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Microsoft offering previews of new Windows

In an effort to keep tabs on its progress in getting a complete version of Windows Vista out the door, Microsoft will start releasing preview versions of the OS monthly, with a major beta release early next year, and hopefully the finished product in the second half of '06.

Microsoft Corp. is releasing preview versions of its new Windows Vista operating system about once a month in an effort to get more customer feedback than usual ahead of next year's launch, the company said Tuesday. The world's largest software maker also reiterated its plan to launch Vista in the second half of 2006, five years after the release of its current version, Windows XP. It is the longest gap ever between major launches of Microsoft's core Windows product, the company's cash cow which accounts for more than a quarter of its $40 billion in annual revenue.Microsoft gave some customers preview versions of Vista in September and October and expects to offer another version with more improvements in December.Early next year, testers will try out a version that integrates all the features expected to be in the final version of Vista.

MSNBC Technology News

Posted by | Wed, Nov 30, 2005 - 10:16 AM