RIP Ultimate Extras

Back in September of last year I wrote a piece about how the Windows Ultimate Extras window from the RTM version of Windows Vista differed from the pre-release SP1 code that was floating about at the time. Is Microsoft going to do right by Windows Vista Ultimate customers and start handing over the goodies or not? Looking at SP1, it seems that Windows Ultimate Extras as good as dead.

OK, time for a little trip down memory lane. Here's what the Windows Vista Ultimate screen looks like for Windows Vista Ultimate RTM:

And here's what that same screen looked like in the early SP1 pre-released code:

At the time a few people responded that this was early days for SP1 and that things would change. I needed to cool my jets and have a little faith that things would work out right in the end.

Hmmm ... OK. Let's fast forward to today and take a look at what this same screen looks like on Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 RTM ...

(drum roll please ....)

Look familiar? Yeah, that's right, it's unchanged from the early SP1 code. All mention of "cutting-edge programs," "innovative services" and "unique publications" have been erased. I think that Microsoft is trying the "out of sight, out of mind" tactic.

Unless the Windows Vista Ultimate Extras team (hello, Barry Goffe, I'm talking to you ...) can show me that there's anything definitive in the pipeline, then I pronounce Windows Vista Ultimate Extras to be dead.

Hat tip to Long Zheng for initially drawing my attention to this issue in the beginning.

Thoughts? And remember, since it’s a Friday, you can vent your spleen about anything tech-related that annoys you!