Windows Millenium Edition Gold

The year 2000 will bring two Windows upgrades after all, as Microsoft announced today that the development and testing of the second, Windows Millenium Edition (Windows Me), is complete. It will, however, take several months to prepare for the launch of the OS upgrade, and the release date is set for September 14.

Windows Me is in line to succeed Windows 98 as Microsoft's next consumer-level OS, adding media and internet functionality. As an evolutionary step, Windows Me makes fewer underlying changes than past upgrades - though, by some reports, the Millenium Edition increases general reliability and performance. The main features are intended to make it easier for users at home and work to integrate digital music and video applications, ease home networking, and better prevent damaging system crashes.

The full retail package of Windows Me will cost US$209, with the upgrade package priced at $109.