Microsoft mistakenly reveals 2009 launch target for Windows 7, again

If you haven't figured it out by now, Microsoft has two release dates for Windows 7: early 2010 according to its corporate PR stooges and sometime around mid 2009 according to everyone else. The reason for the padding is a fairly transparent attempt to avoid the public opinion fiasco resulting from Vista's chronic delays. Now Ina Fried over at CNET has it from Microsoft Director, Doug Howe, that Windows 7 should be ready for general consumption by the 2009 holidays. According to Fried, Howe's WinHEC presentation covering Microsoft's Velocity program to improve PC quality seemed to imply a mid-year Win7 launch. Apparently, a slide said that the Vista Velocity program would run through next spring and then continue on with Windows 7. Afterward, in an apparent direct response to the launch date question, Howe told Fried, "Definitely the holiday focus is going to be on 7." Using the Vista launch as a guide, that would put the new OS in the hands of OEMs and big business IT staff by mid-year, about 3-months before consumers if Vista's timeline holds true. This also aligns nicely with Microsoft's stated plan to launch the public beta early next year followed by a hinted, single release candidate prior to release for manufacturing. So go ahead, just make it official already Microsoft. You had us at pre-Beta.

[Saad Rabia @ Nov 7th 2008 6:37AM]

Whenever it is, I just wish that they make the OS fully ready and clean before even getting it out; I don't care if it was mid 2009 or mid 2010, I can wait.

[Muhammed @ Nov 7th 2008 6:52AM]

True, I just hope they don't rush it leaving major problems for the public to deal with.
but I guess they said that all vista programs and drivers are supported, so I hope it will be fine.

[High Ranks make you sterile @ Nov 7th 2008 8:45AM]

I hope it comes out in 3000 so they can call it Windows ME again

I loved the first one so much

[Paul Chapel @ Nov 7th 2008 10:04AM]

I remember when this operating system called Longhorn was supposed to be released in 2003. No matter what, this looks bad for Microsoft. If they do release Windows 7 in 2009, it will likely be warmed over Vista. If they manage to take their time and get it right, Apple will probably get to market with Leopard.

Either way, it doesn't look good for Microsoft. I've been cheering for them for years, but I was in Junior High the last time they made a good operating system.

[OneLove @ Nov 7th 2008 12:24PM]

Your mom is pre-beta!

[Paul Chapel @ Nov 7th 2008 12:47PM]

I just have a few request. SLi support, two versions (home and office), faster write/read for flash. And for once, I would like a Windows version to be stable without a freaking service pack, which seems to be the real version that they should be releasing. No one ever calls them out for this practice.

I still probably won't buy it, but I would be willing to borrow someone's CD and test it until activation runs out, just it case it doesn't smell like dog turds. Here's hoping against hope that Microsoft can get it right for once.

[Magallanes @ Nov 7th 2008 6:38AM]

The 2009 launch date is focused for xp users that still aren't changed to vista, so they can wait a little and switch directly over 7. It is not a mistake but marketing.
And the 2010 real launch date is when the products will hit the street.

[LondonConsultant @ Nov 7th 2008 7:21AM]

Well, most large corporates in the UK are still on XP (including new machines) and simply won't jump to Vista. It'll be interesting to see whether Windows 7 will provide the upgrade nudge that Vista didn't - I suspect it will...

[Godfail @ Nov 7th 2008 10:34AM]

If it provides an "upgrade nudge" it will be simply because of the glaring staleness of their current OS.

Honestly, there was no reason for anyone to upgrade to XP from 2000 in the business place because they were so similar, upgrading to Vista and Vista64 actually pose a challenge to IT teams because of the differences. However, many seem to be unaware that deploying Vista and 2008 are actually the easiest in the history of Windows.

[hi im a mac @ Nov 7th 2008 6:41AM]

MS will launch windows 7 six months after snow leopard ;)

[Bryant @ Nov 7th 2008 6:49AM]

Go back to your cave.

[WixosTrix @ Nov 7th 2008 2:23PM]

because you know if snow lepord comes out first, 90% of the computing world will just immediately switch to Mac. i'm sure dell and hp are ready to OEM...oh wait.

[Adam @ Nov 7th 2008 6:51AM]

Yea, and by the time Snow Leopard came out, MS will get panicked again and release it early even though its not fully ready. Lets hope it doesn't become another Vista shall we. :cross fingers:

[vvtopkar @ Nov 7th 2008 8:44AM]

Just an FYI, apple played no part in Vista's flaws before SP1. Microsoft knew that it had to put something out there or else people would forget about them...

[Wim3tu @ Nov 7th 2008 7:17AM]

Will this before or after Ubuntu has DirectX Support?

[Muhammed @ Nov 7th 2008 7:34AM]

LOL!

