New Windows 7 Beta Features

We’re getting a brief introduction to Windows 7 ($79.95) and checking out some of the fresh new features that blow Vista out of the water.

Intuitive Navigational Elements in Windows 7

• Hover over the lower right hand corner to hide open windows and view desktop.

• To compare two Windows (in Internet Explorer 8, for example) you can snap one window to the right half of the screen and another to the left hand for two side by side comparisons.

• There’s an easy access task bar at the bottom of the screen, which Microsoft calls a Jumplist. You can hover over an icon for an application and options for that app pop up.

• There’s a new networking feature called Home Group which lets you easily setup a home network and browse the multimedia on your other home network PCs or XBOX 360 consoles. You can also use this to send music to devices like the Roku.

Touch
Surface Globe application: multi-touch to zoom in. You can interact with your laptop just like a Microsoft Surface device. Two fingers to zoom in, or another function to tilt the application. This example was a map, but Microsoft is hoping others will create new applications that take advantage of this new multi-touch tech. We’re really excited about this and we’ll get our hands on this on the show floor during the show.