First Impressions of Windows 7 Beta

A beta is bound to have glitches, but Windows 7 has left a good overall first impression.

It strikes users as faster and lighter than Windows Vista, and has improved on important consumer areas like home networking and media sharing.

The interface has some interesting new features but it may take a while – and perhaps some tweaking – to get used to them.

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Microsoft’s Mouseless Revolt

Windows 7 touch screen technology

Microsoft has developed a touchscreen operating system that could signal the end of the computer mouse.

Windows 7, a test version of which will be available from today, is part of Microsoft’s attempts to restore its reputation for innovation and to catch up with Apple, whose touch-screen iPhone has been a huge success.

Microsoft says the new version of its software could revolutionise the way we use computers, The Australian reports, paving the way for touch-screen monitors in every home. About a billion people around the world use Windows software.

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Personally, I think this is a great idea for some scenarios and circumstances, but there is a reason why the humble mouse and keyboard have been around for so long – THEY WORK!

I’ve seen prototypes for touch screen technology used in a wide variety of situations – some work and some don’t, and I think this is the crux of the matter.  As long as Microsoft and the companies who are going to employ this new technology use it for specific actions based on it’s strengths then I think it will be adopted and used actively in the future.

On the other hand, if companies use it just because it is new and they want to be seen as on the “bleeding-edge” of technology then they are missing the point.

First and foremost is the Human/Computer Interaction and User Experience.  If any new technology does not meet the requirements from these two areas then the technology should not be used.