Microsoft strips final veil from Windows 7

Beverley Head
Thursday, 22 October 2009 11:34

IT Industry - Development

Analyst IDC has already predicted that 40 million copies of Windows 7 will ship this year – suggesting daily sales of around 570,000 globally.

James de Bragga, general manager of Windows consumer product marketing, who was in Australia to officially launch the new operating system said that in feedback interviews customers had told the company “I just want my PC to work faster.” He said customers had requested an operating system that would allow machines to boot faster, resume faster, be stingy in terms of battery use and be more stable. “They told us ‘only after you simplify my experience do I want to hear about new features’.”

Among the new features that they are now hearing about are improved security features; touch-screen functionality; the introduction of a redesigned smarter taskbar; the creation of HomeGroup to allow files to be shared (although that might raise some interesting copyright issues) within a defined group of Windows 7 users; Snap which allows a window to be dragged and reshaped; and Shake, which allows a user to click on a window and shake the mouse to minimise all other windows.

If Microsoft executives weren’t exactly contrite about Vista at today’s Windows 7 launch, then they were clearly chastened. And they were at pains to stress that in the future Microsoft would listen more attentively to customers.

Alex Stewart, the general manager of consumer and online at Microsoft Australia said that in readiness for the launch Microsoft had revamped its web site which now had space for customer feedback. “Microsoft, taking feedback, can you believe it?” he quipped. The company is also using social media networks to share information about the product, and “We are using that, surprisingly perhaps for Microsoft, as an opportunity to listen.”

It certainly heard some concerns about local pricing today, and the inavailability of family pack pricing, which is being offered in other geographies. However until the end of March next year Australian higher education students with a valid edu.au email address will be eligible for a Windows 7 upgrade for $49.95.