Microsoft has unveiled the latest version of its
Windows operating system.
It promised that it will deliver a better
experience for users when it arrives sometime
late next year.
Windows 7 follows Vista, which Microsoft claims
has been a success, but which has been subject
to fierce criticism from a number of users.
The system was demonstrated at the company's
Professional Developers Conference in Los
Angeles.
Senior vice-president Steven Sinofsky described
it as an "exciting new version of Windows" and
claimed it would deliver a more personalised
experience.
Feedback
When Vista launched in January 2007, many users
complained that it ran slowly and failed to work
at all with some programs and devices.
Corporate customers have been slow to switch
from Windows XP to Vista, although Microsoft
said that the operating system had an unfair
press, and has enjoyed record sales.
"We got a lot of feedback about Vista," admitted
Mr Sinofsky, who runs the Windows business.
He said his team had responded with improvements
and had learned some lessons in developing
Windows 7.
Data sharing
Among the new features promised in the latest
operating system are Windows Touch, which
introduces support for multi-touch technology.
This will enable users to zoom in on an image by
moving two fingers farther apart - a technology
first introduced to millions of users by Apple's
iPhone.
A new taskbar aims to give more rapid access to
files and programs, with each open window
appearing as a graphic thumbnail.
There is also a feature called HomeGroup,
allowing users easy sharing of data across PCs
and other devices in the home.
And there is more support for devices such as
cameras, printers, and mobile phones with a
product called Device Stage offering a single
window to manage tasks for each device.
Microsoft's chief software architect Ray Ozzie
defended Vista and indicated that Windows 7
would be evolutionary rather than revolutionary.
"Vista is a great operating system, it's
tremendously functional," he told the BBC.
"Windows 7 brings it up a level by enabling it
to take advantage of certain hardware
innovations. PCs have evolved since Vista was
launched," he said.
Microsoft also announced that its Office
software will now be available as a web
application, so that users can create and share
documents across multiple devices.
Google already offers users online applications
allowing them to create documents, spreadsheets,
and presentations online for free.
Microsoft's Office Web will be supplied to
customers who purchase the next edition of
Office, but Microsoft stressed that it will
provide all the same functions online as are
available offline.
