CNET are running a story saying Microsoft will release Windows XP Service Pack 1 later this year which will let consumers remove access to about a half-dozen of Microsoft's so-called "middleware technologies" integrated into Windows XP (such as Windows Messenger and Windows Media Player), in accordance with their anti-trust settlement.

PC makers, many of which received their first test copies of the service pack about two weeks ago, are still evaluating their options. Several PC makers have already indicated that they would consider swapping out Microsoft middleware, such as Windows Media Player or Windows Messenger, for competing software.