will provide more information about the next Extras.
Personally, I’m disgusted. More language packs, DreamScene coming out of beta and the vague promise of more Extras over the next couple of years is not enough. Not enough by a long shot. What a rip off.
Robert McLaws is also displeased:
Usually, I’d be on Microsoft’s side on stuff like this (I am a Microsoft shill, right?)… but not this time. This post is nothing but cover-your-a$$ PR doublespeak. Personally, I think the Extras team was disbanded, and only reconvened after people like Long stirred up enough of the hornets to force MS back into action. And nothing they say will convince me otherwise. Otherwise, the blog would have been far more active, and the issue wouldn’t have gotten to this point.
I’m not even sure that this announcement counts as PR doublespeak - it’s far too vague. Sounds to me more like a desperate attempt to make us forget about Extras by putting a long , unspecific timeline on any further Extras.
Adrian is a technology journalist and author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology. He also runs a popular blog called The PC Doctor. See his full profile and disclosure of his industry affiliations
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