Talk of Vista SP1 (Fiji) and Vista's Replacement

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People talk negatively calling out Vista as “already having a service pack in the works”. Well of course they do! I’m not sure why so many refer to it so negatively. Service Packs roll up the fixes identified and fully tested. As opposed to hot fixes that are recommended only for users that experience a problem, a service pack takes all the tested fixes and delivers them in on package. Microsoft has been back and forth on their stance that enhancements are not to be included in service packs—and that they are to contain only fixes. However it looks like the upcoming service pack for Vista, code named Fiji, will indeed include some enhancements. This Fiji service pack has been referred to as Vista R2, which is actually more in tune with Microsoft’s introduction of new features (as they did with Server 2003). The term Service Release has traditionally meant new features, where Service Pack has meant rollup of fixes and no new features.

At any rate, rumored features include WinFS (on top of the NTFS file system), a more full-featured sidebar application, tighter Windows Live integration, built-in playback of HD DVD and possibly even the Garage Band clone that has been rumored (called Monaco).

You may also have heard that the successor to Vista is already being discussed. Code named “Vienna” it was initially rumored to release as soon as late 2009. Word was it would be a complete overhaul of the current operating system and would break in compatibility with all applications. Vienna may eliminate the classic menu system (like the Start Menu and toolbars) for some sort of pie-menu interface. However, it would be surprising to see Microsoft both break compatibility with current systems and leave users with an entirely new interface to learn.
Not many days later, Microsoft stressed that they “..are not giving official guidance to the public yet about the next version of Windows, other than that we're working on it. When we are ready, we will provide updates."

So MS is working on a new Service Pack? Of course they are! MS is working on a new operating system? Of course they are! What will be in either of them? Time will tell!