The Ultimate Letdown?
Some say: "Failure to deliver... Failure to communicate..."
Thursday, June 14, 2007 by cavalierex | Discussion: Vista Reviews
Remember this?
Recently, several caustic articles have criticized Microsoft's failure to deliver Vista Ultimate extras:
Truly, aside from Stardock's own efforts with DeskScapes, DreamScene seems all but abandoned as 'preview' beta software: still CPU-heavy, and not nearly close to delivering what it promised.
Does it strike anyone else as strange that it's been six months since Vista shipped, and there are still no new Extras? Surely, one would have expected Microsoft to at least ship some samples from their labs that employ WPF goodness. Even a WPF-based/sidebar-based MSN Messenger would be a welcome thing, not to mention PowerToys or the many extras that they hinted would arrive. Where are the "cutting-edge programs"? The "innovative services"? The "unique publications"? What happened to the cool stuff that was hilighted in the well-circulated Longhorn concept videos (Video #1 and Video #2)?
At the very least, Microsoft's own Ultimate blog (http://windowsultimate.com) should communicate with us... telling us what's taking so long. But the site's been inactive for months (last publication was in March!), and they haven't responded to any e-mails.
I'm curious to hear what everyone else thinks.
Recently, several caustic articles have criticized Microsoft's failure to deliver Vista Ultimate extras:
- Ultimate Extras, where are you?
- Is Vista Ultimate Extras a sham?
- Windows Ultimate Extras is a sham -- Where's the responsibility?
- What's Going on at Microsoft? Appalling commitment to the Extras program
Truly, aside from Stardock's own efforts with DeskScapes, DreamScene seems all but abandoned as 'preview' beta software: still CPU-heavy, and not nearly close to delivering what it promised.
Does it strike anyone else as strange that it's been six months since Vista shipped, and there are still no new Extras? Surely, one would have expected Microsoft to at least ship some samples from their labs that employ WPF goodness. Even a WPF-based/sidebar-based MSN Messenger would be a welcome thing, not to mention PowerToys or the many extras that they hinted would arrive. Where are the "cutting-edge programs"? The "innovative services"? The "unique publications"? What happened to the cool stuff that was hilighted in the well-circulated Longhorn concept videos (Video #1 and Video #2)?
At the very least, Microsoft's own Ultimate blog (http://windowsultimate.com) should communicate with us... telling us what's taking so long. But the site's been inactive for months (last publication was in March!), and they haven't responded to any e-mails.
I'm curious to hear what everyone else thinks.
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drexel4real
Reply #22 Friday, July 13, 2007 8:24 AM
Reply #22 Friday, July 13, 2007 8:24 AM
maybe you people havent got it yet, but microsoft is in the business of employing people and paying their wages. If microsoft goes down it will take whole countries with it - believe me - ok so the score is really this - windows 95 was not so much different to 98 and neither was me.
In windows 2000 they made great advances and in xp they got a lot right and
now they are just tacking on a few ribbons and putting a bit of tinsel around xp and flogging it as the greatest thing since the wheel - well wake3 up and smell the countryside will ya - its not that great infact - ahhhhh I smell BS a lot of it
because they need to keep a lot of people in work but have run out of ideas - big style !!!!!
In windows 2000 they made great advances and in xp they got a lot right and
now they are just tacking on a few ribbons and putting a bit of tinsel around xp and flogging it as the greatest thing since the wheel - well wake3 up and smell the countryside will ya - its not that great infact - ahhhhh I smell BS a lot of it
because they need to keep a lot of people in work but have run out of ideas - big style !!!!!
Edtorious
Reply #23 Thursday, September 6, 2007 12:58 PM
WHERE ARE THEY NOW!!!???
I'm still waiting for my ultimate extras!!!
It's like a ghost town on their website! Anybody home?
Reply #23 Thursday, September 6, 2007 12:58 PM
Update on the Windows Ultimate Extras from WWW Link (07/02/2007)
In other words, they'll fine-tune DreamScene, but don't expect anything new for awhile.
Well, at least they're talking to us now. Many people had written to them in the past, but gotten no response.
Anyone else notice that the portrait photos of the Ultimate Extra team-members have now been removed? I guess the team is officially disbanded.
