Gaming
Microsoft has announced plans to slash the price of its Windows Vista PC operating system in an attempt to "encourage more customers to upgrade from older operating systems".
The announcement, which comes as the US giant makes plans to release the long-awaited Service Pack 1 patch for its Vista package, is sure to spark controversy from users who have only just bought Vista at its full price.
A report by Reuters claims Vista currently accounts for less than 10% of shop or web-bought products licensed, though most new PCs come pre-loaded with the operating system.
In the US, prices for Vista Ultimate will fall from $399 (£200) to $319 (£160), while the upgrade price will move from $259 (£130) to $219 (£110).
Vista Home Premium will also see its prices cut, falling from $159 (£80) to $129 (£65). The firm added that in 'emerging markets' it plans to drop upgrades of this package altogether, selling the full version only at the previous upgrade price point.
The announcement, which comes as the US giant makes plans to release the long-awaited Service Pack 1 patch for its Vista package, is sure to spark controversy from users who have only just bought Vista at its full price.
A report by Reuters claims Vista currently accounts for less than 10% of shop or web-bought products licensed, though most new PCs come pre-loaded with the operating system.
In the US, prices for Vista Ultimate will fall from $399 (£200) to $319 (£160), while the upgrade price will move from $259 (£130) to $219 (£110).
Vista Home Premium will also see its prices cut, falling from $159 (£80) to $129 (£65). The firm added that in 'emerging markets' it plans to drop upgrades of this package altogether, selling the full version only at the previous upgrade price point.
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