I've been hearing rumors of Microsoft releasing MS Paint 2 on newer computers.

What I've heard is that it's similar to Paint Shop Pro 10, but simplier.

Is there anyone to confirm this?

If you count all the way from Windows 1, you could say that the current version is MS Paint 4. They will probably add a few features to Paint for Vista, but not many. They've never added a ton of functionality to paint. It's not like they could suck up any more system resources with a more advanced paint.

I agree with the above post. Microsoft have been creating many different versions of the basic paint program for many years, with each operating system.

I would be very surprised if Paint did actually have extra tools, as Microsoft only ever seem to have programs with the basic ones, such as draw with a pencil and paint with a paint brush.

However, I suppose there's still a chance that this could be true, especially with the upcoming vista operating system. It would be a program that attracts new users to the operating system.

I guess we'll be able to see whether or not this is true when Vista is released

Personally, the old paint is sort of classic. If Microsoft tried to include any toned-down version of Photoshop, not only would I never use it, but I would try to go back to the old Paint. So many of my friends consider it the cute sort of...I suppose vintage program that signifies no time, effort, or anything was used.

However, with skill, even MS Paint is pretty fun to play with. I crashed a harddisk using it. Long story.

Any more functionality to Ms Paint would be a plus for me. Considering how standard and basic the program is you can sort of do fun stuff with it. Then sometimes it easier to work with it than the high top branded software like Paintshop or Photoshop or maybe even THE GIMP. Not too showy and stuff would be okay. ALthought it would be nice if they added layer support but that's never gonna happen. lol. Atleast not in my time.

If it does happen I wouldn't be surprised though.

There is this free program called paint.net, its open source, I dont know if it could be the one they were talking in the rumor you heard, and they misspelled it or something. Its good for being free, a whole lot better than the paint that comes in windows, and it has layers.

Photoshop and fireworks woke verry fin so why looking for others ??? i can't understand people who are seerching for new programs not for the performense but just to find new ones and have the least relase !!!

I agree biscuitrat.

To me, old school MS Paint is right up there with other classics like minesweeper and solitaire... simple to use, a bit of a time water... a vintage Windows thing. Although I seldom use paint, it wouldn't feel right for Microsoft to release an OS without those original programs.

I'm not too sure how many people would be receptive, not to mention shifting over, to MS Paint2 if it were released though. It seems like a lot of people have already settled on more 'designer labeled' photo/picture/digital art software like photoshop, paint shop pro and the like.

This is an interesting issue that's been raised.
When Windows Vista comes out, we will see all sorts of new things. A new version of Paint might just be one of them. What new features will be in it are impossible to predict. I would expect a bunch of more advanced features, maybe approaching The Gimp, but not equalling it or any other product.
I'm losing my writing style (but that's another story).