Microsoft has delayed the planned release date of its next update to Windows XP by about a month, CNET News.com has learned.
The software maker had originally said Windows XP Service Pack 2 would be released in its final form in the first half of this year, but a representative told CNET News.com on Wednesday that the release is now likely to come later in the summer. Windows XP Service Pack 2 is largely intended to bolster the security of Windows XP, but also will add features such as a pop-up ad blocker to Internet Explorer.
Internally, Microsoft is now targeting a July release as opposed to the June release originally intended, according to a source familiar with the company"s plans. Microsoft has already released one near-final "release candidate" version of the software but is planning on another one before it puts its stamp of approval on the software.