Longhorn to be called Windows Vista

Although Longhorn was already a very widespread name Microsoft announced today it will call its next-generation operating system Windows Vista. Contrary to previous reports which stated Microsoft would launch Longhorn beta 1 in July the company stated today it will launch the first beta version of Windows Vista on August 3.

The final release is planned for late 2006. Greg Sullivan, group product manager at Microsoft, told the press Microsoft wants the Vista name to focus more on the product, and how it brings clarity to users.

"We each have our own unique view or vista of this digital world. Windows Vista is going to bring more clarity to that," he said.

Microsoft describes Vista as "Clear. Confident. Connected."