This was apparently announced last night and I missed it during the keynote.  The website to go get this app is http://gettag.mobi – browse right to that site on your phone and the download is small and quick (200KB).

This is not unlike a barcode that identifies a product – except it is used to refer a consumer or visitor to another location, get directions, provide info on a website just by pointing your camera at the code and then it translates it into whatever info you wanted to share.

For a short test – download the application and use it to read this Tag:

You should end up at the mobile version of my website.  Pretty slick huh?  It is very fast – the shot does not even have to get focused on the camera and it is read and your heading towards the link.

Info from Microsoft on this (Microsoft TAG website):

What is Mobile Tagging?

Microsoft Tag creates unlimited possibilities for making interactive communications an instant, entertaining part of life. They transform physical media (print advertising, billboards,product packages, information signs, in-store merchandising, or even video images)—into live links for accessing information and entertainment online.

With the Microsoft Tag application, just aim your camera phone at a Tag and instantly access mobile content, videos, music, contact information, maps, social networks, promotions, and more. Nothing to type, no browsers to launch!

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It is the day after the Pre-CES Keynote by Steve Ballmer (see my coverage here) and the Google Alerts are dominated by Windows 7 news of course.

Google News Alert for: "windows 7"

Reasons to skip Microsoft’s Windows 7 Beta download ZDNet - USA Still, I was excited to hear that Microsoft is releasing a beta download of Windows 7 on Friday - a move that might slow the switch-to-Mac momentum out … See all stories on this topic

Windows 7 beta coming tomorrow Neoseeker - USA [Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer] talking about Windows 7: "We are on track to deliver the best version of Windows 7 ever. … See all stories on this topic

Public beta of Windows 7 out Friday. Who’s in? Dallas Morning News - Dallas,TX,USA The new OS is getting largely positive reviews — generally along the lines of "This is what Windows Vista should have been!" — but it’s still a beta, … See all stories on this topic

Ballmer previews Windows 7 [video] ZDNet - USA He also shows previews the next Windows operating system, Windows 7. You need Javascript enabled to view the video player. Larry Dignan is Editor in Chief … See all stories on this topic

Ballmer unleashes Windows 7 into public beta Yahoo! Tech - Sunnyvale,CA,USA As was widely expected, at last night’s CES keynote speech, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer gave Windows 7 the full dog and pony show, formally announcing the … See all stories on this topic

Windows 7 Beta: Should You Try It? PC World - USA Windows 7 beta becomes available to the public Friday for download. Before you rush out and download it, here is what you need to know. … See all stories on this topic

Hacking Windows 7 beta problems Computerworld - Framingham,MA,USA I’ve put the Windows 7 beta through its paces, and mostly have been impressed. But I also found several problems with it, including hard disks that appear … See all stories on this topic

DailyTech Windows 7 Beta Gets Official DailyTech - Chicago,IL,USA Ballmer gives a hoot for the official release of the Windows 7 beta. (Source: Jason Mick/DailyTech) Windows 7 beta is available to MSDN and TechNet … See all stories on this topic

Ballmer’s Promise: Windows 7 ‘Best Version Of Ever’ InformationWeek - Manhasset,NY,USA By Paul McDougall Kicking off CES 2009 Wednesday night in Las Vegas, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer used his opening keynote address to pitch Windows 7 to an … See all stories on this topic

Microsoft brags up Ford Sync and its coming Windows 7 Detroit Free Press - United States BY MIKE WENDLAND • FREE PRESS TECHNOLOGY COLUMNIST • January 8, 2009 Microsoft’s new Windows 7 computer operating system was showed off at the Consumer … See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "windows 7"

Windows 7 beta available tomorrow: Only 2.5 million download slots … Better hurry up if you want to download the Windows 7 beta, since Microsoft is only allowing the first 2.5 million of you … CrunchGear - http://www.crunchgear.com/

Windows 7: Windows 7 System Requirements Less Hungry than Vista Was Those requirements are basically identical to the system requirements for Vista, which—considering the nearly three-year span between Vista and Windows 7—should make Windows 7 a much more viable upgrade to those of use who don’t want to … Lifehacker: not Mac OS X, not Vista - http://lifehacker.com/

