14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft plans to make available for download a range of applications designed to take advantage of the touch capabilities built by default into the DNA of Windows 7. The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 was initially announced at the start of this year, after the company had produced the first Release Candidate (RC) build of the operating system. At that time, the software giant revealed a move that disappointed Windows 7 users from the get-go. Microsoft noted that the Touch Pack for Windows 7 would not be available to the general public, but instead offered only to original equipment manufacturers.
However, at that time, Brandon LeBlanc, Windows communications manager on the Windows Client Communications Team, did promise that Microsoft would release the Touch Pack for Windows 7 to a much broader audience, based on customer feedback. In this regard, it looks like Microsoft will make good on its promise, according to Neowin.
“Microsoft is planning to make it available via download soon but has not confirmed/committed to a timeline,” a company spokesperson stated. At the same time, on the official website for the Touch Pack for Windows 7, the software giant noted, “The Touch Pack comes preinstalled on some multitouch PCs running Windows 7, and will soon be available for download. It's not included in Windows 7.”
The Touch Pack for Windows 7 is comprised of three games and just as many applications, including: Microsoft Blackboard, Microsoft Garden Pond, Microsoft Rebound, Microsoft Surface Globe, Microsoft Surface Collage, and Microsoft Surface Lagoon. Of course, the Redmond company failed to provide an actual release date for the Touch Pack for Windows 7.
“The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is a collection of games and programs that you interact with using your fingers. To use these games and programs, you need either a laptop with a screen that supports multitouch or a desktop PC connected to a touchscreen that supports multitouch (including all-in-one PCs with touchscreens),” Microsoft said. “To find this capability, look for a laptop, all-in-one PC, or touchscreen with the Windows 7 logo that says it supports Windows Touch.”
Still, for those that know where to look, the Touch Pack for Windows 7 is already available for download. All applications from the Touch Pack were leaked in the wild at the start of June 2009, and are still up for grabs via BitTorrent trackers and warez websites.
UPDATE: Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is available for download here.