Bill Gates has a date with "The Daily Show," NBA star LeBron James has a cameo in a Windows ad and that rumbling in Redmond is the marketing machine gearing up for action.

After a five-year wait, and repeated delays, Microsoft Corp. will release the new Windows Vista operating system next week. And based on early signs, it may be tough to escape it on your television -- even if you don't plan to put it on your computer.

Comedy Central confirmed Wednesday that Gates will be the guest on the popular "Daily Show with Jon Stewart" on Monday night, the eve of Windows Vista's launch. Tony Fox, executive vice president with the network, said Gates would no doubt discuss Vista, but the segment probably won't be limited to it.

"Jon is a very curious guy ... and so I'm sure he'll ask him about a lot of things," Fox said. "I expect it'll be a great interview."

The circumstances are different, but it's not the first time Microsoft has turned to the world of late-night television to promote a new Windows version. "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno appeared on stage with Gates for the Windows 95 launch event.

That 1995 launch remains the gold standard for Microsoft Windows buzz, with people lining up at stores around the world to be among the first to buy the new operating system.

Windows Vista's launch hype isn't expected to reach that level. However, retailers, including Best Buy, do plan to hold midnight events for buying Windows Vista at selected locations. At the Bellevue Best Buy, on 120th Avenue Northeast, Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander is scheduled to appear.

In Windows Vista, Microsoft is promising a range of improvements -- in areas including security, fast file-searching, system performance and a completely overhauled on-screen interface.

But Vista also faces a countercampaign. Last month, the Boston-based Free Software Foundation launched a site called BadVista.org to encourage people to stay away from it.

And so far, at least, tech reviewers don't seem to be bowled over by the new Windows.

"Windows Vista is essentially warmed-over Windows XP," influential technology site CNet.com concluded in its review, published Wednesday, referring to the current Windows version. "If you're currently happy with Windows XP (Service Pack 2), we see no compelling reason to upgrade. On the other hand, if you need a new computer right now, Windows Vista is stable enough for everyday use."

Of course, consumers will be the final judge. And the outcome is no small matter for Microsoft. Windows remains the company's biggest product, with versions for PCs bringing in more than $10 billion in profit last year.

To mark Windows Vista's launch, Microsoft will hold festivities in New York City next week. Gates and Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer are slated to make appearances.

The company on Wednesday said it was too early to detail its broader advertising and promotional plans for Vista's debut.

But Microsoft did confirm that Cleveland Cavaliers star James will make a cameo in a Windows Vista TV advertisement.

By coincidence, James told The Associated Press last year that one of his personal goals was to "be the richest man in the world."

Gates currently holds that particular title -- which means that James' chances for claiming it will hinge in part on the fate of the product he'll be pitching.

Soundoff (Read 14 comments)
What's your game plan to procure your copy of Vista? Or will you be keeping your TV turned off?