Public Windows 7 beta coming on Friday - The Tech Report Microsoft gave a presentation at the Consumer Electronics Show late yesterday, and as the Associated Press reports, the company revealed that a public beta of Windows 7 is right around the corner. In fact, you should be able to download … The Tech Report: News - http://techreport.com/

Windows 7 Beta: Quick Review Windows 7 seems to be much improved than Windows Vista in lots of areas and the beta clearly shows that Microsoft has indeed taken users feedback on Vista seriously. I would recommend everyone to try Windows 7 Beta atleast once if you … Neowin.net / Main - http://www.neowin.net/

Windows 7 Beta Arrives This Week ~ ID on Desktop Customization Microsoft CEO, Steve Ballmer, kicked off CES 2009 last night with his keynote speech in which he announced the Windows 7 beta will be available for public download, this Friday. This will be a download-only version, and will expire in … Lockergnome Blog Network - http://www.lockergnome.com/

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Asus debuts S121 netbook with Windows 7 and 512GB SSD Jan 6, 2009 … Asustek Computer on Tuesday debuted an ultrathin, light netbook called the S121 with two new technologies, Microsoft’s yet-to-be released …

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Microsoft will make 2.5 million downloads of Windows 7 Beta 1 available on the 9th of January for the general public.  You can get more details here about grabbing it.

The big question is – how long will it take for 2.5 million downloads of Windows 7 to be wiped out?

My guess is before the weekend is over.  What do you think? 

Comment on this and lets see who gets the closest to it.  There just might be a prize in it for whoever is on the mark or close to it.

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For your reading pleasure, after the fact of course, is a summary of the Pre-CES keynote delivered by Microsoft’s Steve Ballmer.

All times are Eastern Standard (EST)

