According to Microsoft, its Windows 7 is now on 1 in 10 of the world’s PCs and has sold more than 100 million copies, making it the fastest-selling Windows OS in history. This remarkable achievement underscores the widespread acceptance and popularity of Windows 7 among users globally. Recently, Microsoft reported revenues of $14.5 billion for the last financial quarter and stated that Windows 7 continues to be a significant growth engine for the company.
Introduction of Windows Touch for Windows 7
Last week, Microsoft also launched its Windows Touch for Windows 7, which is a bundle of six applications that includes three Microsoft Surface apps. This innovative bundle was previously only available to OEM customers for them to install on touch screen systems. The introduction of Windows Touch signifies Microsoft’s commitment to enhancing user interaction and experience by leveraging touch technology.
The Touch Pack does not automatically come with a Windows 7 bundle but comes preinstalled on some multi-touch enabled PCs from Hewlett-Packard, Asus, Dell, and Fujitsu. This strategic move ensures that users who purchase these specific models can immediately benefit from the enhanced touch capabilities without needing to install additional software.
Features and Benefits of Windows Touch
The Windows Touch Pack includes a variety of applications designed to showcase the capabilities of multi-touch technology. Among these are:
1. Microsoft Surface Globe: This application allows users to explore the world in a 3D environment using touch gestures. It provides an interactive way to learn about geography and can be particularly engaging for educational purposes.
2. Microsoft Surface Collage: This app enables users to create and manage photo collages using touch. It offers a fun and intuitive way to organize and display photos, making it ideal for both personal and professional use.
3. Microsoft Surface Lagoon: A screensaver that responds to touch, creating ripples and waves in a virtual water environment. This application is a simple yet effective demonstration of the touch capabilities of Windows 7.
Additionally, the Touch Pack includes games and other interactive applications that take full advantage of multi-touch technology, providing a more immersive and engaging user experience.
Impact on the Market
The introduction of Windows Touch for Windows 7 has had a significant impact on the market. By providing a bundle of applications that utilize touch technology, Microsoft has set a new standard for user interaction with operating systems. This move has encouraged other software developers to create touch-enabled applications, further expanding the ecosystem of touch-compatible software.
Moreover, the preinstallation of the Touch Pack on select PCs has likely driven sales for Hewlett-Packard, Asus, Dell, and Fujitsu, as consumers are increasingly looking for devices that offer advanced interaction capabilities. This trend is expected to continue as touch technology becomes more prevalent and integrated into everyday computing.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, the success of Windows 7 and the introduction of Windows Touch suggest a promising future for Microsoft’s operating systems. As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that touch and other forms of natural user interfaces will become even more integral to the computing experience. Microsoft’s early adoption and promotion of these technologies position it well to lead the market in this area.
Furthermore, the company’s strong financial performance, as evidenced by its $14.5 billion revenue in the last financial quarter, provides a solid foundation for continued investment in innovation. Users can expect to see more advanced features and applications that leverage the capabilities of modern hardware, further enhancing the overall user experience.
Via ZDNet
Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals
Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
