Vista to Windows 7 Free Upgrade Plans Leaked?
As was what Microsoft offered prior to the release of Windows Vista, the software giant is plotting upgrade options for those who want to purchase a new PC soon, but without being left in the dust once Windows 7 ships.
From reports of the beta experience, Windows 7 is the new Microsoft OS that everyone’s been waiting for -- for both XP and Vista users. Some consumers can’t afford to wait, however, need to purchase new hardware soon. For those such consumer, and those on the fence, Microsoft will offer a program where those who purchase a new PC with Vista within a certain date range will be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7.
Tech ARP now claims to to have obtained documents Microsoft sent to OEMs detailing its Windows 7 Upgrade Program. The information is supposedly from December 10, making it entirely possible for conditions to change, though what we’ve read seems believable.
All PCs bought with a Windows Vista license on or after July 1, 2009 to January 1, 2010 qualify for a free upgrade to Windows 7. OEMs may choose to shorten the period within those dates. All upgrade media must be shipped to end users by April 30, 2010.
Only three versions of Windows Vista are eligible, being Home Premium, Business and Ultimate. The upgrades to Windows 7 will correspond to the lateral version; so Home Premium will move to the new equivalent, Business will go to Professional, and Ultimate will be Ultimate.
Upgrades from Windows Vista Home Basic are not part of the program, and there will be no option for users to upgrade to a higher-end version of Windows 7 through the free upgrade program. New computers sold with Windows XP also will not be supported.
While upgrades from a 64-bit version of Vista will get you a 64-bit version of Windows 7, it’s unclear whether or not users can opt to go from 32-bit to 64-bit. It’s certain, however, the the software upgrade process will not allow an in-place upgrade from 32-bit to 64-bit.
Those who do receive the free upgrade to Windows 7 will have both options of performing an in-place upgrade as well as doing a clean install.
Although the information does seem to make sense, Microsoft isn’t confirming nor denying any of it. "Microsoft often explores options with our partners to determine product offerings," the Microsoft spokesperson told Betanews. "We are not announcing anything new at this time."
The incentive of a business is to make money, not give away products. There is absolutely no chance in hell that Microsoft will offer free upgrade from Vista to 7 just because some people didn't like it. 0%.
How many Businesses are running Vista right now?
Face it, XP still has the largest market share. Free upgrades would give it a large chuck of the market share out of the gate, increasing development support, and would give Businesses a huge incentive to upgrade.
Microsoft would make money when Businesses still running XP decide to upgrade to Windows 7.
However, in order to work, they would have to offer the free upgrade only to people who purchased Vista before the announcement of free upgrade (so you couldn't buy Vista as a cheaper method of getting 7).
I'm not saying I necessarily disagree with you but from a business standpoint there is no legitimate argument for giving away the software.
The businesses still using XP aren't going to switch to Mac OS X or linux so the Windows market share isn't going to change. They are either going to purchase Windows 7 licenses and upgrade their business or they are not. In the eyes of Microsoft every business currently running XP or Vista is a potential buyer. Why would you give away software to a potential buyer?
Developer support is going to be fine. Programs that work on Vista are 95% likely to work on 7 and those that don't work won't need major re-codes because the basic kernel hasn't changed much. Most software from the past 5 years will be 7-ready out of the gate. Giving away the software isn't going to change that.
There is just no reason, outside of wishful thinking, for Microsoft to give away the software. None.
They are already sorry so that is your point?
sorry as in sorry they did not wait till after they patched windows 7 to buy it.
I read somewhere that the upgrade will cost like $250, ouch!
Maybe you misunderstood what I said. I'm not saying the upgrade path from XP should be free, just the one from Vista.
You don't think it would enhance the perception of Windows 7 in the eyes of the general public?
If I did not own vista, I would be more willing to buy 7 if they did offer a low upgrade price for existing vista users, although it would not effect me directly. The last thing any consumer dreads is for 7 to be a flop like vista, if MS shows consumer appreciation with low priced upgrades, people would be more willing to buy 7 outright because there is a good chance that history would repeat itself and MS would give them a low priced upgrade to Vista2 if 7 turns out to be a turd pie.
you can get 64 bit premium for 99.99 and it will support the 4 gigs of ram most people will at least get for a new system. not stupid. stupid would be buying windows 7 day one of release and complaining that there is no driver/software support.
Vista SP2 beta was already released. It will be coming out before Windows 7, and will include DirectX 11.
It's for people who are trying to decide whether or not to buy a new computer now, or wait until Windows 7 comes out.
It's Vista SP2 - only it's called Windows 7. You guys and gals are cracking me up. And exactly what makes you think this OS is gonna be any better than the failed Vista?? It's based on the Vista code base.
Yes there is supposed to be a Vista SP2 -- NO, it will not include DX11. But does it matter? Very few games are developed for DX10, and none for DX10.1 so what is the point of DX11?
Mac OS X is doing just fine in sales, in fact it is slowly but surely taking away Microsoft's dominant OS market share.
Apple are releasing a new OS BEFORE Microsoft, it's $179 - one version does all. There will be some real changes in the OS, full 64bit support is one.
People buying new computers are people buying laptops, guess who sells the most laptops -- yes that would be Apple. Heck, if you don't believe me, just go to your local coffee shop and look around, oh you see some Mac laptops....hmmm...what do ya know.
Games are gonna be consoles, the PC is gonna die for so many reasons -- software piracey being one. Apple will survive cause you can still pretty much do whatever the hell you want on OS X. And the we have free open source, most of which works best on OS X or Linux. Yes that is FREE and PC dweebs love the sound of FREE.
Unless Microsoft make some fundamental business changes, they're just pushing out the same garbage.
Stop being such a fagtard elitist and realize that Apple isn't trying to have an answer for everyone's needs. They do what they do best... get people like you to buy into their superior image.
I work all day on the glorious 8 core MacPros and I usually can't wait to get home and fire up my real computer. Maybe it's just me but everything is much more responsive on a decent PC.