Gates: Windows 7 may come 'in the next year'

MIAMI--Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates on Friday indicated that Windows 7, the next major version of Windows, could come within the next year, far ahead of the development schedule previously indicated by the software maker.

In response to a question about Windows Vista, Gates, speaking before the Inter-American Development Bank here, said: "Sometime in the next year or so we will have a new version." Referring to Windows 7, the code name for the next full release of Windows client software, Gates said: "I'm super-enthused about what it will do in lots of ways."

Most of Gates' speech was devoted to topics closer to home for the crowd, such as how Latin America can be more competitive.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates speaking at the Consumer Electronics Show in January.

(Credit: CNET Networks)

Windows 7 and its intended feature list have been the topic of speculation since Microsoft discussed some details of the new software last summer.

At that time, Microsoft said little except that Windows 7 will ship in consumer and business versions, and in 32-bit and 64-bit versions. The company also confirmed that it is considering a subscription model to complement Windows, but did not provide specifics or a time frame.

Less than 24 hours ago, a Microsoft representative told CNET News.com that the company expects to ship the successor to Vista roughly three years from Vista's January 2007 debut.

Unclear is whether Gates was referring to early testing of Windows 7 coming within the year, as opposed to a widespread release or debut. An early test geared toward developers would be conceivable. The company has repeatedly said that it will accelerate the development of new Windows versions, largely as a response to Vista's roughly five year gestation period.

Microsoft on Thursday declined to extend a lifeline for Windows XP, saying that only a limited number of specialized machines will be sold with the operating system after June.

The company said it will continue to allow Windows XP Home edition to be sold for a class of computers it calls "ultra-low-cost PCs."

Vista, the current version of Windows, has sold well, according to Microsoft. But the operating system's debut was marred by repeated delays and shifting feature lists. Last week, Microsoft stepped up efforts to drive adoption of Vista by businesses.

CNET News.com's Mike Ricciuti contributed to this report.

[jinx101a]

I can't wait to see Windows 7. I'm hoping for some of what was promised in Vista. Vista for it's flaws also has some bright points. PR wise it was a failure but as long as it's run on decent hardware has worked well for me.

[dirty55409]

I want windows to focus on a lightweight OS... all this fancy gui crap needs to go. I want something that is bulletproof and can be carried around on a jump drive. Less than 4gb please

[Briace0422]

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[Briace0422]

Bill Gates is very great man,
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[myre1175]

It is always exciting if new version of operating system is going to be out in the market... most user looking forward to that. But the bad thing is existing hardware cannot adapt such new change because the hardware does not meet the software requirements.
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[davidaharon]

Is it a deJa Vu of Windows 95 - OS /2 Warp 3 Wars ...Hmm I wonder .,.,.

Unfortunately Mr. Wiliam Gates has not given much thought to making it compatible with at least a Pentium III and perhaps allowed the system to run beter with the new system and a 500 GB hard drive ...

And who has used the LINUX alternative ... just my thoughts on Launch [lynch] day of Windows 7 ... it's a week before the lynch day called Hallowe'en and I'm not surprsed that Windows 7 might be under attack from those hackers and spyware/ malware crowd... better get the highest possible protection from the gangsters. ... just my thoughts ...

[w7info]

According to Microsoft sources, we may be seeing Windows 7 RTM in Q3 or Q4 of this year.
http://w7info.com/articles/2009/01/windows-7-release-candidate/

[cupidzhe]

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windows 7??????

http://www.spnic.cn/viewnews/2009031/02-313.html

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[microsoftsucksass]

don't get your hopes up windows 7 will only be a upgrade to windows vista
it will not be as good as you think it will be.
just because vista sold poorly i'm going to stick with xp.
:d. i think vista will beat windows 7 they just want to make more money.

[davidaharon]

Yes it been s far cry from Windows XP [which is the same as Windows 98 in Stability] I tried Windows 2000 before I went to XP and thought boy this is S L O W So my Computer Guy told me to give XP a try.

Also in time for the release of Windows 7 is their now sending funny messages when you open Non Legal MS Office.. maybe Microsoft may try to stop the use of the PROGRAM until you go clean on it's Office suite. Just an after thought.

David ...