Microsoft revealed that Windows Live OneCare version 1.5 has been released to manufacturing on January 3, 2007. A representative from the Windows Live OneCare development team informed that the end of 2006 was synonymous with reaching a major milestone for the product that ensured the early January RTM.

"Our development and test work is done on the next major release of OneCare, and as we announced about a month ago, it will indeed be available - both at retail and on the Web - at the end of January. There may be some slight variations by country, but for the most part, you should be able to download or buy in just a few weeks. And for those of you who already subscribe, you need to do - nothing. You'll automatically receive this major upgrade, just as you receive minor upgrades throughout the year, as part of your OneCare subscription," explained Yoav Schwartz, Lead Program Manager with the Windows Live OneCare team.

Windows Live OneCare version 1.5 delivers support for Windows Vista as well as for a variety of language platforms. According to Microsoft, Windows Live OneCare will be offered in no less than 20 different language versions on as many markets worldwide. "I am also pleased to know that all of you who wanted to install OneCare on your non-English PCs will be able to purchase OneCare officially in your markets. While we don't cover the whole world, we are looking forward to creating long-lasting relationships with customers in nearly 20 countries (and counting)", added Schwartz.

While the development process of OneCare is complete and the product has been released to manufacturing, Microsoft will make the final version 1.5 available by the end of January 2007, as Windows Vista is scheduled for general availability on January 29, 2007.