Microsofts new touch sensetive Operating System

[Happy Face 29]

Microsoft's next operating system (OS) will come with multi-touch features as an alternative to the mouse.

 

It is hoped the successor will have a better reception than the much-maligned Vista OS, released last year.

 

Scheduled for release in 2009 the new fingertip interface lets users enlarge and shrink photos, trace routes on maps, paint pictures or play the piano.

 

"The way you interact with the system will change dramatically," said Microsoft chairman Bill Gates.

 

Speaking at the All Things Digital conference in San Diego, the Microsoft Chairman said Windows 7 would incorporate new forms of communication and interaction.

 

"Today almost all the interaction is keyboard-mouse. Over years to come, the role of speech, vision, ink - all of those things - will be huge."

 

Chief executive Steve Ballmer described the limited demo of the multi touch screen at the conference as "a small snippet" of the next version of Windows after admitting he wants "to do better" than Vista.

 

Even though Vista has suffered from a poor public image and a lukewarm welcome from many firms and users, Mr Ballmer said the company has shipped 150 million copies of the programme.

 

Touch enabled

 

Industry watchers say Microsoft is hoping that Windows 7 can change the way people interact with PCs in the future.

 

"Touch is quickly becoming a common way of interacting with software and devices," writes Windows product manager Chris Flores in a blog post.

 

The new touchscreen aims to be an alternative to the computer mouse

 

"Touch-enabled surfaces are popping up everywhere including laptop touch pads, cell phones, remote controls, GPS devices and more."

 

When challenged as to who will get to market first with a new touch screen device, Microsoft or Apple, Mr Ballmer said it was not much of an issue.

 

"We'll sell 290 million PCs and Apple will sell 10 million Pcs."

 

"They're fantastically successful and so are we and our partners. But it's a different job. Steve (Jobs Apple CEO) can flip his hand and sell a few models and I don't take a thing away from him."

 

Website Beta News reports that "beta testing of the product should begin later this year although a lack of touch-screen devices could slow widespread trials of the new interface".

 

We walked away

 

During the conference, CEO Steve Ballmer also talked about the company's failure to buy Yahoo, following its offer of $47.5 billion.

 

"Look, we made a bid for Yahoo. It was out there for three months and there was a difference between bid and ask."

 

"We thought we could accelerate our business. We were going to be financially disciplined about it. We walked away. We are talking with them about other ideas but we are not re-bidding on the company. We reserve the right to do so. That's not on the docket."

 

Mr Gates said: "I've been supportive of everything Steve has done. Totally supportive."

 

World's best search

 

While many attending the D6 conference focused on the Windows 7 announcement and comments on Yahoo, a spotlight was also turned on Bill Gates who is counting down to his last day at Microsoft on 1 July.

 

At a reception earlier in the day, Mr Gates chatted to reporters about what the future holds for him. He said even though he was retiring from his "daily duties" at the firm he founded, he wouldn't be letting go completely.

 

Instead of spending 80% of his time at Microsoft and 20% at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation he would now reverse that.

 

Mr Gates, who will remain as chairman of Microsoft, said he would still have an office in Redmond and spend time writing, thinking and working on a variety of pet projects including the next generation Microsoft Office.

 

"I'm very involved in search, the internal development," he said. "We will build the world's best search."

 

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7422924.stm

[Park Life 71]

I want a computer that thinks not one that can be fiddled with via the screen. More shit in the pipeline.

[Happy Face 29]

I want a computer that thinks not one that can be fiddled with via the screen. More shit in the pipeline.

 

Surely the problem with the last few releases from Microsoft has been the reduced control given to the user? I've always reverted to a classic windows setup that gives me control.

 

Why do you want your computer to do your thinking?

[Park Life 71]

I want a computer that thinks not one that can be fiddled with via the screen. More shit in the pipeline.

 

Surely the problem with the last few releases from Microsoft has been the reduced control given to the user? I've always reverted to a classic windows setup that gives me control.

 

Why do you want your computer to do your thinking?

 

Not really thinking as such but learn how I work etc and facilitate tasks faster.

[Guest alex]

I think it looks quite cool.

[Park Life 71]

I think it looks quite cool.

 

I think that's what they want Alex.

[Fop 1]

I think it looks quite cool.

 

I think that's what they want Alex.

 

Yup, and much like the Vista Aero desktop (look how much better Compiz is, it even works fine on a Knoppix purely DVD based OS), there'll be a Linux based one out that is better, faster and less resource hungry long beforehand (in fact there may well be now). I think some Mac-heads have already developed a Mac Air with a touch screen as well.

 

I'm sure MS will get all plaudits, but I just can never get over how it still pretends to be a technology leader and gets away with it.

[tinofbeans 91]

i prefer ubuntu.

 

unless i'm making music or playing pro evo!

[Jimbo 175]

ffs my monitor would look like plasterers radio if I used that !

[Guest alex]

No change there then.

[Jimbo 175]

No change there then.

 

Nah, to be fair it's my keyboard that takes the brunt of the action.

[zico martin 95]

just looks like a big i-phone!

 

fancy microsoft nicking ideas from Apple eh?