The evolution from Windows Vista to Windows 7 will enable users of the next iteration of the Windows client to take advantage of features and capabilities unavailable to its precursors. The Windows 7 Navigation Applications, currently tailored for the Beta Build 7000 of the client, is an illustrative example in this context. The application, offered as a free download, is built on top of the Sensor and Location Platform in Windows 7. The Navigation Application is an essentially location-aware Windows Presentation Foundation code, developed as an integration of Virtual Earth into Windows 7, all packed into a Ribbon/Fluent graphical user interface.

“What it showcases? How to access Windows 7 Location Platform data in your .NET application. How to show this data with Virtual Earth 3D and track movements automatically by subscribing to Location changes from Location Platform API. How to use WPF Ribbon Control and VE3D WinForms control to make easy Natural User Interface for interaction with app,” Daniel Kornev, program manager, Microsoft Russia, asked.

In order to use the application built by Kornev, users will need to download the Beta of Windows 7, but also the .NET Framework 3.5 SP1, the Virtual Earth 3D Control, and a Windows 7-compatible Location Provider (GPS). Via Windows 7's Sensor and Location Platform, and Virtual Earth 3D, the application can indicate the current position of the user, through GPS. However, the program is, by no means, limited to GPS.

“If you have a GPS with a Location Platform-compatible driver for Windows 7, the application will receive data from it. If you have downloaded a virtual sensor that determines your approximate location based on your IP-address, the application will use the data, etc. In general, the application will use the data source, which is available in the system,” Kornev added.

Windows 7-compatible Virtual Earth Navigation Application is available for download here.

Windows 7 Beta is available for download here.

Product keys to activate Windows 7 Beta are available here.