Christmas in October: Windows 7 Could Be Released Sooner Than Expected
By: Staff Writer
What do tech speculators, bloggers, Microsoft executives, a British Acer representative, and an “accidentally released” memo all have in common? They all concur that Windows 7 could be officially released in October 2009. This is three months earlier than the January release date, predicted mere weeks ago. The new date could be a good omen for Microsoft, where an early release could mean higher sales as consumers jingle their Christmas change in preparation for holiday spending.
On Thursday (April 30) Microsoft handed over the near-final product to a cadre of beta testers, who will put Microsoft’s new operating system through the gamut. On Tuesday, May 5, Microsoft will allow the general public to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate (Windows 7 RC1) for further testing.
Hopefully, Windows 7 will demonstrate that Microsoft has learned from the mistakes of the past. Vista had a hard time catching on right away, since it was too powerful and demanding to easily interface with older programs and technology. Windows 7 should manifest a bit more sympathy toward dated technology and weaker machines. In fact, Windows 7 is being marketed as the operating system of choice for low-power netbooks. As netbooks grow in popularity and demand, thanks to a still-soft consumer market, the new Microsoft operating system will probably enjoy greater-than-normal appeal by spreading through this venue.
Microsoft will market Windows 7 into a changing milieu. Never before has the company released a new full-scale operating system into an economy so shaken. Although the demand for Microsoft products is global, so are the economic doldrums. It may prove to be a disappointment for sales. In addition, Microsoft faces a formidable foe in the new Apple devices. The new generation of tech users seem to favor Apple products, and as October draws nearer, Mac rumors will fly thicker, probably talking up Steve Jobs’ latest gizmo. Windows 7 has a challenging road ahead.