Microsoft Apologizes For Silence On Windows Extras

Microsoft has apologized for its silence on delivering all the add-ons promised in January to people who bought Windows Vista Ultimate, the premium version of the operating system.

To date, Microsoft has delivered four sets of "Extras," Windows Hold'EM, 16 Language Packs for the Windows multi-language user interface, Secure Online Key Backup, and the Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool. Missing are an expected full range of Windows DreamScenes, which are full-motion video desktop wallpapers; and the remaining 20 Language Packs. (An initial Dreamscene content pack was released earlier this year and is available here.)

Barry Goffe, director of Windows Vista Ultimate, said Thursday on his group's blog that work was continuing on the remaining offerings, which would be available by the end of the summer.

"We apologize for taking so long to provide a status update to customers," Goffe said.

Microsoft also plans to deliver additional add-ons over the next couple of years. "We cannot identify dates or provide details at this time -- but one we ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we will provide more information about the next Extras," Goffe said.

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates unveiled Extras in January at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Nev. The downloadable features are meant to enhance the premium version of Vista with business-oriented and consumer-friendly tools.

Extras are among the perks Microsoft gives to buyers of Vista Ultimate, which carries an upgrade price of $260. The premium OS targets sole proprietors and small-business owners who want to do work and personal tasks on the same PC.

BitLocker in Vista Ultimate is considered a major enhancement because it provides whole disk encryption for a PC's hard drive, a feature increasingly applied by enterprises to lock down data. This is important to protect information in mobile PCs that might be lost or stolen.