UPDATE 2: Well, Microsoft felt like it needed to explain the new “Vista” name so here is what they say that the new version of Windows:
deserved a name that was more representative of what it specifically brings to customers.
Today, we live in a world of ‘more’ — more information, more ways to communicate, more things to do, more opportunities — and at the same time, more responsibilities. Increasingly, we all turn to our PCs to help us with that.
More on BetaNews website
UPDATE 1: Official announcement of the new Windows Vista was made today, as well as the official website launched.
Well Micrsoft was present quite often lately in the (un)official news, blogs and stuff. The latest rumor, citing sources close to the company who requested anonymity, is about the official name of the future Windows release, known until know under the codename Longhorn.
Microsoft has decided on an official name for Longhorn: Windows Vista. I find it kind of ugly, as I was really getting used (already hmmm) with the codename, but, as someone put it, it’s better than Windows 2009, right?.
Microsoft has relied primarily on date-oriented names for many of its products, although it has shied away from those on occasion. Longhorn Beta 1 is widely expected to be unveiled next week. Beta 2 is due in the first half of 2006. Microsoft officials confirmed on Thursday the final release is still on track for the latter half of 2006. Also there were more screenshots of the new Windows release flying around in the blogsphere.
Keeping on the tags, Microsoft and Beta testing, Microsoft started to send out invites to test out the new hotmail. The new hotmail site will go live within 7 days for beta testers and they will have the first peek at it. Everyone will be upgraded to 2GB when this is released with alot of new features like keyboard shortcuts for example.
Last, but not least, the new MSN Messenger 7.5 Beta, leaked out (before plan) and can be downloaded here and MSN Screen Saver (Beta) is good for download already from Microsoft website. With the MSN Screen Saver (Beta) you can: personalize with background photos and news and weather information from MSN or any RSS feeds from websites you choose, search the Web and click news headlines directly from the Screen Saver and stay connected with MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, and MSN Spaces. Track how many unread Hotmail messages and current Messenger conversations you have, and display blogs and photos from your friends’ MSN Spaces. Tobe mentioned that MSN Screen Saver requires installation of the MSN Search Toolbar with Windows Desktop Search on the same computer (typical Microsoft ugly stuff).
More, Internet Explorer 7 will go beta this summer. Check some screenshots here.
Technorati tags: Microsoft, Longhorn, New Hotmail