Microsoft rolls out Vista with marketing barrage

NEW YORK - Microsoft launched the home version of its Windows Vista operating system on Tuesday at a glitzy party in New York with Bill Gates, marking the roll-out of the software to retailers in 70 countries. Gates helped launch the software on Monday night at a dramatically-orchestrated event near Times Square, New York City, telling his audience that Vista was "the central element that allows the digital lifestyle to thrive". Vista then went on sale from midnight yesterday and some retailers stayed open to offer the most ardent Microsoft fans the chance to buy the software at the first opportunity. In Japan, hundreds of people waited in the cold to buy Windows Vista at stores in Tokyo’s Akihabara electronics district and broke into a loud cheer outside the Yodobashi Camera shop when the clock struck midnight in Japan. Retailers and the electronics industries are hoping that Windows Vista, which took five years and USD 6Bln to produce, will boost demand for personal computers. However, there are complaints that the new operating system, which is expected to be refined by Microsoft as flaws emerge, hinders the operation of some games because of stringent new security settings. US-based computer game publisher WildTangent, makers of Internet games such as Super Granny 3 and Polar Bowler, said on Monday that Microsoft “has gone overboard” by making Vista so secure it blocks or disables play. Reviews of Vista have highlighted its improved security settings, which include parental controls to block inappropriate content for children, but have also said the software is more evolutionary than revolutionary, breaking little new ground. Microsoft is engaged in a fierce battle for computer sales with a resurgent Apple Computer and faces competition for software products from online giant Google. Microsoft began selling business versions of Vista and Office 2007 in November. The Redmond, Washington-based giant has heralded the oft-delayed Vista as its most sophisticated, secure and intuitive operating system since Windows was first rolled out to challenge Apple’s Macintosh software in 1985. In the US, the top-end Vista Ultimate is priced at USD 399 dollars for the full package and USD 259 as an upgrade to Windows. A Home Premium version is priced at USD 239 new and USD 159 as an upgrade, while a stripped-down “basic” Vista will cost 199 complete or USD 99.95 as an upgrade. A low-budget Windows Vista Starter edition for “first-time PC users” will be sold exclusively in developing countries.

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