Microsoft confirms Windows 7 coming this year
Microsoft confirmed on Monday that it is planning to release Windows 7 this year, in time for the holiday shopping season.
"We are tracking well to a Windows 7 holiday," Microsoft Senior Vice President Bill Veghte said in an interview. Veghte plans to make a similar statement in a speech Monday at Microsoft's TechEd event in Los Angeles. As recently as January, Veghte was saying publicly that such a release was not a sure thing.
At the event, Microsoft is also announcing it plans to wrap up work on an update to its server operating system--Windows Server 2008 R2--at the same time it finishes Windows 7 on the desktop side. Microsoft issued a release candidate for the server operating system last month, alongside the near-final version of Windows 7.
For months now, Microsoft's official position has been that Windows 7 would ship by January 2010--the three-year anniversary of Windows Vista's mainstream launch. However the software maker has been aiming and planning for a 2009 release all along, as we noted last fall.
Computer makers have been indicating privately--and in a few cases publicly--that things have remained on track. But, with memories of Vista's delays fresh in its mind, Microsoft continued to hedge its bets.
Early feedback from the Windows 7 release candidate, which came out late last month, convinced Microsoft it could commit to a 2009 launch, Veghte said.
Veghte said Microsoft has seen the needed step-function drop in the number of crashes being experienced with the release candidate as opposed to the beta version.
"You know pretty quickly if you've got any big gotchas," he said. "You can get a pretty good sniff pretty quickly."
Equally important, Veghte said the company has seen the needed level of partner support. He noted that the first couple of companies have gotten Windows 7 logo certification. Among that first group are some graphics chip vendors--a big change from Vista in which limited graphics support was among the many compatibility headaches experienced by early adopters.
Veghte did not provide a specific time for launch or when the code would be finalized. However, he said that typically the ecosystem needs anywhere from nine to 14 weeks from the product being declared final to be ready for launch.
At TechEd, Veghte also plans to show a demo of how Office 2010 will take advantage of some of Windows 7's features. For example, Office will make use of a feature called "Jump Lists," which allow users to quickly take action directly from the taskbar at the bottom of the screen. From Outlook's Jump List, for example, users will be able to start a new message, create a contact, or schedule a meeting with two clicks.
Those that have both products will also be able to drag an Office file from a Jump List directly into an e-mail, a big time-saver.
A technical preview of Office 2010 will kick off in July, with those at TechEd among the first to get to try out the software.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
Not even Jesus can build an OS to save Apple from this juggernaut.
The funny thing is that everyone talks about Mac OS X being Windows biggest enemy (although it's the better OS) they don't understand that Windows worst enemy is Windows. MS has failed to introduce a new OS now for 8 years.
Windows XP was such a huge success (not because it was good but because we were forced to buy it) that MS is being unable to upgrade their own system even when trying to force it on people again. The knowledge about computers is much broader now and it?s harder to trick the general consumer into buying bulls**t as they did before.
Probably and hopefully MS will never have the same market share as they did with Windows XP again. Not only because I like the Mac OS X but also because it?s good for the market to have a couple of choices instead of being forced into crap again.
By the most amazing of coincidences, the phrase "nobody cares" happens to match what regular readers think of your comments. Funny how that is.
I would say that the huge number of downloads of both the beta and now RC 1 would tend to contradict your opinion that nobody cares. People don't download a 2 gb ISO for the fun of it because they have nothing better to do. They must have a reason for it.
Unless MS holds a gun to your head your not forced to buy anything.
A computer is a want not a need.
http://digg.com/tech_news/Trolling_someone_online_Bill_would_slap_you_with_jail_time
for your reference.
Get your facts straight.
"Everyone knows the skill and precision of the coders at MS." All Microsoft does is copy whatever Apple does.
"They have a history of putting out user-friendly, elegant, stable releases on time and under budget." Windows ME wasn't user-friendly or stable. XP really sucked at launch. It was only after SP2 that it really kicked off and became popular. Vista was definitely not on time.
"Everyone else will be playing catch-up as usual." Umm... Vista was Microsoft's way of trying to catch up to Mac OS X.
@GeechyDan
"If Mac OS X could not win with Vista out, what the fck do you think Apple is going to do against a masterpiece like Windows 7? " Since Windows is included on the majority of PCs, why do you think it's still has the majority of the OS marketshare? OS X gained several percentage points over the last few years and that'll only increase when Snow Leopard gets released.
This is going to be the best client OS release ever! Can't wait to go buy my new laptop with Windows 7!
Dude, get a room.
Seriously though, you are either a kool-aid drinking fanboi of the first order, or you work for Microsoft. It's Vista SP2, not the second coming of jesus.