• 9:23 PM -  Static screen has shifted to a shot of live video of the stage at CES 2009 in Las Vegas.  Looks like a full room.
• 9:25 PM – A couple of rapper are now on stage and video is playing on the large screen background. I think they call this “beat boxing”.
• 9:26 PM – Paul Thurrott just linked to this page about the Windows 7 Beta release schedule - http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_beta_available.asp
• 9:29PM – Rappers are done and back to the static image.
• 9:30 PM – President of CES is talking about CES and the show.
• 9:32 PM – Here comes Steve Ballmer and now he does not come out??? More introduction of Steve Ballmer.
• 9:34 PM – Obligatory intro video before Steve walks out.
• 9:36 PM – Here is Steve finally! Dressed casual in a sweater and slacks.
• 9:38 PM – Some bad social media jokes about contact from some others like Yahoo’s Jerry Yang and Bill Gates.
• 9:41 PM – Talking about impact of technology on society.
• 9:42 PM – Did he say 5 billion have never owned a PC?
• 9:43 PM – Three screens – PC, Phone and TV’s.
• 9:45 PM – First mention of the “cloud” as part of the convergence of these technologies.
• 9:46 PM – Windows will tie all information together through the cloud – second mention!
• 9:47 PM – Video showing off new gadgets coming soon. Laptops galore, a desktop, Touchsmart PC; smart phones; Windows Vista???
• 9:50 PM – Steve said “I am a PC and proud of it”
• 9:51 PM – Here comes the Windows discussion.  On track to deliver the best version of Windows ever – Windows 7 that is.
• 9:52 PM – Windows 7 boots quicker, less prompts, access data across any machines, interface with touch.  Beta being released to TechNet and MSDN customers right now.  Friday the general public will be able to download it worldwide.
• 9:54 PM – Windows Live is Microsoft’s cloud solution.  Keeping life in sync across phone, web and PC’s.  Announcing worldwide availability of Windows Live Essentials.  Second partnering with Facebook that will deliver social experience with Windows Live users – sharing data between Facebook and Windows Live.  Third announcement – partnering with Dell to install Live Essentials and search on all of their consumer PC’s worldwide.
• 9:55 PM – Windows Mobile.  11 Windows Mobile phones have sold half a million units.  Partnering long term with Verizon to include MS Live Search on all of their phones.
• 9:58 PM – Charlotte Jones on stage to demo Windows 7, Windows Live and Windows Mobile.  Showing taskbar features using the views bar on the taskbar.  Showing Aero Peek.  Calling them intuitive navigation tools.  Showing windows sharing the desktop space between two windows.  Also showing Jumplists.
• 10:01 PM – Looking at home networking features of Windows 7 – Homegroup. Just 3 steps and 2 minutes to get home network setup – sweet! Showing PlayToo feature.  Works with Roku as well.  Now showing touch features.  Windows 7 has DNA?  Showing multi touch on a globe – I remember some of these gestures at a previous CES keynote by Bill Gates.
• 10:05 PM – Showing Omnia and automatic stitching of panoramic pictures it takes.  Now showing how easy it is to share them across the web.
• 10:06 PM – Internet Explorer 8 coming up. Showing off Live.com home page. Showing off Hotmail now from Windows Live home page.
• 10:11 PM – New feature in Windows Live Messenger – Dynamic Display Picture – emoticon in message changes picture in Messenger – pretty cool. Kissy Lips
• 10:13 PM – I am a PC videos.  Tripod on stage singing after appearing in a video on screen. 
• 10:17 PM – Robbie Bach on stage now – Entertainment and Devices Division President.  Talking about Sync and delivering information to your car dynamically with Sync.  Good success with Zune – over 2 million on Zune Social. 
• 10:20 PM – Says Windows Media Center in Windows 7 will be huge improvements. Discussing IPTV.  Interactive entertainment experience.  Talking Xbox – great 2008 – best holiday season on Xbox and best year since Xbox shipped.  28 million consoles worldwide.  17 million users worldwide on Xbox Live.
• 10:23 PM – 25 million units of Halo titles sold.  Average players plays 150 hours of Halo on Xbox Live across those 25 million units.  Halo Wars comes out this year – 28 Feb in retail.  Downloadable demo on 05 Feb 09.  Second title this fall Halo 3 ODST – traditional style Halo – new characters, new scenarios – all in 2009. November New Xbox Experience (NXE) released – downloads up 60% since NXE launched.
• 10:26 PM – Demoing 1 vs 100 on Xbox Live.   
• 10:29 PM - OK this is going a bit too long for this keynote I think.  Ahh – finally over but it is still running behind him!  Coming in Spring 2009.
• 10:30 PM – Demoing Netflix on Xbox360 – small malfunction with controller. Ahh – now it is working.  Most have already done this since the release of the NXE in November.
• 10:32 PM – Windows Mobile app to manage Netflix queue – OK very cool.
• 10:33 PM – 60 million music track downloads for Lips, Rockband and Guitar Hero.  Connected Social Entertainment (CSE???)
• 10:34 PM – Community Games Channel – game creators able to develop their own games and have them on Xbox Live to distro and share them.  Showing off Kodu programming software.  Sparrow is 12 and has come out to show how to use Kodu. Pretty slick.
• 10:39 PM – Steve back on stage.  Joke did not work at all.  Tying together the various concepts so far.
• 10:42 PM Microsoft Research on stage now showing off some future stuff.  Digital textbook that includes social networking features; showing off some surface computing now; showing flexible active display. 
• 10:49 PM – Steve alone again on stage – another joke that fell flat.  Here is the wrap up. Good night everyone.
• President of CES just made a fat joke about Steve Ballmer???  Not the best way to thank your opening keynote speaker.  Tripod coming back to sing one last song.

Well there ya go – it is all wrapped up.  I may have very well missed a few items – in the midst of blogging this I was getting my download started of Windows 7 Beta 1. 

Only the first 2.5 million public folks get to download the beta starting on Friday – based on what I have read on Twitter over the last few weeks that is going to go very fast.

Here is the press release for all of the stuff Steve Ballmer talked about during the keynote.

The page to watch for the public beta download is at

http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/default.aspx

Enjoy and make sure you use the feedback tools to report any issues you have.

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Google News Alert for: windows vista

guardian.co.uk Should you wait for Windows 7 before buying a new PC? guardian.co.uk - UK Windows Vista has a mixed reputation at best, whereas Windows 7 is impressive even in its current preview form: the public beta will be made available … See all stories on this topic

The (Redmond) Empire Strikes Back InternetNews.com - USA By Andy Patrizio: More stories by this author: Microsoft and Windows Vista have taken quite the shellacking from Apple via the latter’s "I’m a Mac, … See all stories on this topic

Fresco Logic Demonstrates SuperSpeed USB Host and Device … SYS-CON Media - Montvale,NJ,USA Fresco Logic, a leading Silicon IP, Chip and Solution Company, will demonstrate SuperSpeed USB data transfer running under Microsoft’s Windows Vista … See all stories on this topic

