So this may not come as a surprise to many, but Microsoft have taken the Windows 7 into a public beta. As I understand it, MSDN and TechNet subscribers already have access, and the general public will too, tomorrow (AEST).
Windows version 7 is the next major version of the Windows platform. It is rumoured to share the same kernel as Windows Server 2008 (which Vista was upgraded to with Vista Service Pack 1).
The feature getting the most attention (lately) is the multi-touch interface which is all well and good if you happen to have a touch screen monitor. If, however, you are like me then you’ve probably only got a nice LCD or CRT monitor so this feature probably doesn’t really excite me much.
Most of the feedback/comments I’ve heard from people who were lucky enough to get a copy of the beta courtesy of attending the PDC in the United States last year, have been positive. Apparently (even in beta) Windows 7 has performed well both from a stability and performance (speed) perspective.
From my point of view, I think Microsoft must be fairly confident in Windows 7 to go to the trouble of making the beta open to the public. This, I think, is a vote of confidence in the next version. If so, what does the future hold for Windows Vista?
Interesting indeed. If you do try out the Windows 7 beta, please leave comments on this blog. I’m really keen to hear what people think – or if anyone encounters any problems. If you don’t care to (or can’t) leave comments please feel free to email me: rob.sanders@gmail.com
Happy New Year, 2009!