As for this:
> The new "share your libraries over Internet" feature of Windows Media Player is the best feature of all
I'm sure the RIAA will be in complete agreement.
Sharing files across the net won't bother the RIAA at all. DRM still applies, it's your content. You have to log into a Live account to be able to do it, so you aren't streaming to random people. It's more of a remote desktop feature. The RIAA doesn't have anything to complain about there.
As for it being Vista SP2, keep in mind that Vista SP2 is already out now. If you are just hashing the old tired line that Win7 is just Vista reskinned, then it would demonstrate your true ignorance of the subject matter.
> Live account to be able to do it, so you aren't streaming to random people. It's more of a remote desktop feature.
> The RIAA doesn't have anything to complain about there.
Oh even better, let's spread more DRM infested crapware. Sorry guys, I'm not buying into the hype. I heard the same wonderful stuff about Vista and got burned. I'm staying on XP, and after this comp bites the dust, maybe I'll look at a Mac. I can run XP on a Mac, right?
...until the computer gets compromised. Then it's everybody's content, without the need to install a bulky P2P sharing app.
I am a Vista user, Vista wasn't bad for me and Windows 7 is even better. Perhaps you should test Windows 7 before making these assertions that it's just "Vista SP3". And I looked at the price of RAM and I purchased 4 GB for $30 for my laptop so you can't really argue that hardware upgrades are too expensive.
Go ahead, use XP until the computer bites the dust. Those that didn't cling to XP have left you in the dust. Good luck.
@Lerianis3
I'm going to do with Duck Theory on this. Vista was broken. MS rather than fix Vista got in a hurry to put out 7. 7 is what Vista should have been. If it's not Vista Reskinned, it's MS's solution to the problem that Vista is. They also didn't start with XP and start over. They started with Vista underpinnings.
In other worlds. Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, it's a duck. If it's not Vista reskinned it's Vista done right
bet it'll be 3 months later ...... anyone?
Vista slows you down by hogging resources and Taking ages to do even simple tasks
even little things like shut downs and bootups takes Forever
Face it Vista Sux Even Microsoft Agrees !
Windows 7 OTOH I agree is a Decent upgrade
it's still no Mac O.S though !
Don't know why it does that. Been using it for over a year now but still does it. Last one was repaired 3 times and the replacement has the same problems. I know its not the hardware because tmy friend has the same one and has no problems. Vista is still too problematic for developers and designers. Perhaps Windows 7 would have better managed memory and similar functionality as XP.
I can't wait for Windows 7! My XP machine is now about 6 years old and I need a new computer.
I have the RC and it looks pretty promising
As for those of you who say Apple is playing "catch up" on OS? Fat chance. MS has been trying to copy the Mac OS interface for years, without EVER getting it right.
I must have one Windblows computer in my office to open MS Publisher files (you know, that Windows only desktop publishing program for amateurs that all print shops and design studios HATE). But it runs XP because it's the last operating system I could use that didn't require 5 days of my time to set it up because of all those pop up windows... ***?
Really? Sounds like you're wealthy and cool with a statement like that.
Oh jeez...
run > msconfig > tools > disable UAC? yes then reboot.
3 seconds of your time, even for the biggest -mac- noob. ;)
Dunno why some people feel the need to tell us that they don't want to run Windows because _ insert latest urban myth/biased POV/fallacy here_ between others relevant things. :)
Microsoft has NOT been trying to copy the OSX interface for years..... if anything, they have been innovating their OWN interface, not trying to copy OSX's, and there are some things that are just OBVIOUS when you think about them.
5 days of your time to set up a Vista PC..... cough.... LIAR! I have TONS of programs I put on our new PC's when we get them in my home.... doesn't take me 5 days.... maybe 5 HOURS, even on a laptop.
the reason why the Mac O.S is better is because of how well it's designed
it takes half the no. of steps to get things done in comparison
plus Spotlight and Widgets are still far far better than their Windows Counterparts
add in all the great Mac only third party Software like quicksilver etc.
the Mac O.S is still far better than 7 !
and the Funny part Windows Runs best as a parallel VM in Vmware Fusion on a Mac
Please provide proof with hardware specs of both machines down to the Ram and FSB speeds
The impression your posting gives is fthat of an elitist snob, I'm afraid. Here's a prime example:
"I must have one Windblows computer in my office to open MS Publisher files (you know, that Windows only desktop publishing program for amateurs that all print shops and design studios HATE). "
Do you call all your customers who come to your company for help 'amateurs?' I know I certainly wouldn't appreciate being called that when I'm coing to you for help. It's just- well, unprofessional conduct and inexcusable.
Please do us all a favor and either get out of the business or get a clue. You have become the problem. :/
it's better to try it out for yourself though
Apparently you were too young to remember Windows ME. Now that was a piece of crap.