Zap Zero-Day IE Attack Before It Zaps You PC World - USA Two more holes–this time in Windows Search for Windows Vista–could result in complete loss of control over your PC. Like the IE bug, one of the holes in … See all stories on this topic

Pro Tools LE on Windows Vista ProToolsUsers - Los Angeles,USA I installed Pro Tools LE 7 onto my new computer, which operates with windows Vista. I have an M Box. The whole system is a nightmare. … See all stories on this topic

Notes from the netbook revolution InfoWorld - San Francisco,CA,USA … blow away the Linux partition, and provision the netbook using an existing Windows XP Pro (or Vista Business or Ultimate license, which will allow you … See all stories on this topic

Download Vista SP1 Management Tools for Hyper-V RTM Softpedia - Bucharest,Romania However, even as early as the Release Candidate stages of the solution, the Redmond company was offering tools designed to integrate with Windows Vista … See all stories on this topic

Snow Leopard Is An Endangered Species eWeek - New York, NY Windows 7 looks better all the time, and even early reviewers are cooing over Vista’s successor. Microsoft can crank up the volume on that positive buzz and … See all stories on this topic

Report: Microsoft to do free Windows 7 upgrades Computerworld - Framingham,MA,USA By Gregg Keizer January 6, 2009 (Computerworld) Microsoft Corp. will offer free or discounted Windows 7 upgrades to users who buy Vista PCs after July 1, … See all stories on this topic

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Microsoft May Offer Free Upgrades To Windows 7 OS : dBTechno Washington (dbTechno) - It appears that Microsoft is going to offer some type of free upgrades to the Windows 7 operating system. According to reports, any consumer who purchases a Windows Vista PC after July 1, 2009 will be able to … dBTechno - http://www.dbtechno.com/

Ultimate Windows Tweaker Unlocks Hidden Vista Options - AppScout The Ultimate Windows Tweaker features over 130 tweaks and customizations designed to give you a bit more control over your Vista installation. AppScout - http://www.appscout.com/

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Google News Alert for: "windows 7"

Five Reasons Microsoft Plans Free Windows 7 Upgrades CRN - Manhasset,NY,USA TechARP also reports that Microsoft will allow resellers to purchase Windows 7 upgrade media and provide it to customers who buy a Vista system after July 1 … See all stories on this topic

Windows 7 Energy Efficiency DABCC.com - Sarasota,FL,USA In engineering Windows 7 we had an explicit focus on the energy usage patterns of the running system and will continue to work with hardware and software … See all stories on this topic

Microsoft Starting Windows 7 Upgrade Program on July 1st Gizmodo.com - USA … just before the transition from XP to Vista to prevent a slowdown in sales, so it looks like the mid-2009 target for WIndows 7 is still on track. … See all stories on this topic

Microsoft: Don’t Throw Vista Out With Windows 7’s Bathwater InformationWeek - Manhasset,NY,USA Companies are increasingly asking Microsoft how an upgrade to Vista will pay off when they decide to upgrade again to Windows 7 in the next few years. … See all stories on this topic

Windows 7 Beta Release Imminent InformationWeek - Manhasset,NY,USA By Paul McDougall Microsoft may release to developers a trial version of its forthcoming Windows 7 operating system as soon as next week, according to a … See all stories on this topic

Windows 7 beta: First impressions CNET News - San Francisco,CA,USA Windows 7 could be one of Microsoft’s greatest operating systems, if it fulfills the promise shown by the unofficial beta version (build 7000) we have been … See all stories on this topic

Asus debuts S121 netbook with Windows 7 and 512GB SSD Computerworld - Framingham,MA,USA Anonymous says: I suggest you try out windows 7 beta on an older machine at least once. Runs as well as XP… January 6, 2009 (IDG News Service) Asustek … See all stories on this topic

CES: Asus’ S121 Upscale Netbook Has SSD, Windows 7 CRN - Manhasset,NY,USA The Asus S121 will feature two technologies new to the notebook manufacturer: a solid state drive and Windows 7. Asus is billing the S121 as an "Ultra Slim … See all stories on this topic

Asus debuts S121 netbook with Windows 7 and 512GB SSD Computerworld - Framingham,MA,USA By Dan Nystedt Anonymous says: I suggest you try out windows 7 beta on an older machine at least once. Runs as well as XP… Anonymous says: Wow, why is it … See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "windows 7"

