Microsoft has requested two weeks' additional time to evaluate a clarification by the dissenting states which has put the lie to Redmond's claim that "thousands or millions" of Windows versions would be required if the states get their way, Reuters reports.

There the Beast was, ready to defend itself against unreasonable demands for millions of custom OS builds, when those sneaky states went and explained to the press that all they really want is a modular Windows which can be built out by OEMs and consumers like a Linux distro.

Well of course it's going to take time for the Beastly spinmeisters to figure out how to mis-characterize the now-clarified position of their opponents.

Microsoft claimed the clarification came without warning, and that they'd already interviewed all but one of the non-settling states' witnesses in preparation for the hearings, the wire service says.

Hearings on the dissenting states' complaints are scheduled to commence on Monday. It's not known yet whether the judge will grant the postponement, or require MS to press on, essentially punishing it for believing its own lies and planning its legal arguments accordingly. ®