Vista SP1 timeline revealed

Based on some leaked emails to testers, we reported last month that Service Pack 1 for Vista would be out by the end of the year. Unfortunately, that one isn't coming true but it won't be long after it before it's released. Microsoft has given an official statement saying that it will be out in the first quarter of 2008.

SP1 won't be bringing any new features to the flagship OS, but expect to see plenty of improvements to existing features and security.

"I should start by saying that one thing people shouldn’t expect to see is new features, although some existing components and features will be enhanced." said Jon DeVaan, senior vice president of the Windows Core Operating System division. "For example, we’ve added support in BitLocker Drive Encryption for encrypting multiple volumes on the PC, and have improved printer management by simplifying printing to a local printer from within a Terminal Server session. Service packs typically are not vehicles for new features, and the same will be true with Windows Vista SP1."

According to the SP1 white paper, the key features in the release will be quality improvements, improvements to the administration experience and support for emerging hardware and standards.

Beta versions of the Service Pack will be made available to more than 10,000 within the next couple of weeks so the rest of us can expect a torrent in the same time frame.

Have you been waiting on SP1 before you made the migration? Let us know over in the forums or in the comment section below.