Windows 7 is in no way making an exception from the traditional Windows client development process  and, in this context, the evolution of the graphical user interface is among the last aspects of the product to be implemented. Early Windows 7 Builds including Milestone 1 and Milestone 3 feature a visual style extremely similar to that of Windows Vista. However, Microsoft is gearing up to discuss advances of the design and graphical user interface of Windows 7 at the upcoming Professional Developers Conference 2008 and Windows Hardware Engineering Conference 2008.

“Windows 7 is the next major version of the Windows client operating system. With Windows 7 at PDC2008 you will see advances across the full range of Windows - including the kernel, networking, hardware and devices, and user-interface. Learn more about opportunities to build on the platform’s commitment to OS fundamentals, while also enabling you to enhance your existing applications and create new applications that use the new technologies and APIs in Windows 7,” reads a message from Microsoft posted on the PDC2008 website (emphasis added).

The adjacent images, featuring the desktop of Windows 7 Milestone 1 Build 6.1.6519 as well as that of Windows 7 Milestone 3 Build 6780 (courtesy of WinFuture) differ only superficially from Windows Vista. However, at PDC2008, the keynote of Steven Sinofsky, Senior Vice President Windows and Windows Live Engineering Group, will focus on the evolution of the Windows 7 UI. At the same time, Sinofsky, together with Jon DeVaan, Senior Vice President Windows Core Operating System Division, will showcase the evolution of the graphical user interface for the next iteration of the Windows client at WinHEC2008.

“Can't wait to get a look at Windows 7 and discover what it means for the hardware ecosystem? On day 1 of WinHEC 2008, the waiting is over. Microsoft senior vice presidents Steven Sinofsky and Jon DeVaan will introduce Windows 7 and show you what it can do, from advancements in core components and architecture to improvements in user interface, device support, graphics, media, and more,” reveals the synopsis of the DeVaan and Sinofsky keynote for WinHEC2008 (emphasis added).

At both PDC2008 and WinHEC2008, Microsoft plans to “shower” participants in Windows 7 details and to actually offer Windows 7 pre-Beta bits to the audience. In this regard, the Redmond company is expected to discuss Windows 7 pre-Beta and not the recently released Windows 7 M3 Build 6780. The fully-fledged Beta of Windows 7 is reportedly planned for availability in mid-December 2008.