XP is running strongly here, as well, don't get me wrong, and I've got one machine that'll run it til that machine falls apart - but there are a lot of nice little QOL changes throughout it that just make using it that much more pleasant. It's definitely more than just a "prettier face." I'm looking forward to the final release.
It only runs the 'Basic' interface, not Aero, because the video hardware on the old T40 is not sufficient for Aero. But everything else runs fine, and it appears to be more responsive than a clean install of XP Pro on that very same laptop. So far, the Win 7 RC looks very solid.
Now its a waiting game, but I believe MS is going to hit the ball out of the park with this OS.
Yes, it'll be a huge foul...
On initial install it came up 800x600, but adjusted to 1024x768 without problem.
Basic interface graphics (XP style), not Aero. It runs fine including Java and Flash.
Windows 7 is awesome, I can vouch for it, because I have been running it since the first beta release. I'm now on the RC, and I have no complaints. It's way better than XP and Vista combined.
@ calvin_and_hobbe : "Since Windows is included on the majority of PCs, why do you think it's still has the majority of the OS marketshare?"
Perhaps that is because MS actually writes their OS to work on just about ANY piece of hardware. Whereas Apple only supports their hand picked hardware. So please keep that in mind. I'm sure that if Apple opened up to this idea, and coded Mac OS X for the open market, then sure I don't see why they wouldn't be popular.
I am sure Apple would make more money when they stop forcing people to buy over-priced hardware, which is exactly like the hardware available to PC's, with the exception of their motherboard using a different method of booting the OS. That is the biggest detterence when it comes to a Macs hardware. Their OS is great on their hardware, I have used it, and loved it. Though I feel that it would be a good thing to compare it fairly against MS, only when Apple tries to support a wide range of hardware configurations, as MS is currently doing.
Honestly. If people actually spent time, and bought the hardware which is 100% supported by MS, (which can be done by looking at the HCL) and then assembled and installed it, and use applications that is meant for the current generation OS, and not a legasy OS, then there won't be any of those problems such as BSOD etc. A Mac isn't impervious to crashing either, which most people tend to forget.
Until then, I think these debates (though they seem like flaming to me) is futile and unfair to either of the companies.
1. Mac OSX IS superior to Windows in every way, since Windows has been copying the Mac platform since Apple beat them to the consumer market in the very beginning.
2. Mac keeps a tight rein on their software and "hand picked" software because when you DON'T mind the quality, you end up with something like a PC with Windows that is unstable and incompatible with a lot of peripherals (I have NEVER plugged a device into my Mac that was not recognized IMMEDIATELY, WITHOUT having to install this driver or that driver).
3. Nobody is FORCING me to buy Apple products. I buy them for the two reasons listed above and... because every Mac that I HAVE bought is still running, and is functional.
Windows does NOT work well on EVERY piece of hardware. How do I know this? I have ONE Windows PC that spends more time telling me what to do and what not to do that I spend telling it what to do. That's just BS as far as I am concerned. I don't want a computer that treats me like an idiot, and has the stability of antimatter.
I am desperately waiting for Windows 7 because i am using Vista at the moment as i feel this is not user friendly lets hope 7 will solve my issues.
<a href="http://auction-alerts.com/index.php?s=pottery+wheel"> Pottery wheel</a>
Yeah, I got a pretty good sniff pretty quickly and it stinks. I get through the initial setup and during the first reboot, before the system POST, I get a black screen with a solid cursor in the upper left corner and that's all she wrote. Tried it on 2 different hard drives using 2 different image downloads with the same results. What's really hilarious is that the beta worked great. I can only surmise, therefore, that the actual retail release will result in the spontaneous combustion of my hard drive or my pc upon installation. I just can't wait for the release of Windows 7... so that I can stay on XP.
And before you flamers even start, I'm running generic hardware, nothing exotic, and I know that both of the hard drives I attempted to install on are in good working order and as stated above, the beta worked.
Intel C2D in an Intel DP35DP mobo
8 GB Crucial RAM (not Ballistix)
nVidia GeForce 8600 graphics
Samsung T240 LCD connected via DVI
Seagate hard drives
Also tried the Windows 7 forums on Windows Live. Got a couple generic responses and a "See ya later, good luck with that" from one of their top MVP "answerers" who subsequently and promptly marked my thread as answered with a nice big green checkmark! WOOT!
Just as an aside, I'm no Mac fanboy, I've never used one and know nothing about them, but I hope in the coming years they (and Linux too) can somehow manage to ***** slap Microsoft so hard that the idiots in Redmond have to either sink or learn to swim.
So in closing, enjoy the odor. It's the smell of burning bridges.
- by uninstall_vista_virus May 12, 2009 9:44 AM PDT
- Well Said... Good Show Old Chap!
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