[Snowdog @ Nov 7th 2008 7:02AM]

There should be much less launch headaches this time. Not because Microsoft has gotten better, but primarily because this is essentially Vista under the hood. Think of this is Vista SE. In Vista much of the change was structural, driver models etc.. The kind of thing that breaks software. This time much of the change is visual/interface.

[Pizzahut @ Nov 7th 2008 7:09AM]

Yep. Windows 7 = Vista Pro.

[Jaxim @ Nov 7th 2008 7:16AM]

Let's hope they do away with the different editions of Windows.

There should be only 2 versions: an Ultra version with all the bells and whistles which the general public should get and a business/enterprise version which can be customized to reduce functionality (i.e. remove Media Center if the business so desired).

[Godfail @ Nov 7th 2008 10:34AM]

I for one hope they don't do away with multiple versions...but two is too few. Ultimate is a combination of business and home. So have a Pro and a Home to go along with it.

[Eric Roberts @ Nov 7th 2008 7:28AM]

I suspect Windows 7 will be released sometime in the 2009.

You never know though.:)

Cheers
General

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 8:09AM]

By putting a pathetic comment in there and the link means I will never visit your site because my respect falls for anyone who advertise there sites in such a way.

[霽月瀛台 @ Nov 7th 2008 7:08AM]

I do believe Windows 7 will be released by 2009 Summer. Two reasons.
1) Windows 7 is based on Windows Vista, the development cost is significantly lower than Vista, also, less time consumption to build the OS.
2)MS needs to boost the sales of Vista Cored OS before Vista Core is outdated while Vista.

[Speed @ Nov 7th 2008 7:13AM]

Referring to PR professionals as "Stooges" detracts from Engadget's reputation as a reliable source for news and information. It's childish, cheap and unnecessary.

[AlekZander @ Nov 7th 2008 7:33AM]

All right, all right, I'll get off your lawn already.

[rattyuk @ Nov 7th 2008 7:18AM]

SO? All this hype over the last two weeks and we're looking at 6 months at a minimum? hmmm.

[Christian Walters @ Nov 7th 2008 7:18AM]

Ah, tis good news! If it follows vista release schedule and goes to RTM and OEMs first, then I shall be one of the people to download the WinBETA release and pirate away!

[Crap @ Nov 7th 2008 7:22AM]

I'm running the pre-beta how and it's already better then vista w/sp1. Why - well because it's really vista sp2/1/2 and MS could release this in 60 days if they wanted to. Too bad MS wants to stick it to the customer to buy another OS. I have loaded all my software and it runs perfect on windows 7. Con job from MS so suck it up sheep!

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 7:43AM]

No they couldn't release it in 60 days. The new stripped down core cannot replace the vista care files kernels whatever they're called. Microsoft have said it, analysts have said it even el jobso said it when he though he was having a sly dig at microsoft and no one seemed to care.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 7:43AM]

Lets remember Microsoft have alot more to do than apple when it comes to OS's. Apple only have to support a small amount of components when Microsoft have support millions. I Don't care when snow leopard comes out because I'll probably never buy it. Windows 7 does because that will be bought buy me. OSX lacks in alot of areas like downloads, compatibility and security. If vista is the most secure OS out there compared to OSX and Linux then hopefully windows 7 should be impressive. As long as there is no problems I don't care. To me vista was only a disaster because Microsoft wouldn't fight against people who had never used it like osx users apple themselves and Linux user who think Linux is user friendly (hahaahaahahahah). I can't wait.


I just realised I might be a Microsoft fan boy.

[Kizorblade @ Nov 7th 2008 7:51AM]

Only just now?

[rattyuk @ Nov 7th 2008 7:56AM]

"OSX lacks in alot of areas like downloads, compatibility and security."

You have obviously never USED OSX.

"If vista is the most secure OS out there compared to OSX and Linux then hopefully windows 7 should be impressive."

Very big IF there.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 8:08AM]

Look across the internet you will see what i mean. In the most recent security competition (no idea what its called) OSX was hacked and cracked in two minutes Linux afew hours later Vista days after the competetion started. I mean OSX claims to be the most secure but hacked in two minutes seriuosly. I have never had a favourite OS but the constant vista bashing no one realy comes close to beating OS by windows. Personal opinion not fact.

[Mark Anderson @ Nov 7th 2008 9:08AM]

@rattyuk

Why do fanboys assume we've never used the other OS?

We have. It didn't suit our needs. Deal with it.

[Paul Chapel @ Nov 7th 2008 10:14AM]

I used to berate Mac users about the security thing, but then one of my friends told me that OS 9 had even less market share than OS X has now and it had viruses. The fact that OS X has more market share, but has 0 viruses, says something to me. You would think that with eight percent of the market share, that Macs would at least have 8 percent of the viruses, but they don't.

