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Microsoft Kills Virtual PC for MAC

Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit has announced that it has discontinued development of a universal version of Virtual PC.

"Developing a high-quality virtualization solution, such as Virtual PC, for the Intel-based Mac is similar to creating a version 1.0 release due to how closely the product integrates with Mac hardware," a Microsoft spokesperson said.

Microsoft acquired Virtual PC in 2003 from Connectix. It had been widely rumored that Virtual PC was to be discontinued, however Microsoft repeatedly declined to confirm those reports.

The market for virtualization on Intel-based Mac has almost reached its saturation point. Other companies already offers software that runs any x86 operating system in a window in Mac OS X. Virtual software maker also released the same platform. Apple currently offers Boot Camp that allows for dual-booting of Mac OS X and Windows, with virtual desktop support coming in Mac OS X "Leopard."

Microsoft said its Messenger for Mac 6.0 shipping later this year would be its first Universal Binary application. New features expected in Messenger for Mac include compatibility with the Yahoo! instant messaging service, customized emoticons, spell check, personalized status messages, and the ability to tell others which iTunes song they're listening to.


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