Ron Schenone

Microsoft Gives Up On Ultimate Extras

Posted by on Mar 4, 2009 | 19 Comments

When Vista was getting ready to hit the streets, Microsoft promised that Vista Ultimate would be cutting edge technology. They promised us that for those who chose to purchase Ultimate at a reasonable $399 per disk, they would be blessed with technology features beyond your wildest dreams. OK. I made that part up. But Microsoft did promise that the Extras in Ultimate would be cutting edge, making Ultimate more secure and offering the newest and greatest games.

What a crock. The company failed to deliver on any of this and lamely gave us some screen savers and one game of poker. Big deal. Now Microsoft says that they no longer wish to partake in their promises and want to expend their energies on making Windows 7 the best OS ever.

Isn’t this the exact same thing that has happened to our financial community? lies, stealing, cheating all in the name of greed. We the public are get sticking bailing out this idiots and we should just stand by and take it in the shorts. I don’t know about you but I am getting tired of having corporate America screwing us.

Microsoft should refund monies to those who opted to purchase Windows Vista Ultimate.

What do you think?

Comments welcome.

Source.

  • Adam Radcliffe

    I have Windows Vista 64-bit edition, it is indeed what they say it is (Windows 64-bit) but it does not deserve the Ultimate tagged on the end of it. The only reason why I am still using Vista for that matter is for DX10 and some of its unique and well designed GUI features. But I must say, Vista has come a long way from being one of the buggiest launch operating systems to a stable and reliable operating system.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello Adam.
    Good point.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/ the oracle

    I didn’t bite on this one, but I wonder how much it is worth anyway. Certainly, if forced to put a price tag on it, Microsoft would point up things like BitLocker, and downplay Ultimate Extras.

    The really annoying thing is that it would be trivial (to use a frequent bon mot from the MS ad press) for Microsoft to release customized versions of stuff that comes from Port 25 as Ultimate Extras. After all, they never specified what the extras would be, or how useful. But simply including something, every so often, would keep them in the good graces of many more people.

    Ron – this one has no typos

  • Jeff

    at the very least you get the business features and bit locker – that is if you really need them.

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  • http://www.puravida-webdesign.com Louis

    As everybody knows, Pigs don’t fly and MS will never give money back.
    I totally agree, I’ve used Vista 64 Ultimate, bought it based on that promises.
    Should have known better, but will survive my “fail investment”

    The story about Windows 7 reminds me on the switch from Server 2000 to Server 2003, as nobody wants to buy it, all of the sudden sourcecode appeared all over the net and people got forced to upgrade or switch to Linux (which we did)

    As for windows… I just bought recently a machbook pro and have to say. I love it, no blue screen, fast as a speed train and and and

    Windows 7? I think I’ll pass on that

    All the best

    Louis

  • Bobzilla

    I guess all one can say to those that shelled out hard cash for Vista Ultimate is SUCKER.

    Just let that be a lesson, and remember it when thoughts of Windows 7 go running through your head.

  • f***ed by M$

    Wallpaper? small game? sounds? …? by Microsoft mean:

    ‘Learn more about Windows Ultimate Extras’ Control Panel applet

    ‘What are Windows Ultimate Extras?
    Windows Ultimate Extras are programs, services and premium content for Windows Vista Ultimate. These features are available only to those who own a copy of Windows Vista Ultimate.With Windows Ultimate Extras you get:

    Cutting-edge programs
    Enjoy Microsoft programs that are available only through Windows Ultimate Extras. Windows Update notifies you when new downloads become available.

    Innovate services
    Benefit from unique services that can help you tailor your computing experience to your digital lifestyle. These services are designed to help you make your experience more powerful, productive, and personal.

    Unique publications
    Download premium content that focuses on your digital lifestyle. Discover techniques and strategies that help you get the most out of Windows Vista Ultimate.”

  • dubsdj

    Ultimate extras was a bit of a con I agree, but then I did end up with the best desktop experience ever. I love Dreamscene and I have a good PC so it runs absolutely great… I personally enjoy vista and don’t really find any major hurdles when using it. If Windows 7 doesn’t have dreamscene (Which I think it doesn’t) then I’m going to stay with Vista.

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hello dubsdj,
    It just be interesting to see if Dreamscene will work with W7.

  • Raymond Fowler

    Ultimate Extras is pretty nice, just because of DreamScene. I wouldn’t have paid $400.00 for it though… OEM System builder pack $180.00. I just wish the masses would remember how much they HATED XP when it came out. And us techs did too… no more DOS diagnostic utilities and say by by to all the SCSI scanners… remember all that? And the driver logo testing… Vista hasn’t had nearly as many problems, and yet at least once a week I hear the same anti-vista rhetoric from ppl who want email and solitare. For me Vista solved some multi-core issues I was having with gaming and has been SOLID and dependable since day one… And I love my flowing waterfall dreamscene.

  • Ty

    Ok Vister Ultimate 64 was a pain in the #%&&. I had gotten to the point that I ended up getting rid of my Ultimate and putting 7 RC1 on my Mac pro. RC1 (64) runs way better. But it will probably be like Vister in the long run. The calming effect I have is that I have Mac OS X and that I do everything I can in Leopard and only play games in Winders. So eventually I will probably buy WInders Sleven when it comes out but Will probably buy winders 8 and then winders 9 and then winders X oh sorry I got carried away.

  • Ty

    What do you get when you combine Winders Vista with Winders ME? You end up with the gross national product!!!

  • tmk

    I think you need to proof read your articles buddy…

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      How so?

  • charlie

    Yes Microslut always promises more than they deliver I think your rite on target Chris- Charlie

  • Cameron

    When Vista came out… I switch to Mac.  Haven’t looked back once.

  • jay

    I am switching to MAC! Ditching Microsoft once and for all!