When we launched Windows Vista in January 2007, we identified Windows Ultimate Extras as a unique series of add-ons that would be available to Windows Vista Ultimate customers. To date, we have released four sets of Extras – Windows Hold’Em, 16 Language Packs for the Windows multi-language user interface, Secure Online Key Backup, and Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool. We want to let our Windows Vista Ultimate customers know that we are actively working to deliver the remaining Extras that we identified in January. Our goal is to provide the highest-quality, most secure and reliable offerings, and as a result we are continuing our work on these offerings. We apologize for taking so long to provide a status update to customers.
We intend to ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs by the end of the summer. We will not ship the last two Extras showcased in January (Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs) until they meet the high quality bar required by our enthusiastic customers—and we believe that we can achieve that bar by the end of this summer.
We also intend to deliver additional Extras in the future. In addition to Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we plan to ship a collection of additional Windows Ultimate Extras over the next couple years that we are confident will delight our passionate Windows Vista Ultimate customers. We cannot identify dates or provide details at this time—but once we ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we will provide more information about the next Extras.
Barry Goffe
Director, Windows Vista Ultimate
Microsoft Corporation
We intend to ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs by the end of the summer. We will not ship the last two Extras showcased in January (Windows DreamScene and the remaining 20 Language Packs) until they meet the high quality bar required by our enthusiastic customers—and we believe that we can achieve that bar by the end of this summer.
We also intend to deliver additional Extras in the future. In addition to Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we plan to ship a collection of additional Windows Ultimate Extras over the next couple years that we are confident will delight our passionate Windows Vista Ultimate customers. We cannot identify dates or provide details at this time—but once we ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we will provide more information about the next Extras.
Barry Goffe
Director, Windows Vista Ultimate
Microsoft Corporation
In other words, they'll fine-tune DreamScene, but don't expect anything new for awhile.
Well, at least they're talking to us now. Many people had written to them in the past, but gotten no response.
Anyone else notice that the portrait photos of the Ultimate Extra team-members have now been removed? I guess the team is officially disbanded.
WHERE ARE THEY NOW!!!???
I'm still waiting for my ultimate extras!!!
It's like a ghost town on their website! Anybody home?
Edtorious
Reply #24 Thursday, September 6, 2007 1:23 PM
Reply #24 Thursday, September 6, 2007 1:23 PM
I just went to their website and sent them a message. Let's see if another announcement will be posted again instead of getting an actual ultimate extras we are suppose to get! 
warreni
Reply #25 Monday, September 10, 2007 3:20 PM
Reply #25 Monday, September 10, 2007 3:20 PM
So, I'm not really into beating dead horses, but . . . Is DreamScene the only reason to buy the Ultimate edition of Vista if you're a home user and not an IT professional? I mean, it looks cool and all, but that seems like a really hefty price tag for a fancy animated desktop. I just looked it up on Newegg, and they're selling the Ultimate Upgrade for $239, and the Home Premium Upgrade for $145 (about $45 more than what I paid for an XP Pro upgrade three years ago). Any thoughts on this?
ZubaZ
Reply #26 Monday, September 10, 2007 3:44 PM
Reply #26 Monday, September 10, 2007 3:44 PM
I wouldn't get Ultimate for the extras . .but it does have some nice features. The question is . . do you need them.
A chart to help
A chart to help
NightTrainthedark
Reply #27 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:13 PM
In 2 years when they finally get Vista working like XP, they will have a Super Duper edition that will be around $1600 so get your ultimate at low low prices now.
Reply #27 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:13 PM
Any thoughts on this?
In 2 years when they finally get Vista working like XP, they will have a Super Duper edition that will be around $1600 so get your ultimate at low low prices now.
Astyanax
Reply #28 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:17 PM
I bought it for everything the Business edition had plus Media Center. Dreamscene was just a nice addon that was thrown in. There are alot of things Home Premium doesn't have that Business had. But Business lacks Media Center.
For everyone who is anti Vista at the moment, I will laugh when the time goes for XP's support gets the axe. And don't think it wont start to happen sometime next year, i'll bet money on that.
Reply #28 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:17 PM
So, I'm not really into beating dead horses, but . . . Is DreamScene the only reason to buy the Ultimate edition of Vista if you're a home user and not an IT professional? I mean, it looks cool and all, but that seems like a really hefty price tag for a fancy animated desktop. I just looked it up on Newegg, and they're selling the Ultimate Upgrade for $239, and the Home Premium Upgrade for $145 (about $45 more than what I paid for an XP Pro upgrade three years ago). Any thoughts on this?
