News

Rumor: Windows 7 Release in October

• By Kurt Mackie
• 04/30/2009

Microsoft has not given a firm date on when its newest operating system will be released as a product, although Windows 7 is currently available as a release candidate for final testing. The next step for the OS will be release to original equipment manufacturers building PCs.

Acer plans to release its Z5600 touch-screen PC running Windows 7 on Oct. 23, according to a Pocket lint story, which quoted Bobby Watkins, Acer's U.K. marketing director.

"23rd October is the date the Windows 7 will be available," Watkins is quoted as saying. "There is a 30 day upgrade time so that customers don't wait to buy a new computer, so if you buy during that 30 day period, you'll get a free upgrade to Windows 7."

Watkins is described in a LinkedIn directory as the "country general manager at Acer UK."

An October general release date for Windows 7 seems plausible as it corresponds with similar leaked information. The president of Compal Electronics told Bloomberg.com that Microsoft planned to ship Windows 7 in "late September or early October."

Rumors of a free OS upgrade program have been floated in the recent past. It could help boost PC sales by original equipment manufacturers and system builders, especially as consumers hesitate during a Vista-to-Windows 7 transition period.

Microsoft will not yet publicly disclose the general release date for Windows 7.

"As we have said for some time, we are committed to making Windows 7 available within three years of the General Availability of Windows Vista," a Microsoft spokesperson explained by e-mail.

According to that statement, Microsoft would be expected to release Windows 7 by January 2010. Vista's general release is typically recorded as January 31, 2007.