Is Microsoft panicking?

Claims that Microsoft are dropping features from Vista are not a good sign.

Information Week claims MS are dropping various features from Vista.

Given Vista is running extremely late and many of us don't think they are going to make their early 2007 release date it's understandable they would drop features. Dropping accessories allows them to focus on the core product. But a bare system reduces the reasons for users to upgrade.

It's a shame they are dropping the synchronisation feature. This is a feature that many users need and MS seemed to be getting it right with their Synchtoy utility. We can only hope they don't try to bring back the briefcase feature.

We'll have to watch what other features they drop in the race to get Vista to market.