Rumorama: Windows 7 in 2009?

The stories are starting to surface faster and faster. At first, I tried to ignore them, but at some point it just needs to be accepted: Windows 7 is coming, and it's coming sooner rather than later.

A posting over at TG Daily is indicating that an extremely early build of Windows 7, codenamed Blackcomb Vienna, has been released to key partners along with an updated release schedule. While it was previously assumed that we wouldn't see the next build of Windows until 2010, the new information points to the second half of 2009. Some of the features that have been spotted:

"The current M1 drop is available to Microsoft partners in English only and has shipped in x86 and x64 versions. An interesting feature that has been highlighted by Microsoft is the ability of the M1 software to handle a heterogeneous graphics system consisting of multiple graphics cards from different vendors. A new version of the Media center is already integrated in this software, but supports PC speakers only at this time."

Combined with the previously rumored touch-screen capabilities, that all sounds quite nifty indeed. Just one problem: Where's SP1 for Vista? Or for that matter SP2 or SP3? If these rumors are to be believed, one could draw the obvious conclusion that Microsoft has diverted resources from Vista development to Windows 7 development, leaving those of us who have made the jump to Vista high and dry.

I like Vista well enough, to be sure, but it could use some polish... maybe some finish too. I have to admit though, I can't wait to see what MS puts in the newest Windows iteration!

[via: The Download Squad]