According to CNET, Microsoft has decided to strip Windows 7 of all built-in email and media editing programs and replace them with optional downloadable apps that tap into Windows Live. Microsoft claims that the move was made out of a desire to ensure a quicker turnaround for future OS releases and to provide a more streamlined system that eliminates confusion and opens up the possibility of working with partners down the line.
Whether this move to separate once native apps from the OS is really about speed, antitrust woes, or a desire to reduce development bugs is open for debate. Whatever the reason, the move does make some sense. Most of these client apps are already online anyway. It also makes it easier for Microsoft to focus on major native apps for the OS. [CNET via Electronista]
Greg Lipschitz
Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 10:59 PMCan anyone else hear the term “Software + Services”. Well seeing as Microsoft are going to be pushing this “Software + Services” model very hard in the next 18 months, I would say this is why these applications have been left out.
It’s all going to be about “Computing in the cloud”.
G
Nate Ocean
Monday, April 13, 2009 at 1:07 PMGood Riddance. The “Windows Live Mail” program that they force on your is major crippleware. From start to finish Microsoft has broken features that used to work under Outlook. The whole “Windows Live” mess is an attempt to force you to Microsoft’s ad-bloated web site just to access your email.