Microsoft may begin offering Windows 7 upgrades as early as July … According to a report this morning from Techarp, Microsoft may be making Windows 7 upgrades available a bit sooner than expected. Beginning July 1 of this year, Microsoft will supposedly be providing an affordable upgrade option to all … Boy Genius Report - http://www.boygeniusreport.com/

Matt Hester’s WebLog : Interesting article on Windows 7 Beta … I read this great article by Paul Thurrott today: Windows 7 Beta Compatibility He talks about some of the good and interesting things with his testing Windows 7 hardware and software compatibility. He talks about the multiple platforms … TechNet Blogs - http://blogs.technet.com/default.aspx

Free Windows 7 Upgrade Program | Windows 7 News You might have read our article about the Windows 7 Tech Guarantee Program back in November which basically stated that Windows Vista users might receive a free. Windows 7 News - http://windows7news.com/

Report: Microsoft Details Windows 7 Upgrade Program | Technologizer According to TechARP.com, Microsoft has gone ahead and begun to offer details of its upgrade program for those who buy Vista machines before Windows 7 releases late this year to its partners. In some cases customers may be eligible for … Technologizer - http://technologizer.com/

Report: Microsoft to Offer Free Windows 7 Upgrades - CIO.com … Microsoft and PC makers will offer free or discounted Windows 7 upgrades for Vista machines bought after July 1, says TechARP.com. CIO.com - How-To - http://www.cio.com/

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Try cheap fix for audio, or just upgrade Minneapolis Star Tribune - Minneapolis,MN,USA Q After buying a new computer that uses Windows Vista, I can’t locate the Picasa photo software even though I’ve downloaded it twice. Any suggestions? … See all stories on this topic

Buy a Vista PC as of July 1, upgrade to Windows 7 for free Ars Technica - Boston,MA,USA However, as with previous Microsoft operating system upgrade programs, there are restrictions: A language version of the qualifying Windows Vista product … See all stories on this topic

Secret Tech Tips From Hassle-Free PC PC World - USA PC World blogger Rick Broida reveals how to turn on a hidden Windows Vista feature, make your own ringtones, and change IE’s default search engine. … See all stories on this topic

Troubleshoot driver problems in Vista with the Driver Verifier Manager TechRepublic - Louisville,KY,USA If you are encountering unpredictable errors, lockups, or BSODs in Windows Vista, chances are that you’re system is suffering from the effects of a faulty … See all stories on this topic

Synaptics TouchPad Driver v 10.1.8 for Windows Vista 64-bit TechSpot - USA The Synaptics device driver is customized to meet the specific requirements of your device manufacturer. To ensure that you get the appropriate device … See all stories on this topic

Hands On with Phoenix’s Hyperspace Pre-Boot Shell PC Magazine - USA You might have seen one, and if so, there’s a good chance that it is a Linux environment—one that works in tandem with a version of Windows Vista or XP. … See all stories on this topic

Windows Vista SP1 Redmondmag.com - CA,USA Service Pack 1 (SP1) might have been Windows Vista’s last stand. The forlorn operating system, intended successor to the stubbornly popular Windows XP, … See all stories on this topic

PC World Latest HP Netbook Grows Up, Stays Mini PC World - USA That alone got my attention, but the lackluster VIA C7-M processor made it run Windows Vista Business Edition–that’s right–unbearably slowly. … See all stories on this topic

SonyStyle Japan Adds New Vaio “Owner Made” Computers Sony Insider - Atlanta,Georgia,USA The biggest news is that 64-bit Windows Vista is now available. Sony Japan spoils the consumer further by offering incredible paint jobs on these computers, … See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: windows vista

Put Your Pidgin Buddy List into the Windows Vista Sidebar :: the … Sure, you can use the previously mentioned AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) Gadget for Vista Sidebar, but what if you are a fan of the multi-protocol Pidgin client instead? The solution is a small Windows Sidebar Gadget called Pidglet that … the How-To Geek - http://www.howtogeek.com/

[MS KBs] New KB Articles At Microsoft 6 Jan 2009 - Weekly Summary … 960644 When you click a file protocol-based hyperlink that points to a 2007 Office system file in Windows Vista or in Windows Server 2008, an application that is associated with the file may not start … myITforum.com - http://myitforum.com/cs2/blogs/

