Okay, we know that there's plenty of controversy over whether or not Microsoft is trying to copy various aspects of Mac OS X with its upcoming Windows XP operating system. Many folks have looked askance at Microsoft's decision to break from its long-held protocol of naming its operating systems after the years in which they ship (or are supposed to ship) in favor of the "XP" moniker, right after Apple used an "X" in the name of its new operating system. Some people think that the existing XP screenshots reveal that Microsoft's new "Luna" interface with its larger icons, rounded corners, and soft gradients (and heck, even its name) is just a little too reminiscent of Aqua-- well, aside from being ugly as sin. And then of course there's The Duck-- which has since mysteriously vanished from Microsoft's site. 'Nuff said.

But even with all of those clues, many people still deny that Microsoft is actively trying to ride Mac OS X's coattails to greatness; "Mere coincidence," they say, and dismiss all charges with a careless wave of the hand. But we're here to make them eat those words with a side order of crow-- because if Bill's minions aren't trying to capitalize on Mac OS X's success, what's with the stealth attempts to get XP technology into the hands of Mac OS X customers? Yes, people, maybe he's panicking or something, we don't know-- but evidently Billy-boy's gone beyond simply copying nomenclature and interface: now he's copying packaging. Faithful viewer Abe J. pointed out a very telling item up for auction on eBay: a commercial boxed copy of Mac OS X that actually has the as-yet-unreleased Office XP installer on the CD-ROM. (Read more about it in the Macworld forums.)

No kidding! The CD-ROM looks just like any other Mac OS X CD-ROM, with the big silkscreened "X" and all, but instead of containing Apple's latest operating system, it's loaded up with Microsoft's as-yet-unreleased office productivity suite. "But AtAT," you say, "this is Office XP we're talking about, not Windows XP-- so what's your point?" (Shut up!) Okay, yeah, it's Office and not Windows, but even so, there's obviously something sinister going on. For all we know, Microsoft meant to press Windows XP on the disc, but pressed Office by accident-- with the fabled Redmond lack of attention to detail, we can't say we'd be surprised.

Is this Office-in-Aqua-clothing an internal Microsoft test-press that accidentally left the compound in a retail shipment? Or was it intended for release in extremely limited quantities, to "test the waters" as to how Mac users would react to the bait and switch? If it is, and the test goes well, is there any doubt that come October, the market will be flooded with counterfeit retail copies of Mac OS X that actually contain installers for Windows XP? Neither Apple nor Microsoft admits to knowing anything about this bizarre anomaly, but as far as we're concerned, Mr. Gates has just discovered a new way to expand his market share still further. Be afraid. Be very afraid.