I'm not saying their security is better, because I honestly don't know, since I've never owned a Mac, but I've watched my best friend use his Mac and he has to provide an Administrator password whenever he installs software. No Cancel/Allow crap. An actual user name and password. That seems a little better to me.

[sjdurfey @ Nov 7th 2008 12:12PM]

@Paul

wait, you mean to tell me that you dont even OWN a mac?!?!? after allllllll your comments about sucking on jobs's teet you dont even own their product?!? what the hell man?

[rattyuk @ Nov 7th 2008 12:13PM]

@Mark Anderson
Read what I wrote before posting snarky comments.

Thi Mam wrote: "OSX lacks in alot of areas like downloads, compatibility and security"
I was pointing out that it doesn't lack in the areas he was bullshitting about.

You Wrote:
"Why do fanboys assume we've never used the other OS? We have. It didn't suit our needs. Deal with it."
You are NOT Thi Mam you are assuming that he has before he posts crap. You might have had some experience with OSX but you are not the voice of the nation when responding to sarky comments.

[Mark Anderson @ Nov 7th 2008 2:38PM]

@rattyuk

"You have obviously never USED OSX."

Stop digging, son. That hole's deep enough already.

[rattyuk @ Nov 7th 2008 3:26PM]

Basically Microsoft are holed below the waterline. The only thing that will get them to improve is firing that idiot Ballmer from the top of the company. There are some very good people at Microsoft but until Ballmer goes they are basically stuffed.

@ Mark Anderson
""You have obviously never USED OSX."
Stop digging, son. That hole's deep enough already."

As I pointed out YOU are not the person who I pointed the first comment at. And if you are calling me son? What age are you?

[Unbangyourmom @ Nov 7th 2008 7:45AM]

7 will be ready for Summer. Why? I've been using prebeta full time for 2 weeks, and it is twice as fast as Vista, fixes all the bugs, compatible with everything, and in itself has no bugs. Has microsoft actually done it? Prebeta actually runs better than 8 year old tried and tested OS? Yes.

[kal326 @ Nov 7th 2008 9:23AM]

By Vista you mean WinXP? Because Vista is not a tried and tested 8 yr old OS, not by a long shot.

[momotarosan @ Nov 7th 2008 8:10AM]

the first release date is for people to pay to be a beta2 tester. the second release date will incorporate the fixes after the testers are done reporting bugs.

[Joylove @ Nov 7th 2008 9:49AM]

I wonder if I'll get a refund on my PoS Vista license. :rolleyes:

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 9:52AM]

We heard you moaning (in a non sexual way) the first time

[Ike Turner @ Nov 7th 2008 8:20AM]

Give us Windows Moble 7 damnit Microsoft! Fuck that Windows Mobile 6.5 nonsense (. I know that you (MS) are quit happy with HTC pimping the shit out of WM 6 beyond what anybody expected and now you (MS) are taking your sweet time with WM7. I'm a sad panda.
I would take a Touch HD if you gave it to me for free though..
http://pocketnow.com/index.php?a=portal_detail&t=news&id=6202

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 8:27AM]

From what i understood windows mobile 7 was heading for 2010. I don't really know much about windows mobile but that is what I have been told

[Ike Turner @ Nov 7th 2008 8:34AM]

WM7 aka Photon was supposed to comme out last year (as WM6) but was delayed and became WM7. It was supposed to be a Q4 2008-Q12009 now it's being pushed t'il Q3-Q4 2009 (or even Q1 2010 now that there' this 6.5 stuff) I blame partly HTC for this. The awesome job they did with the TouchFlo3D GUI probably made MS think that they can take some more time to polish WM7 given the WM smartphones a still selling like hotcakes Worldwide.

[Just-uh-Thought @ Nov 7th 2008 8:54AM]

And this relates to Windows 7 how?

newsflash topic is: WINDOWS 7 and a 2009 leaked release date - not Windows mobile 7 - please try to ignore what the voices in your head is telling you!

[Ike Turner @ Nov 7th 2008 8:50AM]

Here's some interesting news I just found in nVidia Q3 report:

http://seekingalpha.com/article/104608-nvidia-corporation-f3q09-qtr-end-10-26-08-earnings-call-transcript?page=-1
"Marv Burkett

Tegra is doing really well. And I’ve said that Tegra was not ready for production this year because the design win process tends to be longer. And I also have said that Tegra is coming out party is really spring of next year. So, I look forward to talking to you much more about that, spring of next year."

So here's one of the reason why WM7 is being delayed again. If you remember Tegra was supposed to come out in Q4 08 just like WM7...

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Nov 7th 2008 8:55AM]

Tegra look really impressive but i though nvidia were creating their own mobile operating system. Is windows 7 delayed because of tegra or is it coincidence.