Microsoft has had many announcements this week and, in case you missed it, Ballmer made a big announcement at CES tonight, stating that:
The beta version of Windows 7, Microsoft’s next-generation PC operating system, can be downloaded… beginning Jan. 9 at http://www.microsoft.com/windows7.
Having friends that worked on Windows 7 and viewing lots of internal and external docs on MSDN and the internal Sharepoint, I can say that Windows 7 is AWESOME. If you can spare a an afternoon, I suggest downloading and trying it out.
Other big announcements
In addition to the Windows 7 announcement, Ballmer also announced three large partnerships with:
- Dell Inc. In February, to offer a comprehensive experience for consumers to connect, share and personalize their content, Dell will offer preloaded Windows Live Essentials (a free suite of applications for instant messaging, e-mail and photos that complement Windows Live on the Web) and Live Search on a majority of its new consumer and small-business PCs globally.
- Facebook. In the coming months, Facebook users can choose to share content they post on Facebook, including photos, directly into Windows Live.
- Verizon Wireless. Under a new five-year relationship that covers mobile search and advertising, Verizon subscribers in the U.S. will be able to use Live Search to search for local business and shopping information; access maps and directions; perform general Internet searches; and find ring tones, games, wallpaper and other online mobile products and services.
