Microsoft announces 36 changes for Windows 7
by Stevie Smith - Feb 27 2009, 16:45
User feedback leads to 36 changes in Windows 7. Image: Microsoft.
Citing the considerable influence of user feedback garnered from the existing beta edition of its Windows 7 operating system (OS), Microsoft Corp. has announced the implementation of a whole host of changes to its upcoming platform.
According to the Redmond-based software giant, the first month of availability attributed to its Windows 7 beta has led to a whopping 36 alterations and improvements drawn directly from the comments and observations of eagle-eyed users.
Outlined by Windows 7 senior program manager Chaitanya Sareen in an official company blog post, the long list of modifications have been added to the developing fabric of the Windows 7 Release Candidate, which will emerge as the next work-in-progress offering tabled for download by the company.
In terms of notable additions, the blog post outlines a total of 10 changes directed at the operating system’s desktop, while eight affect the Windows 7 version of Windows Media Player, four are attributed to the Control Panel feature, and another four are connected to new touch-sensitive elements.
Other changes, which carry considerably less contributory impact, include a number of interface tweaks ranging from the amount of time notification windows flash on and off and how many icons are comfortably displayed by the screen’s task bar.
While Microsoft’s unveiling of user-fuelled changes seems to show a definite drive to process and apply feedback, cynical members of the technology blogosphere see the listing as an attempt to deflect recent criticism levelled at the company by users claiming their feedback was being ignored.
The Windows 7 beta, which is no longer available for download was released on January 10. Microsoft has not yet confirmed when and if the Release Candidate edition of its new OS will be similarly opened for appraisal. The final version of Windows 7 is expected to be ready in 2010.
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