Microsoft boss Steve Ballmer has been hinting at the new features of Windows 7 for a while, but now we’ve got a few firm details of what’s in store from the Big M’s next-gen operating system.
ZDNet’s Mary-Jo Foley has unearthed new information about the contents of Microsoft’s pre-beta Windows 7 build, due to be handed out to attendees of the Professional Developers Conference.
Apparently, the next-gen Windows build will include a new “Action Center” allowing users to diagnose problems with their system and get it back up and running without extra assistance. Sounds hopeful.
There’s also a new feature called “StreamOn” which Foley describes as “a way to control audio/video content on PCs and devices.” Details of how it’ll work are sketchy, but suggests microsoft’s placing more importance on hassle-free sharing of content around the home, and to portable devices.
There’ll be a new task bar too, as well as under-the-hood improvements to on-screen animations, thanks to a new animation system.
As has already been demonstrated, Windows 7 will support multi-touch and gesture recognition too, and it’s likely it’ll take over from Vista as the heart of Microsoft’s Surface platform.
Other known improvements are minor. There’s better Bluetooth support, and an all new “Device Stage” tool, which provides a central control panel to manage accessories that’re plugged into a PC, whether they’re webcams, printers, mobile phones or media players.
Hardly Earth-shattering stuff, we think you’ll agree. But what do you want to see from the next-generation of Windows? Vote below, and add your own suggestions too!
