Rumor: Quark to offer Xpress 6.0 upgrade free


MacFixIt has posted what it claims -- and, given the site's reputation there's no reason to think it's bogus -- is a promotional e-mail from Quark that states Xpress 5.0 buyers will be able to upgrade to Xpress 6.0 for free:

Here's a quote:

"For a limited time, upgrade to QuarkXPress 5.0 and receive an upgrade to the upcoming release of QuarkXPress 6.0 at no additional charge. Enjoy the new features and expanded functionality of QuarkXPress 5.0 immediately; then, when QuarkXPress 6.0 is released, you'll receive an upgrade to the world's most popular design and layout software on Mac OS X and Windows XP - free!

"Visit www.quark.com during the coming weeks to learn more about the new features of QuarkXPress 6.0 and how they can make your job easier."

That's quite a bombshell. Looks like it's time to sign for Quark's mailing list.

As IGM reported in January, an alpha release of Quark 6.0 is already in beta testers' hands. Since that time, news about the long-missing X version of the benchmark layout program has been hard to come by.

Editor's note: This cynical pundit will chalk this move -- if indeed that's really Quark talking -- to the company's need to mend fences after their marketing misadventure last Fall in the UK. Also, Adobe's InDesign would appear to be gaining traction on the trick pony that is Quark.

Will we be seeing Xpress 6.0 soon? Lord knows both Apple and Quark need it.

What's your take?