Microsoft has confirmed it will release the first pre-beta version of Windows 7 to developers next month. Windows 7 is the next major version of the Windows client operating system.
"With Windows 7 at PDC2008, you will see advances across the full range of Windows -- including the kernel, networking, hardware and devices, and user interface," wrote Denise Begley, a marketing manager for Microsoft, on the company blog. "Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to attend 21 different sessions that drill down into the details of developing for Windows 7."
Microsoft Stays the Course
The fact that Microsoft is putting a pre-beta into developers' hands signals that Redmond is on track for its 2010 Windows 7 release, according to Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.
"Microsoft is going to be using the same kernel as Vista, which is a very wise decision. Deciding to rewrite the kernel for Vista was one of the issues that reportedly delayed that project significantly," King said. "Trying to start all over with a brand-new kernel for Windows 7 would not have been a great idea."
What's more, analysts said working with the Vista kernel should avoid most, if not all, the compatibility problems Vista users experienced out of the box. Even if Windows 7 doesn't wow consumers and businesses, King said, it will nonetheless be far more stable and cause far fewer problems with users than Vista initially did.
"Innovation is great, but a seamless user experience is very important, too, and maybe more important," King said. "Vista demonstrated that even when you try to do everything right, things can go very, very badly. Microsoft is doing everything it can to make sure the user and developer experience with Windows 7 is light-years ahead of what it was with Vista."
A Touchscreen PC Future
Microsoft's last public demonstration, which took place in May at the D: All Things Digital conference, raised more questions than answers. Windows 7 will tout multi-touch technology that lets fingers draw rudimentary images. The first demo also included navigating an online map to find a nearby Starbucks. Microsoft figures the technology is a natural for image editing and navigation.
But analysts were critical, saying the demo was short, and the company failed to address questions about the underlying technology in Windows 7. Still, Microsoft is touting the possibilities of touchscreen technology on a PC.
The May showing saw demonstrations that included the ability to slide your finger along the screen to navigate. To zoom in, you simply spread your fingers. A video of the demonstration showed a piano keyboard being played by touching the keys on-screen, suggesting new possibilities for digital-music applications.
Post a Comment