Windows 7 is now officially out in the wild, with the beta having been released to the public. But it’s only January, making it a whole year until the final product is rumored to be shipping. Isn’t that a little long for a beta? Especially as Windows 7 has been exposed as more of a Vista upgrade than a new operating system in its own right.

Windows 7 has caused an untold amount of press coverage, speculation, and rumor-mongering since it was first revealed that Microsoft was working on a new OS. Maybe all new Microsoft OS’ cause as much hand wringing but this is the first I’ve properly been paying attention. That’s what blogging about technology on a daily basis does for you.

The main reasons for the unbelievable amount of interest in Windows 7 is Vista, because, quite frankly, in the eyes of many, Vista sucks. Which is why a lot of people have put off buying a new computer over the past couple of years. They love their XP you see and don’t welcome change readily.

So the beta has finally arrived (officially) although an early yet stable version of Windows 7 has been available on BitTorrent since December, 2008. And many people’s early thoughts on the new OS are positive although it’s still a progression from Vista using many of the same functions and features, which means XP users are still likely to be unhappy.

But what I’m sure all of us who are unwilling to download the beta want to know is when the final product will be available? Microsoft hasn’t officially stated any time line for release but sometime in 2010 is the stock response from anyone supposedly in the know.

Ed Bott at ZDnet isn’t one who ascribes to that date prediction. He gathers evidence to support the theory that Windows 7 is actually going to be released in July, 2009, and his sources are quite compelling.

First and foremost, the beta is set to expire on August 1, 2009. Which would imply the fina product would be ready to go on the market before that date. In fact, Microsoft openly states that “you’ll need to reinstall a released version of Windows to keep using your computer.” Assuming that doesn’t mean XP or Vista, that would imply Windows 7 would be available by then.

There’s also the fact that the leaked Windows 7 upgrade program is set to begin on July 1st, which when coupled with the earlier evidence would point towards a July, 2009 release window. And Bott ends by stating that this complies with everything he has heard from people inside Microsoft.

So, six months to go then? Let’s hope so, and then we can all put Vista behind us and move on. Except of course that Windows 7 is being pegged as some kind of glorified Vista service pack. Oh dear.

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Entry was posted on Sunday, January 11th, 2009 at 11:28 pm under Microsoft, Opinion, Technology, Vista.

Read more entries by Dave Parrack.
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