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.
 |
|
Page 3 of 4 | |
|
|---|
starkers
Reply #42 Thursday, September 13, 2007 10:51 AM
I didn't buy anything to run DVD's in Vista Ultimate (knew I didn't need it), but I get emails from various companies who'd like to sell me some proggies to play them....thank goodness for my junk folder and spam filters.
As for the beer vouchers, well I don't guzzle any more, so I'll take mine in music coupons or cold hard cash.
Reply #42 Thursday, September 13, 2007 10:51 AM
I bought WinDVD8 at the same time I got this PC as I also thought it was needed.It was nice to take it back to the shop and get some beer vouchers in return though.
I didn't buy anything to run DVD's in Vista Ultimate (knew I didn't need it), but I get emails from various companies who'd like to sell me some proggies to play them....thank goodness for my junk folder and spam filters.
As for the beer vouchers, well I don't guzzle any more, so I'll take mine in music coupons or cold hard cash.
cavalierex
Reply #43 Sunday, September 23, 2007 12:38 PM
Reply #43 Sunday, September 23, 2007 12:38 PM
Long Zheng pointed out that Microsoft is even trying to cover up (or possibly hide their shame) by removing as much info as possible about Ultimate Extras from the Control Panel Applet in Vista Service Pack 1:
Original description in Vista:
But in SP1:
So basically, the detailed descriptions are replaced with a whole lot of nuthin'. And as Long Zheng aptly pointed out, "a whole lot of nothing is exactly what you're getting."
Original description in Vista:
But in SP1:
So basically, the detailed descriptions are replaced with a whole lot of nuthin'. And as Long Zheng aptly pointed out, "a whole lot of nothing is exactly what you're getting."
cavalierex
Reply #44 Tuesday, September 25, 2007 5:41 PM
Reply #44 Tuesday, September 25, 2007 5:41 PM
Recently posted on the Windows Ultimate Blog...
09/25/2007
In early July, I wrote about The Ultimate Team’s intention to ship the remaining promised Ultimate Extras (DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs) by the end of the summer. Unfortunately summer never really came to Seattle this year—so we missed our cue. That being said, we are pleased to announce that Windows DreamScene is now available.
As most of you already know, Windows DreamScene transforms your desktop from a static wallpaper image into a full-motion video. In conjunction with Stardock, we’re pleased to also offer a number of cool, new animated DreamScene desktops, including “Aurora”. Additionally, you can use your own videos as DreamScene desktops or visit Stardock’s Dream.WinCustomize.com website to download Stardock’s DeskScapes (an add-on to DreamScene) as well as a collection of fabulous content created by Stardock and members of the Ultimate community.
While we are excited about shipping DreamScene, the remaining 19 language packs are, unfortunately, not yet ready for release. Recently we realized that Ultimate customers who tried to install the language packs that shipped earlier this year were experiencing an unacceptably high number of failures during installation. We continue to make delivering the highest quality, most secure Extras our top priority, and we will not ship any Extra until it is absolutely ready. We know this is disappointing, and again we apologize, but we are working hard to ensure that all of the remaining language packs will be ready for release by the end of October.
On a different topic, as the broad beta for Windows Vista SP1 nears, people have noticed that the screen which welcomes customers to Windows Ultimate Extras has changed. Our intent in making this change was simply to broaden the definition in anticipation of a broader range of Ultimate Extras being available in the future—that do not necessarily map to the original, narrow definition.
While I can understand how community sites and bloggers may have read the new definition and assumed that Microsoft is not shipping any more Extras, in reality the opposite is true. In addition to the remaining Language Packs, we plan to ship a collection of additional Windows Ultimate Extras that we are confident will delight our passionate Windows Vista Ultimate customers. We will shed more light on these plans once the Language Packs are finally dislodged from our delivery pipeline!
Thanks for your patience and your continued support.
I look forward to sharing more positive news in the near future.
