So, after reading the latest response from Thomas multiple times I think I've boiled it down to this single statement...
'My points above most of all Charlie revolve not around the IF part of them being developed but the WHEN part of them being developed.'
There are many reasons why a corporation doesn't talk about the 'when' of any feature / product. Here are a few...
- Disclosing information at the wrong time or with too many people can jeopardize intellectual property rights, leading to the inability to capitalize on innovation (and therefore underwrite further innovation).
- Talking prematurely can incorrectly set expectations (i.e. ship dates).
- Loose lips sink ships; Talking about a deal before the deal is done puts the deal at risk.
- They don't know (yet).
- They know, but choose to wait (for marketing, intellectual property reasons, coordination with partners, bandwidth, etc.)
...and I'm sure there are more. I don't think this information is new for most people, and it's certainly not unique to Microsoft. Most people will agree this stuff is common sense (at least I hope they do).
I totally empathize with Thomas, for he is stuck between two very difficult but positive choices...
Option 1: Sign a mutual nondisclosure agreement and have access to information NOT generally known to the public (like answers to 'when'). The flip side: Thomas couldn't say anything to the community about what he knows lest he invoke the wrath of lawyers and / or permanently damage his relationships with Microsoft on a variety of levels. He would know some really cool stuff long before others, but he couldn't *share* what he knows with the community at large until everyone knows.
Option 2: NOT sign a mutual nondisclosure agreement and have access to information generally known to the public (like answers to 'if'). The flip side: Thomas can freely share all that he learns without the worry of invoking the wrath of lawyers. Whoever talks to him does need to worry, though, meaning they might not be as forthcoming. He might get tidbits of information here and there, but largely learns along with the rest of the crowd.
Back over to you Thomas...