Microsoft announced today that it will release Windows 7 on October 22nd. On that day, customers will be able to buy new PCs loaded with Microsoft’s latest operating system or just the software to install on their current PCs.
Vista’s poorly executed launch (remember Vista Capable?) and its shortcomings (both perceived and real) did not do Microsoft any favours. The company has maintained its dominant market share but it needs the well-received-to-date Windows 7 to regain its momentum against competitors such as Apple’s OS X and the threat of Linux netbooks (although Microsoft has managed the latter well with Windows XP).
Hardware manufacturers will receive Windows 7 around the end of July to give them time to prepare for the October 22nd launch.
Microsoft will also run a program whereby customers will be able to get a free Windows 7 upgrade if they buy PCs with certain versions of Vista prior to October 22nd. Details of the program have yet to be released.