Los Angeles (CA) – Microsoft today delivered an impressive first demonstration of the Windows 7 feature set and the way how it improves key Vista shortcomings. There was enough information to keep every Windows user wondering whether Windows 7 will be just a patch or an entirely new operating system release. The fact, however, is that there are dozens of improvements that should make Windows much more useful to the average user - if Microsoft can deliver on its promises – and even if Windows 7 is not the entirely new software a layer that is being placed on top of an aging platform.
It is somewhat fascinating to see that with Bill Gates being in sort-of-retirement, that Microsoft has begun to aggressively pursue new ways and opportunities in a changing IT environment. Yesterday, we heard about Windows Azure – it may have been in development for years and not everyone may like it, but it is a sign of a new Microsoft. And today we heard about Windows 7 from a casually dressed senior vice president Steven Sinofsky, leading us through a content-packed and almost entertaining presentation. He is clearly someone who could become a much more visible face for Microsoft in the future.
Sinofsky’s baby is Windows 7 and the way he presented, described and approached Windows 7 is substantially different than his predecessor, Jim Allchin, did with Vista four years ago. There is an open approach we have rarely seen from Microsoft, an approach that admits mistakes made in the past and there is information changes that are being applied. Sinofsky even referred to Apple’s Mac vs. PC ads, describing them as part of the feedback Microsoft listened to. A likeable, much more approachable Microsoft. Imagine that.
New features in Windows 7
New features in Windows 7 can be separated into under-the-hood improvements and those that are immediately visible. Let’s start with these first.
Desktop
While Windows 7 resembles the look of Windows, there are critical differences. The quick launch area in the taskbar on the left has been thoroughly revised – you can change the order of the icons as well as their size. The area now holds icons to active applications and there is a new tab structure that allows users to hover over the icons and see previews of open Windows of those applications. A right click will reveal a the new “jump list” feature with additional options. Tabs are also integrated into applications themselves, which avoids the mess of tabs that is open in the taskbar. Application jumps and launches from anywhere require only a maximum of two clicks.
The desktop background offers many more configuration options. Besides color shades and a new preview, users can also organize a “flowing” and dynamic picture album in the background, resembling pictures on a table.
Libraries
Microsoft enables users and developers to create search libraries across multiple local drives, external drives and network drives. The search feature supports searching for certain types of files or content in files in a much cleaner way, offers a web-like preview and highlighting of the content that was searched for.
Read on the next page: Ribbon interface, Multi-touch, networking, Under the hood