Add Vista-like Transparency to XP with Fast Aero - AppScout With Fast Aero, you can bring the semi-transparent window borders available in Windows Vista to Windows XP for free, and without upgrading your system. AppScout - http://www.appscout.com/

I Am Boycotting IE Mobile Until Microsoft Gets Its Act Together … Robert McLaws: Windows Vista Edition. I’m just an online pundit who’s barely old enough to legally buy alcohol. I Am Boycotting IE Mobile Until Microsoft Gets Its Act Together. I have very high expectations for Microsoft’s Windows … Windows-Now.com - http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/

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Google News Alert for: "windows 7"

Vista’s flaws surface again on eve of Windows 7 beta ITworld.com - Framingham,MA,USA Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is expected to unveil the Windows 7 beta during his keynote Wednesday at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. … See all stories on this topic

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Public betas of Windows 7 client and server could hit this week ZDNet Blogs - USA Ditto with Windows 7 Server, aka Windows Server 2008 R2. The private Beta 1 release of that product is scheduled for late January 7/early January 8, … See all stories on this topic

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Five things Steve Ballmer won’t tell you about Windows 7 ZDNet - USA It’s widely expected that Ballmer will publicly unveil Windows 7 Beta 1, just as Gates used the stage to announce previous Windows versions. … See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "windows 7"

Windows 7: Federated Search Windows 7 along with the desktop search, introduces Federated Search in which the scope of the search goes beyond your PC. You can now search for items in remote repositories from your PC. It is based on OpenSearch and the RSS format. … Neowin.net / All - http://www.neowin.net/

Bink.nu | Ballmer to talk Windows 7, not ZunePhone, at CES - Bink.nu Instead, much of CEO Steve Ballmer’s focus will be on talking about Windows 7 from a consumer perspective. Microsoft is pushing to have Windows 7 done in time for the holiday 2009 shopping season, so that means this CES is Ballmer’s … Bink.nu - http://bink.nu/news/default.aspx

Security vendors warn against leaked Windows 7 downloads - Software With Microsoft Corp. likely to use this week’s CES 2009 trade show to boost interest in its upcoming Windows 7 operating system, security vendors are warning against downloading the recently leaked version that is presently circulating … The Tech Herald Technology News - http://www.thetechherald.com/

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Google News Alert for: windows vista

Ballmer Should Skip Pep Talk at CES PC World - USA When Steve Ballmer gives his keynote address at CES, he’s widely expected to tout the benefits of Windows 7, and give his usual pep rally speech — minus … See all stories on this topic

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Google Blogs Alert for: windows vista

Expand or Clear List of Recent Programs Displayed on Start Menu … Expand the list of recently-accessed programs displayed on the Windows Vista Start Menu, or clear this list altogether. New Computer and Technology Help… - http://malektips.com/

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Expert: Microsoft made $1.5B on ‘Vista Capable’ campaign | The … jpgMicrosoft earned more than US$1.5 billion from the sale of PCs marked as " Vista Capable " in the months leading up to the 2007 debut of Windows Vista, according to an expert’s estimate. … Industry Standard Breaking News - http://www.thestandard.com/news/breaking/feed

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Google News Alert for: "windows 7"

TECH.BLORGE.com Windows 7 better - but by how much? TECH.BLORGE.com - Sydney,Australia By John Lister The first major independent tests of Windows 7’s beta edition show it outperforming both XP and Vista. However, the method of the testing … See all stories on this topic

WMP 12 toxic to certain MP3 files ZDNet - USA Several reports from users using the latest leaked build of Windows 7 indicate a potential data corruption issue using Microsoft’s Windows Media Player 12. … See all stories on this topic

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New Malware Targets Windows 7, Vista SP1 and XP SP3 Vulnerability Softpedia - Bucharest,Romania B is a new piece of malware targeting a vulnerability in Server Service affecting all supporter versions of Windows, including Windows 7, Windows Vista SP1, … See all stories on this topic

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Touch your PC: HP TouchSmart PC for today and Windows 7 Whatisnew.com - USA An added bonus for those who are testing the upcoming Windows 7 is that the hardware supports consumer OS features from improved Media Center to multi-touch … See all stories on this topic

Google Blogs Alert for: "windows 7"

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It is the post season in the National Football League here in the US.  Every game is a “must win” game because otherwise your season is over.  Another “must win” for Microsoft is Windows 7.

