Windows 7 Beta Available Worldwide Friday For You

We’re here live at The Venetian for Microsoft’s press conference at CES 2009 in Las Vegas. Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s CEO, just took the stage. He’s talking about how technology is moving beyond the three screens (TV, PC, and phone) and how netbooks and the OLPC program has continued to democratize the computing industry. Microsoft is transforming Windows from an operating system to a connected platform. Windows will work across all three screens, and tie all of the information together through the cloud.

• Windows 7 ($74.99) will make everyday tasks faster, and easier

• It should boot quicker, have longer battery life and fewer alerts

• It makes entertainment better with a new media experience. You can play your media on other devices.

• it enables cool new user interface things, like touch.

Today Microsoft is announcing the Windows 7 beta. You can get it Friday.