14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft Hardware, the Redmond company's maker of computer peripherals, promised that its products would not only be fully compatible with the next iteration of the Windows client by General Availability, but that they would deliver Windows 7-exclusive features. Windows 7 is scheduled to hit the shelves on October 22, 2009, at which time all the mice, keyboards, LifeCams, gaming devices and notebook accessories from Microsoft will play nice with the operating system.
The software giant is already offering customers an array of Beta software for its peripherals, enabling integration with the pre-release versions of Windows 7. The drivers are in Beta stage only for the time being. Microsoft plans to release final versions of all software for its mice, keyboards and controllers on June 26th, and July 31 for LifeCam webcams.
Moving forward, the Redmond company's hardware products will bridge with the features specific of Windows Vista's successor. In this regard, Microsoft Hardware offerings will support Device Stage, a feature in Windows 7 set up to streamline access to tasks, information, settings for all devices connected to a computer.
Mice and keyboards will also offer an easy way for the user to take advantage of Windows Flip, the feature delivering live thumbnails of the opened windows on the desktop, helping with navigation actions to a certain item. In addition, LifeCam products will take advantage of Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery in order to permit users to perform a variety of tasks from sharing an image to connecting to social networking hotspots. Keyboards from Microsoft Hardware designed for Windows 7 will offer customers the Taskbar Favorites feature, easy and fast access to the most used programs and documents. Obviously Taskbar Favorites will work in conjunction with the Windows 7 Superbar.
“These new benefits continue a longstanding tradition of Microsoft integration,” explained Brett Ostrum, general manager of Microsoft Hardware. “Microsoft Hardware devices have been enhancing life on the PC for more than 25 years — from a mouse designed for the first version of Microsoft Word and LifeCam exclusive features for Windows Live to keyboard design inspiration taken from Windows Vista. Our collaborative effort among all Microsoft teams ensures that the Microsoft Hardware lineup is an excellent choice for Windows 7 users.”