Barry Goffe
Director, Windows Vista Ultimate
Microsoft Corporation
cavalierex
Reply #45 Sunday, January 20, 2008 7:04 PM
Reply #45 Sunday, January 20, 2008 7:04 PM
New letter from Long Zheng to Microsoft:
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: [Automated reminder] Windows Ultimate Extras inactivity
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Hi there Windows Ultimate Extras,
This is an automated message to remind you it has been 81 days since your last activity on October 23, 2007 when you announced 19 languages packs for Windows Vista. Très Bien!
We’d like to remind you we’ve been eagerly awaiting more “cutting-edge programs“, “innovative services” and “unique publications” from you.
As a reminder, here is your current contribution so far in the last 12 months since Windows Vista Ultimate has been on the market.
- Windows DreamScene
- Hold’ Em Poker Game
- BitLocker and EFS Tools
- 35 Language Packs
In case you’re running a little short on ideas, here’s a few simple ones to help you get back on track.
- Premium high-resolution wallpapers pack
- Premium DreamScene videos
- Arcade or puzzle games (ex. Peggle)
- Windows Media Player 11 skins or visualizations
- Windows DVD Maker menu themes
- Windows Photo Gallery slideshow themes
- Extended free trials of Windows Live OneCare
- Premium Internet Explorer 7 add-ons
If you have forgotten how to get in touch with us, your customers, we’d like to remind you of your blog at www.windowsultimate.com which you can write on to keep us in-the-loop of any ideas or progress you’re making. Don’t be afraid to post smaller but more frequent updates.
Thanks, passionate Windows Vista Ultimate users.
Read his full thread here.
To: [email protected]
CC: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Subject: [Automated reminder] Windows Ultimate Extras inactivity
——————————————————————————————————————————————
Hi there Windows Ultimate Extras,
This is an automated message to remind you it has been 81 days since your last activity on October 23, 2007 when you announced 19 languages packs for Windows Vista. Très Bien!
We’d like to remind you we’ve been eagerly awaiting more “cutting-edge programs“, “innovative services” and “unique publications” from you.
As a reminder, here is your current contribution so far in the last 12 months since Windows Vista Ultimate has been on the market.
- Windows DreamScene
- Hold’ Em Poker Game
- BitLocker and EFS Tools
- 35 Language Packs
In case you’re running a little short on ideas, here’s a few simple ones to help you get back on track.
- Premium high-resolution wallpapers pack
- Premium DreamScene videos
- Arcade or puzzle games (ex. Peggle)
- Windows Media Player 11 skins or visualizations
- Windows DVD Maker menu themes
- Windows Photo Gallery slideshow themes
- Extended free trials of Windows Live OneCare
- Premium Internet Explorer 7 add-ons
If you have forgotten how to get in touch with us, your customers, we’d like to remind you of your blog at www.windowsultimate.com which you can write on to keep us in-the-loop of any ideas or progress you’re making. Don’t be afraid to post smaller but more frequent updates.
Thanks, passionate Windows Vista Ultimate users.
Read his full thread here.
kona0197
Reply #46 Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:41 PM
Reply #46 Sunday, January 20, 2008 9:41 PM
MS doesn't care about Vista. All they are probably concentrating on is finishing SP1 (so they don't get sued by those with faulty systems...) and working on Windows 7.
Vista was and is a failure...
Vista was and is a failure...
cavalierex
Reply #47 Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:44 PM
Well, you may be right, but I hope this isn't the case. I don't blame MS for working on "the next big thing." Maybe Windows 7 will be to Vista what XP was to Windows ME. Maybe Windows 7 will be "Longhorn: As It Was Meant to Be... and Then Some"
But all that is years and years away; and we are here, in 2008. Many of us are using Vista; others are sticking with XP. Surely, MS will work at improving Vista while we wait for Windows 7. SP1 is critical. But some new apps that exploit WPF, or that increase productivity, etc., would be great and are sorely needed.
