Microsoft has announced that it will not be bringing VirtualPC to Intel Macs, although it will continue to support existing versions of the Windows emulation software. In light of Apple's release of Boot Camp, and the third party virtualization options now available, this move will likely come as no surprise to many Mac users.

"Developing a high-quality virtualization solution, such as Virtual PC, for the Intel-based Mac is similar to creating a version 1.0 release due to how closely the product integrates with Mac hardware," Microsoft said. "[Microsoft] still recognizes that customers continue to need access to Windows applications from their Intel-based Macs, and feels confident that alternative solutions offered by Apple and other vendors, combined with a fully packaged retail copy of Windows, will satisfy this need."

Similarly, Microsoft said it will be discontinuing support of Visual Basic scripting in the next version of Office for Mac, but is working hard to increase support for standard Mac scripting methods such as AppleScript and Automator.

"As always, cross-platform compatibility remains a top priority. As we develop the next version of Office for Mac, the files will continue to be compatible across platforms, including 2007 Microsoft Office system for Windows," the company said. "Although VB macros within files will not be accessible and cannot be viewed or modified, the files themselves can be edited without affecting or changing the macros."

Appleinsider: Microsoft Axes VPC

Search for other Mac games news stories or browse our Mac Games News Archive.