OLPC Windows XP Version In Production For September Launch

Microsoft has released to the OLPC project the specially tweaked version of Windows XP that will be offered on the XO notebook.  The new version of the machine should be available in September, according to James Utzschneider, General Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Unlimited Potential Group.

Windows on the OLPC device was rumored for some time, with Microsoft claiming it was unsure whether their OS would work on the low-cost XO notebook.  Both companies officially announced the partnership back in May, at which point they suggested the Windows versions would ship in August or September.

However the tweaked software will not be available for those individuals who have already acquired an XO.  A limited number of buyers were able to purchase the notebook through the OLPC "Give 1, Get 1" program, in which individuals bought two XO machines, one for themselves and one for donation to an underprivileged young person.

"Windows on the XO looks like it is on track for availability in these types of national educational PC deals in September. We still have no plans to make Windows available for individuals who bought an XO in the Give 1 Get 1 program though" James Utzschneider, General Manager of Marketing and Communications, Unlimited Potential Group

Anyone care to guess how long before the modified OS finds its way onto the BitTorrent sites?

[via ZDNet]