I bought it for everything the Business edition had plus Media Center. Dreamscene was just a nice addon that was thrown in. There are alot of things Home Premium doesn't have that Business had. But Business lacks Media Center.
For everyone who is anti Vista at the moment, I will laugh when the time goes for XP's support gets the axe. And don't think it wont start to happen sometime next year, i'll bet money on that.
TwoWolves
Reply #29 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:39 PM
Reply #29 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:39 PM
Dear me, I'm surprised you fell for it. Microsoft have pulled this manoeuvre before with Windows 95/98.
Always look to what the business buys in. I'll be sticking with Xp Pro until Longhorn or the next OS arrives, this Vista is clearly a half-way house and cash cow.
My wallet feels enough pain with the Dev Studio and Office upgrades as it is and I need those for my work - you know making money for me and not Billy boy.
P.S. Office 2007 + One Note is very good IMHO.
You need to be more conservative in your assessment of Microsoft sales pitch boys.
Always look to what the business buys in. I'll be sticking with Xp Pro until Longhorn or the next OS arrives, this Vista is clearly a half-way house and cash cow.
My wallet feels enough pain with the Dev Studio and Office upgrades as it is and I need those for my work - you know making money for me and not Billy boy.
P.S. Office 2007 + One Note is very good IMHO.
You need to be more conservative in your assessment of Microsoft sales pitch boys.
WebGizmos
Reply #30 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:50 PM
Reply #30 Monday, September 10, 2007 4:50 PM
I think its time we all just walk away from the pc's for a spell and let them all sweat it out...just sitting there with a warehouse full of door stops. They've got everyone so hooked on sitting in front of these things that everyone forgets there was life before pc's...and we all managed just fine without them. Hell...we might all actually get together some time and have a face to face barbecue!
Astyanax
Reply #31 Monday, September 10, 2007 6:22 PM
Yes, because Windows 95/98 cost Microsoft 10 Billion to develope? Yes thats right, 10 billion to develope Vista. Even if it's half that much don't you think thats a little much to spend on place holder? Microsoft claims they'll have a new OS out in 2 1/2 years. But anyone who knows how they work knows it will be atleast 1-2 years extra before theirs a new one.
By the way, Longhorn is Vista so to speak..
Ironic how you say that.... on a pc....
Reply #31 Monday, September 10, 2007 6:22 PM
Dear me, I'm surprised you fell for it. Microsoft have pulled this manoeuvre before with Windows 95/98.
Always look to what the business buys in. I'll be sticking with Xp Pro until Longhorn or the next OS arrives, this Vista is clearly a half-way house and cash cow.
Always look to what the business buys in. I'll be sticking with Xp Pro until Longhorn or the next OS arrives, this Vista is clearly a half-way house and cash cow.
Yes, because Windows 95/98 cost Microsoft 10 Billion to develope? Yes thats right, 10 billion to develope Vista. Even if it's half that much don't you think thats a little much to spend on place holder? Microsoft claims they'll have a new OS out in 2 1/2 years. But anyone who knows how they work knows it will be atleast 1-2 years extra before theirs a new one.
By the way, Longhorn is Vista so to speak..
I think its time we all just walk away from the pc's for a spell and let them all sweat it out...just sitting there with a warehouse full of door stops. They've got everyone so hooked on sitting in front of these things that everyone forgets there was life before pc's...and we all managed just fine without them. Hell...we might all actually get together some time and have a face to face barbecue!
Ironic how you say that.... on a pc....
Jafo
Reply #32 Monday, September 10, 2007 10:55 PM
Reply #32 Monday, September 10, 2007 10:55 PM
have a face to face barbecue!
That's gonna hurt....
warreni
Reply #33 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 11:44 AM
Reply #33 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 11:44 AM
After seeing the chart that Zubaz linked to, it doesn't look to me like there are many extra functions that are worth $100 in Ultimate. I can't fathom having a need for drive encryption (at all) or a remote desktop connection at home, and most people have dedicated backup and fax software (if you fax from your computer). If your scanner didn't come with a software CD, you must have bought it from some guy on a street corner with a folding table o' hardware.
I guess if and when I upgrade, I'll go with Home Premium.
