Microsoft’s much-awaited Windows 7 operating system went on sale worldwide, as the software giant expects to strengthen its position in the PC market and to set-off the disappointment of its previous Windows Vista operating system. The global availability of Windows 7 is also joined by an array of new PCs and software programs.
According to Microsoft, the new OS comes with a redesigned taskbar, mobile phones, live photo gallery, live movie maker, IE8 and device stage that shows the status of all connected devices such as cameras. It also comes with a shake feature that allows users to click on a window pane and shake the mouse to minimise all other open windows, and then shake the pane again to restore the windows to their original sizes.
In addition, the Windows Touch feature allows users to interact with the PC with a touch-screen monitor, using their fingers and multi-touch gestures. The new OS, which supports 64-bit and DirectX 11 graphics comes with a snap feature that allows users to drag an open window to the screen’s border to automatically re-size it. It allows users to snap two different windows to the left and right borders.
Further, the new Windows 7 allows users to stream their digital music, videos and photos to other PCs or devices such as an Xbox 360 console connected to the TV, Microsoft said.
The company said that more than 50,000 developers from 17,000 companies are enrolled in the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program to build applications for Windows 7. Together, these partners are developing hardware, software and services capable of reaching PCs around the world.
Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, said: “With Windows 7, there’s never been a better time to be a PC “Together with our partners, we’re bringing more choice, flexibility and value to the market than ever before. With Windows 7, you’re sure to find a PC that fits your life.”
