What’s New for You in Windows 7
Here’s a description of some of the features that you’ll get in
Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, which was introduced in
the pre-beta stage about a week ago. Touch-screen-based PC control and
connectivity with cell phones and digital cameras are among the
attractions.
"We've done a great deal of work in Windows 7 to enable new scenarios
with our hardware partners, and we are excited by the partner
innovation," said Jon DeVaan, senior vice president of the Windows
Core Operating System Division at Microsoft. "Windows 7 presents
tremendous opportunities for hardware developers."
The
new features in Windows 7 will help customers interact with Windows
PCs, manage devices, access broadband and engage with wireless
experiences. The features include:
Devices and Printers. To make it easier for customers to interact
with all the devices on their Windows PC, Microsoft has created a new
feature in Windows 7 called Devices and Printers. Devices and Printers
provides a single place for customers to interact with devices, browse
files or manage settings. Devices can be connected to the PC using
USB, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, with simple wizards that simply the setup
process.
Device Stage. Device Stage enables hardware manufactures to create
user experience, especially for more specialized devices such as cell
phones, multifunction printers and digital cameras. Device Stage is
designed to help Windows 7 customers take advantage of advanced
features for devices. For mobile phones, portable media players,
cameras and printers connected to a Windows 7 PC, Device Stage
provides information on the device status and runs common tasks in a
single window customized by the device manufacturer.
Mobile broadband. Windows 7 delivers a simpler way to connect to
the Internet using wireless modems. The process is similar to
connecting to any other wireless network, and is done using the View
Available Networks feature. A consistent experience for customers and
a common infrastructure for partners enables lower support,
maintenance, deployment and management costs, and allows partners to
focus on higher-value services rather than basic connectivity
development.
Windows Touch. Controlling the computer by touching the screen is
a core part of the Windows 7 experience, with visual feedback provided
for tap and double-tap gestures. The Start menu, Windows Taskbar and
Windows Explorer are touch-ready. Windows 7 also introduces support
for multitouch technology, which enables customers to control what
happens on the screen in new ways by zooming in, zooming out and
rotating images with their fingers.
"We're helping protect partner investments in Windows Vista as we
build Windows 7," DeVaan said. "Our goal is to maintain very high
compatibility with products designed for Windows Vista."
Microsoft is getting support for the Device Stage feature of the new
operating system from partners including Brother, Epson, HP, Motorola,
Nikon, Sansa, Canon, and Sony.
