This is a paradox we’re sure both Microsoft and Apple don’t want to find themselves in. With the better part of their advertising campaigns trying to show the differences between the two companies, the Zoom vending machines used to distribute iPods, run on the Windows XP operating system.
Isn’t it ironic? Don’t ya think? Of course, it would probably be more fitting if the display was blue-screened. — Andrew Dobrow
Still wary about using the new Windows Vista operating system, users have been moaning and bitching to Dell about how they wish they could still get Windows XP installed on their pre-packed PC’s. Dell has answered their prayers by reissuing XP installed computers back into their products.
The consumer backlash has caused Dell to offer the option of Windows XP on four of its Inspiron notebook models and two Dimension PC’s. Though if you live out of the U.S., tough luck, you’ll have to install it yourself. — Andrew Dobrow
Korean company SNT presents IOPS. An on-board PC designed to manage all of your electronic needs while driving. Being shown at CEBIT in Germany, the IOPS runs Windows XP through its main output 7″ touchscreen. In addition to the obvious features of a GPS, the IOPS also has T-DMB channels, which is not even available in the U.S. yet. IOPS also comes with a hard disk in which you can record live TV and then burn it on to a disk all while doing 95 on the freeway. What a rush!
And since IOPS can interface with HSDPA networks, you can also receive an Internet connection for on-the-go shopping, RSS feed reading, or anything your heart desires. All of this is done as its linking with your Bluetooth device and displaying a video feed from your back bumper. Very impressive. Also, very cool. — Andrew Dobrow
With Vista barely off of the metaphorical assembly line, Microsoft says that the follow up OS, tentatively named “Vienna”, should be ready for release by 2009. Vista’s release took a tremendous 5 years of development time after Windows XP. Vista is built on an entirely different platform, so Vienna can be expected to be not as much as a overhaul then Vista was.
Vista was actually planned to be much more of a revolutionary change, with a brand new filing system and user interface. When the new layout was shown to be vulnerable to worms, they went back to the drawing bored and created the less drastic Vista. Does Vienna have more of a drastic change coming, or are we looking at Vista Part Deux?
According to Microsoft, the user interface might be a total overhaul. Still to early to tell, but things should be getting pretty exciting from the Windows platform. Is Vista worth getting now? Wait and see. Betas and RCs will likely be released in the upcoming year and a half. — Andrew Dobrow
Microsoft: Vista Follow-up Likely in 2009 [PC World]
