PDC Keynote 2: Windows 7 (Steven Sinosky)

<< PDC Keynote 2: Opening (Ray Ozzie) | Home | More release announcements >>

PDC Keynote 2: Windows 7 (Steven Sinosky)

Windows 7 and Windows 2008 R2 share the same kernel and are in sync for release

Three foci: personalized experience with user control, connectivity and information organization, and device functionality

Julie Larson-Green -- Corporate VP, Windows Experience

This is a highly visual demo. You need to check it out at the PDC site. I can’t possibly keep up with all the features shown.

New task bar with application thumbnails. Task bar shows thumbnail icons (including tabs) and allows app management, such as closing the app. Window management tools, centered around dragging the window to dock. You can even arrange the order of the applications in the task bar!

Document libraries: multiple physical locations combined into simple search. Enhanced search added.

Home networking enhancements: HomeGroup is essentially a self-building network, including peripherals and wireless devices. Pretty simple file sharing (photos, videos, music). Heavily improved print sharing. Automatic switching between printers based on network/location.

Gadgets can be moved anywhere on the desktop.

System tray (notification area) allows improved control of notifications and what is visible. Each item in the tray allows customization around when it’s visible. There’s an “action center” where notifications get queued.

Augmented user experience with touch (e.g. 25% more space between menu items). All mouse events have been repowered with touch. Basic touch is built into all apps. Additional touch functionality can be introduced by developers.

Applets have been updated.

Switch in focus to Software + Services

“Windows Live Essentials” (in beta) allows connection to your choice of rich applications provided by services; Windows Live Services bring those services into your browser

Transition From Windows Vista

Performance, compatibility, reliability all needed to be improved – SP1 addressed much of this. Key lessons learned:

Ecosystem readiness: hardware and software vendors need to be ready; no changes in Windows 7 for driver model
Standards support: manifested in IE8, including release of all compliance docs; WordPad support for OOXML
Compatibility: UAC caused some issues, but most apps can now run in standard user mode
Scenarios: bringing forward end-to-end experiences; going the extra mile to make common scenarios simple

“Engineering 7 blog”?

Developing for Windows 7

The ribbon for Windows
Jump lists
Libraries
Multi-touch, ink, speech
DirectX: allows leveraging of graphics cards

Fundamentals

Decrease: memory (reference set, graphics); disk I/O (registry reads, indexer); power (DVD playback, panel, timers)

Increase: speed (faster boot, device ready); responsiveness (start menu, taskbar); scale (up to 256 processors)

New Features

Built-in BitLocker encryption for USB keys
Ability to create and manage VHDs natively in disk management tools; Windows 7 VHD can be booted natively
Addressed high-DPI issues, set custom DPI size
Improved managing multiple monitors, including Windows + P for managing projectors and multi-screen Remote Desktop sessions!!!
Heavy work on message notification, including control over UAC messages

Path to RTM