Windows 7

Hardware makers warned to start testing Windows 7 devices soon

Paul Mah — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 06:24:21 -0400

In an apparent bid to avoid the device driver compatibility problems that plagued the launch of Windows Vista, Microsoft has ordered hardware makers to begin testing on the first beta version of Windows 7 as soon as it becomes available. Those who fail to comply with the edict risk not qualifying for the Windows Logo certified compatibility program for Windows 7 or Windows Vista. Also, all submissions must include a complete CPK--a process control method with test logs from Windows 7 onward. Going by Microsoft's customary timelines, the final version of Windows 7 is expected to be out by 2010.

For more about Windows 7:
- check out this InformationWeek article

Why Microsoft is quiet about Windows 7

Paul Mah — Tue, 27 May 2008 07:52:33 -0400

In a candid interview, Steven Sinofsky revealed that Windows 7 will be an evolutionary improvement over Windows Vista. In short, drivers and software that work with Windows Vista will continue to do so under Windows 7. As previously indicated by Microsoft, Windows 7 will be available in both 32-bit and 64-bit flavors.

As to the reason why Microsoft has been seemingly "quiet" about Windows 7 compared to say Windows Vista, it is clear Microsoft felt it was burned by revealing too much about "Longhorn" too early in its development.

Bad press aside, Sinofsky noted that the shifting plans resulted in developers deciding to wait until Vista shipped before examining it seriously.

For the complete transcript:
- check out this CNET News.com article

Gates: Windows 7 will 'take less memory, be more efficient'

Paul Mah — Tue, 13 May 2008 06:48:28 -0400

Bill Gates has inadvertently confirmed that Microsoft is hard at work tweaking the next iteration of Windows--or Windows 7--to be more efficient where power and memory utilization are concerned. The company also is working to improve two-way replication of files between machines and to create better connectivity with mobile phones, as well as to make it into the premiere gaming platform. Article