14 DAY TRIAL // Get ready for the Windows ride of, well, at least the decade. In the center, you will be able to see the real estate space formerly occupied by the Windows 7 Betta fish wallpaper, now a stylized version of the Windows logo illustrating the proximity to RTM. At the bottom, you can see the evolution of the Taskbar, which is now referred to as the Superbar, and the goodies it houses, such as Jumplists and Previews. In the bottom, left-hand-side corner, the Windows orb has been revamped with new effects, and comes alive as the mouse interacts with it.
The fact of the matter is that Microsoft did a better job at allowing end users to tour Windows 7. The Tour Windows 7 page is live, featuring no less than four videos (via Long Zheng), presenting Latika Kirtane. As you will be able to see, the video tours are intended for end users, an audience that is not aware of what the next iteration of Windows has to offer.
Beta testers and professionals that have been already playing around with the development milestones of Windows 7 won't be able to find anything new in the videos. However, users unfamiliar with the successor of Windows Vista should indeed watch them, especially if they are considering taking advantage of the special offers that the software giant has lined up for them.
The past week, Microsoft announced the pricing details of Windows 7. At the same time, the Redmond company kicked off the Windows 7 Upgrade Option Anytime Program, as well as special, limited discounts for Windows 7 Professional and Home Premium. In this regard, Windows 7 Professional is up for grabs for just $99.99, while the Home Premium version is just $49.99.
“Windows 7 is the easiest, fastest, and most engaging version of Windows yet. Better ways to find and manage files, like Jump Lists and improved taskbar previews, help you speed through everyday tasks. Faster and more reliable performance means your PC just works the way you want it to. And great features like HomeGroup and Windows Touch make new things possible. Get to know Windows 7, and see how it can simplify just about everything you do with your PC,” Microsoft revealed.
32-bit and 64-bit Windows 7 (Release Candidate) RC Build 7100.0.090421-1700 is available for download here.