As expected, and hoped, Microsoft has confirmed that applications for simple activities such as e-mail and photo editing won't be included with Windows 7.
Windows Vista, Microsoft's current flagship operating system, features below-par applications such as Windows Mail, Windows Photo Gallery and Windows Movie Maker - all of which have been superseded by the improved Windows Live suite.
Speaking to CNET.com, Microsoft's Brian Hall confirmed that Windows 7 would ship without the aforementioned built-in applications and instead offer users the option of downloading its Windows Live suite. How the deployment will be handled remains unknown, but we feel it's a positive move.
The announcement further highlights Microsoft's strategic shift toward software-and-services solutions, as well as the importance of Windows Live in its future operating systems.
Microsoft is no stranger to anti-trust regulations, and the decision to strip Windows 7 of various applications should provide less headaches for the Redmond giant's legal department.
Earlier this week, Microsoft launched a beta version of its Wave 3 Windows Live suite.
