Microsoft has released a statement detailing the company’s efforts to expand flash-based Windows XP support to the XO, Intel’s Classmate PC and ASUS’ Eee PC, as well as other flash-based computing devices.
As part of this commitment, Microsoft plans to publish formal design guidelines early next year that will assist flash-based device manufacturers in designing machines that enable a high-quality Windows experience. In addition, there will be limited field trials in January 2008 of Windows XP for One Laptop per Child’s XO laptop. Microsoft’s goal is to provide a high-quality Windows experience on the XO device; if this is achieved, then Windows XP for the XO could be available as early as the second half of 2008.
Governments evaluating purchases of the XO should continue to consult with Microsoft regarding possible Windows XP availability date, pricing and support policies. In addition, there are no plans to offer a version of Windows that is compatible with the XO laptop for retail purchase in the U.S. and Canada.
Microsoft Unlimited Potential will continue to work with a variety of partners to support this emerging class of devices as part of its effort to help bring social and economic opportunity to the estimated 5 billion people who are not yet realizing the benefits of technology.
C/Net reports that James Utzschneider, the general manager of Microsoft’s emerging market unit, says Microsoft has devoted about 40 employees and contractors to work on its effort.
But the XO has no hard drive and only 1GB of built-in memory. The company concluded it needed at least 2GB of memory just for Windows and Office, so it convinced the OLPC folks to include an SD slot on the laptop’s motherboard.
Microsoft’s current plan is to get its low-cost Windows and Office bundle to fit on a 2GB SD card that can be added to the laptop. It also has to write new BIOS software to ensure that the operating system can boot directly from an SD card.
Walter Bender, president of One Laptop Per Child Software and Content, is not thrilled by the prospect of a “closed” system like Windows on OLPC.
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