Reply #47 Sunday, January 20, 2008 10:44 PM
MS doesn't care about Vista.
Well, you may be right, but I hope this isn't the case. I don't blame MS for working on "the next big thing." Maybe Windows 7 will be to Vista what XP was to Windows ME. Maybe Windows 7 will be "Longhorn: As It Was Meant to Be... and Then Some"
But all that is years and years away; and we are here, in 2008. Many of us are using Vista; others are sticking with XP. Surely, MS will work at improving Vista while we wait for Windows 7. SP1 is critical. But some new apps that exploit WPF, or that increase productivity, etc., would be great and are sorely needed.
kona0197
Reply #48 Monday, January 21, 2008 6:22 AM
Reply #48 Monday, January 21, 2008 6:22 AM
Actually I heard that MS wants to get Windows 7 out by 2010. 
WebGizmos
Reply #49 Monday, January 21, 2008 7:44 AM
Thats like putting a car together and saying the hell with it if it has 3 round tires and one square one, we got more important things to do. I think people need to start putting some pressure on these outfits to put out a non buggy product rather than just accepting a buggy product and making excuses for them.
Reply #49 Monday, January 21, 2008 7:44 AM
I don't blame MS for working on "the next big thing."
Thats like putting a car together and saying the hell with it if it has 3 round tires and one square one, we got more important things to do. I think people need to start putting some pressure on these outfits to put out a non buggy product rather than just accepting a buggy product and making excuses for them.
liquidguru
Reply #50 Monday, January 21, 2008 8:33 AM
Where's the buggy product? I've got the necessary hardware and have been using Vista for a year and i love it...much less buggy than my experience with XP. Not that XP was super buggy, but I've found Vista much more stable, less crashing, less rebooting than XP. I honestly feel that most people with Vista are very happy and just can't be bothered to say so...those with problems make a big noise....this is nothing new....
If you are happy with XP then stick with it and stop bashing Vista. I love Vista but don't bash XP, which in my experience was more buggy than my present Vista setup. Live and let live guys, there is room for all of us
Reply #50 Monday, January 21, 2008 8:33 AM
I think people need to start putting some pressure on these outfits to put out a non buggy product rather than just accepting a buggy product and making excuses for them.
Where's the buggy product? I've got the necessary hardware and have been using Vista for a year and i love it...much less buggy than my experience with XP. Not that XP was super buggy, but I've found Vista much more stable, less crashing, less rebooting than XP. I honestly feel that most people with Vista are very happy and just can't be bothered to say so...those with problems make a big noise....this is nothing new....
If you are happy with XP then stick with it and stop bashing Vista. I love Vista but don't bash XP, which in my experience was more buggy than my present Vista setup. Live and let live guys, there is room for all of us
cavalierex
Reply #51 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:36 PM
I agree completely. I rather like Vista and prefer it to XP for just about everything. Sometimes I think the performance lags a little, but I feel that SP1 will really help in this department.
The intention of this thread, however, was not to bash Vista, but rather to call attention to the lack of Ultimate Extras. This is where MS has let us down. I wouldn't mind seeing some "Longhorn" features rebranded as Ultimate Extras, as well as cool system tools or productivity apps.
MS really needs to take action to rectify the egregious lack of Ultimate Extras.
Reply #51 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:36 PM
Where's the buggy product? I've got the necessary hardware and have been using Vista for a year and i love it...much less buggy than my experience with XP. [...] I've found Vista much more stable, less crashing, less rebooting than XP.
I agree completely. I rather like Vista and prefer it to XP for just about everything. Sometimes I think the performance lags a little, but I feel that SP1 will really help in this department.
The intention of this thread, however, was not to bash Vista, but rather to call attention to the lack of Ultimate Extras. This is where MS has let us down. I wouldn't mind seeing some "Longhorn" features rebranded as Ultimate Extras, as well as cool system tools or productivity apps.
