Microsoft announces Windows 7’s final brand name

Not really, but this was my attempt at an April Fool’s joke this year.  I don’t usually participate in these, but I guess there’s a first time for everything.

REDMOND, Wash. – April. 1, 2008

Today Microsoft Corp. announced the official name of its next-generation Windows® client operating system, formerly code-named “Windows 7.”

Steven Sinofsky, head of Windows engineering, made the announcement at a special event in Los Angeles, California early this morning.  “We really think it’s important to go out there with a brand that users already know and love,” Sinofsky said at the announcement event.  “With all the talk of iPhones and iWorks and iLifes, I think it’s great that we’re bringing the focus back to Me.”

While some in the audience questioned the association of the new brand with an older Windows release, Sinofsky put their fears to rest.  “Windows Me was the most people-centric and consumer-friendly brand of Windows we’ve ever done.  While it may not have ever been our best selling operating system, I think it holds a special place in all our hearts.  We’re going to leverage that.”

With the recent completion of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Sinofsky says that the Windows engineering team is ramping up development of the next-generation operating system, now called Windows Me Decade Edition.  “We think it’s important that people know we’re not designing this thing for the 21st century.  We’re designing it for the 202nd decade.”

Windows Me Decade Edition Beta

The timeline for releasing Beta 1, targeted at developers and IT professionals, will be announced in the coming months.

Video

Microsoft employee Waggener Edstrom tries out an early build of Windows Millennium Decade Edition, the next-generation operating system.  Los Angeles, California, April 1, 2008.

Watch the “Windows 7” announcement video.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that are hilariously named to help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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