Several articles on this story have pointed out "In addition, the company will continue to offer Windows XP Starter Edition in emerging markets where it is currently available for the rapidly growing class of hardware-constrained ultra-low cost PCs until June 30, 2010." So it looks like third world countries will be able to buy for an additional 2 years.

Forget the rest. Ambrosia is porting Apeiron to OS X. I get a shiver up my spine thinking about the relief I used to feel when the sparse whooshing sound of my standard bullets transitioned into the steady dull beat of the triple-shot power-up. I can hear it now... Bring it on baby!