Acer slip reveals Windows 7 release date?

Windows 7 could be available on 23 October, according to Acer's European vice president Massimo D'Angelo.

At a press conference for a new range of products, Acer's UK MD Bobby Watkins revealed a new line up of products, including an All-in-One machine Z5600 PC a touch-screen PC that he said would be Windows 7 ready.

Commenting on this, D'Angelo said that this one was the machine he was looking forward to the most and that while it would be appearing in stores at the end of September it would go on sale, "on 23rd October and not a day before".

Acer also revealed that there would be a 30-day period around the release date during which if they purchased a Windows Vista PC they would be eligible for a free upgrade to Windows 7.

When asked to clarify if D-Angelo has inadvertently revealed Windows 7 release date, Acer's UK marketing manager, Adam Westley told IT PRO that he would make no further comment about Windows 7 and that he had to check with Acer's headquarters on what he can and can't talk about.

Microsoft would not comment on the Acer slip up, and told IT PRO in a statement, "as we have said for some time, we are committed to making Windows 7 available within three years of the General Availability of Windows Vista."

The Windows 7 release candidate is now available to download for MSDN and Technet subscribers.

Check out IT PRO's list of the Top 10 Windows 7 features to look forward to for end users, and an overview of the best aspects of the upcoming OS for businesses.

Benny Har-Even

Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.