Despite that nVidia recently launched its DirectX 10-compliant GPUs (graphics processing units),
demand for DirectX 10 graphics cards will not pick up in the market in the first half of the year because of a lack of games to support the technology.
With no boost from DirectX 10,
the graphics card market will stay put in the first half of 2007, while watching Vista's acceptability. In the second half of 2007, DirectX 10-compliant products will see demand pick up, so the competition will hot up, with more games and blue-laser products hitting the market, he added.
nVidia launched its DirectX 10-compliant GeForce 8800 GPU in November, while ATI's DirectX 10-supporting R600 will not hit the market until the first quarter of 2007.
According to Microsoft's Life-Cycle Policy Web site,
Windows XP Home, Professional, Tablet PC, Media Center and 64-bit editions will be available in direct OEM and retail licenses for 12 months following the beginning of Windows Vista's general availability, which is scheduled to be Jan. 30, 2007. System builder licenses will be available for another 12--or total 24--months from Vista's general availability.
License availability doesn't necessarily mean operating system availability. I presume Microsoft will get Windows XP off retail shelves as quickly as possible after Vista ships.
Izvor:
DigiTimes i
Microsoft Watch