MS really needs to take action to rectify the egregious lack of Ultimate Extras.
ZubaZ
Reply #52 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:46 PM
Marketing them as they did, MS implies that you are getting these things for free in addition to the core feature set. By doing it this way they owe you nothing. More extras would be nice. . . but I doubt you'll see much more.
Reply #52 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:46 PM
MS really needs to take action to rectify the egregious lack of Ultimate Extras
They are "extras" not "requiered". I think you "get what you get and you don't throw a fit" (as we tell my littlest daughter).Marketing them as they did, MS implies that you are getting these things for free in addition to the core feature set. By doing it this way they owe you nothing. More extras would be nice. . . but I doubt you'll see much more.
Astyanax
Reply #53 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:51 PM
Always add another year to what they announce as a release date for an OS.
Reply #53 Monday, January 21, 2008 1:51 PM
Actually I heard that MS wants to get Windows 7 out by 2010.
Always add another year to what they announce as a release date for an OS.
Chasbo
Reply #54 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:24 PM
Reply #54 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:24 PM
XP is the most stable OS I've ever used. It only goes south when I do something I shouldn't. With the Stardock stuff and a few other goodies "It's all good".
Zubaz: as I've said before you Stardock guys are so tied in with MS you'll never say anything bad about them. Understandable but the facts are facts. Vista isn't as good as MS said it would be. MS let people down. Those are facts. That's life.
Zubaz: as I've said before you Stardock guys are so tied in with MS you'll never say anything bad about them. Understandable but the facts are facts. Vista isn't as good as MS said it would be. MS let people down. Those are facts. That's life.
NightTrainthedark
Reply #55 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:37 PM
Reply #55 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:37 PM
I had problem after problem trying to dual boot Xp and Vista. I uninstalled Vista and put it on the shelf for awhile. I recently uninstalled XP and went full time Vista and it is working very well. No complaints now.
ZubaZ
Reply #56 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:41 PM
Xp was great. I use it on most of my PCs. Vista is better in some ways and worse in others. I expect the "worse" things to get better . . just like every other app.
This discussion is about the Ultimate extras. Anyone who bought Ultimate for the extras is/was an idiot in my book. Those who bought Ultimate for the featureas of Home Premium + Business may have made a good choice (based on thier needs).
And for what it's worth . . no matter what my relationship is with Stardock, I bought my own OS, my WC subscription, and ODNT. I speak my mind about the products I purchase.
Reply #56 Monday, January 21, 2008 2:41 PM
Zubaz: as I've said before you Stardock guys are so tied in with MS you'll never say anything bad about them.
You don't know me very well. 
Xp was great. I use it on most of my PCs. Vista is better in some ways and worse in others. I expect the "worse" things to get better . . just like every other app.
This discussion is about the Ultimate extras. Anyone who bought Ultimate for the extras is/was an idiot in my book. Those who bought Ultimate for the featureas of Home Premium + Business may have made a good choice (based on thier needs).
And for what it's worth . . no matter what my relationship is with Stardock, I bought my own OS, my WC subscription, and ODNT. I speak my mind about the products I purchase.
cavalierex
Reply #57 Monday, January 21, 2008 6:18 PM
I actually did buy Vista Ultimate for other reasons, and I'm not disappointed (although I admit that performance enhancements via SP1 are needed). I actually like Vista a lot. I have no problems with it, now that drivers are mainstream.
Here, however, I disagree. Perhaps MS didn't outright lie, but let's call a spade a spade: It was false advertising -- or at least premature enthusiasm for concepts that they didn't deliver.
The signs that "things fell apart" are pretty clear: When Ultimate first shipped, the official Windows Ultimate Extras team web site was up-and-running quickly, with all sorts of exciting dialog and fanfare. But very, very quickly, they stopped writing. And that's the worst part: The failure to communicate. They basically just stuck their heads in the sand.
