Redmond reels as TV comedy acts express their opposition to Microsoft Windows Vista, reports Cyril Mead
Every new Microsoft launch has its detractors. But Windows Vista appears to be incurring the particular wrath of the British comedy fraternity. Hot on the heals of Mac-loving Mitchell and Webb’s stinging, bitter attacks, more big names have come out in disfavour of Windows. Following two years of development at Butlins holiday camps, former BBC Saturday night favourites Syd Little and Eddie Large have rekindled their legendary double act to create a lightly entertaining operating system. Codenamed Supersonic, it’s intended to compete directly with Windows Vista.
‘Supersonic is all about variety’, explained Little. ‘We plan to match Microsoft’s confusing array of Vista versions with a broad selection of comedy sketches and musical dance numbers for all the family.’ In new TV ads for the operating system, Eddie Large pretends to be a big fat bloated PC, whilst Syd Little dons thick Aero glasses. However, Supersonic has key features in common with Vista. Its Live from the Palladium DRM system is thought to have been included in order to protect Little and Large’s comedy secrets. However, the innovative Win-FFS! file system will not make it into the initial release.
Microsoft is currently scouring vintage episodes of Morecombe and Wise for jokes as good as Windows Vista’s sound card support, and has enlisted pint-sized Ronnie Corbett as a premium Desktop Gadget. Former Little and Large competitors Cannon and Ball are also reportedly developing their own Vista competitor based on Linux, due for release as a Christmas gala special in 2008.
Microsoft is currently scouring vintage episodes of Morecombe and Wise for jokes as good as Windows Vista’s sound card support, and has enlisted pint-sized Ronnie Corbett as a premium Desktop Gadget. Former Little and Large competitors Cannon and Ball are also reportedly developing their own Vista competitor based on Linux, due for release as a Christmas gala special in 2008.
