Could it have something to do with the recent realignment of WL with the Windows client team? I would imagine that even though WL Essentials are not technically part of the OS, most OEMs will still install all of them on new PCs. I seem to remember hearing something about Dell’s plans to do just that. Considering the amount of crap they usually load onto new PCs, that wouldn’t suprise me a bit.

My follow-up question is why not make virtually all of the classic accessories separate, optional components like those in WL Essentials? I mean why are Calculator, Paint, WordPad, the Snipping Tool, Media Player, etc., still part of the core OS instead of part of WL Essentials? If nothing else, it would make life easier for those of us who don’t have any use for specific accessories, because we have better alternatives. If I have Word installed, then I guarantee I’m never going to launch WordPad. Ever.

Hmm yea, there’s links to Windows Live in Windows 7. Like there is a Get Windows Live Essentials link under Start > Getting Started too, but I wouldn’t call that included (you still have to download and install)…if I place a shortcut on my desktop that leads to a website offering software then that software isn’t included in Windows 7. OEMs pre-installing it isn’t what I’d call included in Windows 7 either, if they pre-install a trial version of Microsoft Office or some AV program, as they do a lot, then that isn’t included in Windows 7 either….
Anyways, I’m trying to get some answers as to what included is in this case ;) Will update if I find out more.