Microsoft Windows 7 officially launches
| October 23, 2009 | Posted by Alyssa Duval under Tech News |
It feels like its been a long path to Windows 7; close to a year ago today we were looking at early screenshots of Vista’s replacement, and the months in-between have been punctuated with test builds, broad RC distribution, eight million beta testers and tentative enthusiasm. Now, October 22nd 2009, Microsoft have officially launched Windows 7, along with a number of partnerships integrating the OS with CBS, Netflix, Amazon and more.
Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer took to the stage in New York City this morning to explain that beta testers in 200 countries used an OS developed by 3,000 engineers. Three key versions of Windows 7 are on offer, Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate, each having the new GUI and IE8; there’s also Starter, which will only be available on netbooks.
The CBS partnership will integrate a new webfeed for CBS content into the Windows 7 Media Center, delivering streaming media (including adverts) even without a cable or DTV connection. Meanwhile, like the Xbox 360, Windows 7 will also have access to Netflix. Amazon have created a touch-aware Kindle app for Windows 7, with control of ebooks by finger-swipes; you can see demo images in the gallery below.
A single Windows 7 PC, meanwhile, can distribute HD-quality media to multiple different displays. Using a standard Dell XPS 16 notebook, Microsoft demonstrated streaming to over twelve HDTVs, a wireless digital photo frame, Onkyo AV receiver and Xbox 360; the load on the laptop was just 54-percent, even though each display was showing different content. Of course, you’ll need a suitable network to replicate that at home; Microsoft neglected to mention what sort of connections were linking the system together.
Preorders for Windows 7 have been open for some time now, and we’ve been hearing from plenty of people that their copies have already arrived this week. If you’ve not already splashed out, however, Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium is priced at $199.99 for the full version, or $119.99 for the upgrade version (a three-license pack is $149.95). Windows 7 Professional is $299.99 for the full version, or $199.99 for the upgrade. Finally, Windows 7 Ultimate is $319.99 for the full version, or $219.99 for the upgrade. If you’ve recently bought a new desktop or laptop, it’s worth checking the small print to see if you’re eligible for a free upgrade from Vista to Windows 7; contact your machine’s manufacturer for all the details.
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Aw, this was a really quality post. In theory I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real effort to make a good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and never seem to get something done.
I suppose I’m gonna need to read up some more but this was a good spring board.
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great! I am a great follower of microsoft.since the microsoft has updated with microsoft windows 7,I am eager to see it.
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