Microsoft to release Windows 7 pricing soon

Microsoft will release pricing details of its upcoming Windows 7 operating system next month, ahead of the software's expected release in October.

Microsoft "tipster" site TechArp has published that the company will release details of its pricing schemes to retailers this week and to the general public next month.

But a company spokeswoman told InformationWeek that "Microsoft has not yet disclosed retail pricing for Windows 7".

Claims that Microsoft would begin selling the operating system earlier than expected in October emerged after manufacturer Acer said it would be selling laptops with the software installed by 23 October.

The company released a "release candidate" of the software earlier this month for companies and individuals to begin testing. A release candidate is usually the last phase of testing for a piece of software, and indicates that the package is nearly ready for a retail release.