Contrast that, for example, with how Brad is always quick to respond to criticism even more candidly than applause. Just a few weeks ago, he posted about how Stardock had or had not served the community, and what his plans were for the future.
When a product like Ultimate launches with promises of great things to come (which help entice the user to purchase that version), then they at least owe it to us users to remain accessible and to stay in frequent contact.
There is a saying in surgery about what decides the character of a good surgeon. It's called the Three As: "Availability... Affability... and lastly, Ability."
We would be more understanding of problems in the last category if they at least made an honest and concerted effort in the first two.
Reply #57 Monday, January 21, 2008 6:18 PM
This discussion is about the Ultimate extras. Anyone who bought Ultimate for the extras is/was an idiot in my book. Those who bought Ultimate for the featureas of Home Premium + Business may have made a good choice (based on thier needs).
I actually did buy Vista Ultimate for other reasons, and I'm not disappointed (although I admit that performance enhancements via SP1 are needed). I actually like Vista a lot. I have no problems with it, now that drivers are mainstream.
Marketing them as they did, MS implies that you are getting these things for free in addition to the core feature set. By doing it this way they owe you nothing.
Here, however, I disagree. Perhaps MS didn't outright lie, but let's call a spade a spade: It was false advertising -- or at least premature enthusiasm for concepts that they didn't deliver.
The signs that "things fell apart" are pretty clear: When Ultimate first shipped, the official Windows Ultimate Extras team web site was up-and-running quickly, with all sorts of exciting dialog and fanfare. But very, very quickly, they stopped writing. And that's the worst part: The failure to communicate. They basically just stuck their heads in the sand.
Contrast that, for example, with how Brad is always quick to respond to criticism even more candidly than applause. Just a few weeks ago, he posted about how Stardock had or had not served the community, and what his plans were for the future.
When a product like Ultimate launches with promises of great things to come (which help entice the user to purchase that version), then they at least owe it to us users to remain accessible and to stay in frequent contact.
There is a saying in surgery about what decides the character of a good surgeon. It's called the Three As: "Availability... Affability... and lastly, Ability."
We would be more understanding of problems in the last category if they at least made an honest and concerted effort in the first two.
Makaveli213
Reply #58 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:46 AM
Reply #58 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 3:46 AM
I just find it funny.
No where does Microsoft say how many extras would ship nor when they would ship. If they dont send any extras for 5 years so be it. They never said they would have a set amount of extras out a year or any extras out at any given time.
They did say they would put out more language packs and release Deskscapes. Which they did. Other than that there is nothing that has been said about extras. If people buy the OS thinking that they will get all sorts of "EXTRA" goodies that is their fault.
They are called extra for a reason.
No where does Microsoft say how many extras would ship nor when they would ship. If they dont send any extras for 5 years so be it. They never said they would have a set amount of extras out a year or any extras out at any given time.
They did say they would put out more language packs and release Deskscapes. Which they did. Other than that there is nothing that has been said about extras. If people buy the OS thinking that they will get all sorts of "EXTRA" goodies that is their fault.
They are called extra for a reason.
kona0197
Reply #59 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 6:11 AM
Reply #59 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 6:11 AM
Last time I messed with Vista Ultimate the extra game they offered wouldn't even install...
Jafo
Reply #60 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 8:13 AM
Reply #60 Tuesday, January 22, 2008 8:13 AM
There is a saying in surgery about what decides the character of a good surgeon. It's called the Three As: "Availability... Affability... and lastly, Ability."
How about 'Affordability'?
Gotta be high on that '3 A's' list....
Please login to comment and/or vote for this skin.
Welcome Guest! Please take the time to register with us.
There are many great features available to you once you register, including:
- Richer content, access to many features that are disabled for guests like commenting on the forums and downloading skins.
- Access to a great community, with a massive database of many, many areas of interest.
- Access to contests & subscription offers like exclusive emails.
- It's simple, and FREE!
|
|
Page 3 of 4 | |
|
|---|
Reply #41 Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:03 AM