I guess if and when I upgrade, I'll go with Home Premium.
starkers
Reply #34 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 1:53 PM
I guess if and when I upgrade, I'll go with Home Premium.
In that case, then, you'll miss out on the inbuilt ability of Ultimate to play DVD's and will have to pay for a third-party app instead..
Reply #34 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 1:53 PM
I guess if and when I upgrade, I'll go with Home Premium.
In that case, then, you'll miss out on the inbuilt ability of Ultimate to play DVD's and will have to pay for a third-party app instead..
Neil Banfield
Reply #35 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:33 PM
Reply #35 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:33 PM
I have a feeling all versions of Vista with Media Centre have the ability to play DVDs.
jeaniejames
Reply #36 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 4:11 PM
Reply #36 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 4:11 PM
Because of all the input here, I've decided that I'm not going to upgrade to VU at all. I've been playing with the idea to upgrade, but wasn't fully clear on it-- until now.
I mean, according to MSoft, the only difference from the Home version is a few things...and of course the extras, which according to this, there really aren't that many anyway...
Thanks to every one for sharing- and sorry to the ones that had to find out VU was not up to grade, as MS claimed, before someone could tell you before hand, not to get it...
I mean, according to MSoft, the only difference from the Home version is a few things...and of course the extras, which according to this, there really aren't that many anyway...
Thanks to every one for sharing- and sorry to the ones that had to find out VU was not up to grade, as MS claimed, before someone could tell you before hand, not to get it...
WebGizmos
Reply #37 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 4:17 PM
Isn't it just!
Only if you put your face to close to the barbecue.
Reply #37 Tuesday, September 11, 2007 4:17 PM
Ironic how you say that.... on a pc...
Isn't it just!
That's gonna hurt.
Only if you put your face to close to the barbecue.
starkers
Reply #38 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 4:15 AM
I read somewhere that only Vista Ultimate has a built in DVD decoder/player...that other versions require a third party DVD player....will have to hunt that down again.
Reply #38 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 4:15 AM
I have a feeling all versions of Vista with Media Centre have the ability to play DVDs.
I read somewhere that only Vista Ultimate has a built in DVD decoder/player...that other versions require a third party DVD player....will have to hunt that down again.
bobbyhundreds
Reply #39 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:00 AM
Reply #39 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 6:00 AM
I have Vista Home Premium which features Media Centre and yes 
it does play DVDs.So does Windows Media player.
it does play DVDs.So does Windows Media player.
starkers
Reply #40 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:31 AM
Well there ya go....goes to show yer can't believe everyfink yer reads....oops, I just read wot you said and believed it...now I'm really confused.
I have a feeling the information I recall about DVD play only being available in Vista Ultimate came in an email from somebody like Cyberlink or Ulead....yeah, more like trying to flog off a few copies of their DVD suites before the punters caught on.
Reply #40 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 9:31 AM
I have Vista Home Premium which features Media Centre and yes it does play DVDs.So does Windows Media player.
Well there ya go....goes to show yer can't believe everyfink yer reads....oops, I just read wot you said and believed it...now I'm really confused.
I have a feeling the information I recall about DVD play only being available in Vista Ultimate came in an email from somebody like Cyberlink or Ulead....yeah, more like trying to flog off a few copies of their DVD suites before the punters caught on.
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Reply #21 Sunday, July 8, 2007 11:23 AM
That's orright, Gid, me ol' China....'n 'ow 'ave ye bin doin'? Fine n' dandy I 'opes
Yeah, I was looking into getting me a Mac later this year, but the price here in Oz is too prohibitive for me right now and I'm going to have to put it on the back burner for another year or so. A mini Mac was going to cost around AU $1900, and a full-on iMac to suit my needs was upwards of AU $2600.....and after coughing up $600 for two Vista Ultimate OEM's (one each for the missus & I), I wasn't prepared to spend any more on puter stuff.
As you can see, I have nothing against Apple/Mac, but I've no time whatsoever for that smug little prick Jobs. I had no idea why people in forums spoke of him that way, then I saw him on TV here and instantly recognised those traits earning him that reputation. Needless to say, I was unimpressed....can now see where the smug attitude behind those Mac ads comes from.
Oh well, not to worry, I'm enjoying my current system and Vista, so the time 'll fly and I'll hardly notice not having a Mac....oh, and you're welcome, it was my pleasure to help you point out the obvious to the Mac fanbois.