Now if they miss with Windows 7 they of course always get to try again down the road – just like an NFL team gets to try again next year.

The folks at Redmond have had a couple of recent opportunities to comeback next time around and try to improve on their flagship operating system.  The first time was after Windows Millennium Edition (otherwise known as Windows ME).  Everyone knows and remembers how that went over.  Windows ME followed Windows 98 and was a disappointment to many.  It was buggy and many people skipped right over it.

Microsoft had their next season start with Windows XP which has been hugely popular.  It ran well, worked with your hardware and was well supported.  It did what Windows ME could not – satisfied the fans with a solid operating system.

After Windows XP you had Windows Vista.  This version of the Microsoft operating system was disliked as much, if not more, than Windows ME was.  It had high system requirements – almost needed upgraded components to run decently with all the fancy interface upgrades, etc.  It was not as gamer friendly due to its User Account Control (UAC).  Much of existing hardware had to be upgraded because manufacturers would not support older versions of their gear on the new system.

Now – why do I bring all of the above history up anyway?  Well as mentioned in the first paragraph Microsoft is about to embark on the beta process and ultimate release of their next version of the Windows operating system – Windows 7.  It is expected that the big announcement of its beta release to the public will come at CES 2009 (08 to 11 January 2009).

Windows 7 follows a release of Windows that has certainly had its detractors – much like Windows XP followed Windows ME.

Well if you keep up with the news around the Internet you have seen that Windows 7 is out there in the wild and getting what I believe are very positive reviews – especially for beta software.

I frequent one social media site on a very regular basis – Twitter and it is a constant flow of the consciousness of its users.  They comment on anything and everything they are up to.  Well then it is no surprise that Windows 7 comes up a lot in the various tweets (individual messages of no more than 140 characters) that people are sending.  Most of the comments are positive (I say about 80%).  There are comparisons to OS X as there always are but there are also comparisons to how much better this beta operating system runs compared to its predecessor, Windows Vista.

Here are some positive examples I have seen over the last several hours (yes hours):

• vampaccino: Totally just installed Windows 7 Ultimate. OHHHHSOOOO fancy it is!
• istone: @infilmity i mean windows 7 default able to use WIFI driver.. so good
• rigar: Windows 7 & Ubuntu like my dream machine
• zlike: Windows 7 is cool!
• hdragomir: windows 7, it rocks!
• angelsomething: ok. second day of windows 7. it actually is not bad. not bad at all. I actually like it. I would actually get an eeepc just to use it.
• jkuter: Just installed Windows 7 and I like it. I can’t say I hated Vista and they left a bunch of it intact. BTW Server 08 is great for dev desks
• ClanThrasher: So far enjoying the workings of Windows 7.
• onlineshopping: Windows 7 is fast. Very fast.
• georgestanley: First tweet from Windows 7.. This thing really is slick as hell… Of course the next challenge is to bring it up on the EEE pc
• jtaylorhoopla: Using windows 7. Its amazing Maybe a youtube video on it or something.. idk.
• adamzwakk: Laptop is 100% on Windows 7 now
• Richard_Hansen: @DanOCan - have you played w/ Windows 7 yet? I downloaded a copy via a bit torrent and installed as a VM … seems nice so far
• jyoungest1: Woo running windows 7 on my laptop now. It is frickin awesome!
• hejaeslov: Playing w/ Windows 7 in Vmware. Liking the new taskbar. Fast too.
• justnick: Windows 7 keeps growing on me, Vista wasn’t this nice at beta 1 or even launch for that matter! Must resist installing on non-test boxes…
• davepope: Windows 7 even plays my divx avi files out of the box without anything extra installed.
• jackolas: Only had to reboot twice for Windows 7… so far. Aw cute little betta fish and bootsplash.
• rhwalt: running Railo on Windows 7 beta. Runs smooth as all get out.
• Hidesquadron1: I just got my hands on a Windows 7 beta and I am totally blown away by it.
• georgestanley: Wow, trying out Windows 7 Beta 1 and the first stage of the install only took 12 mins… I’m worried now as to what it skipped
• redG: Windows 7 is awesome. (yes I am legit)
• ralphsmith: Testing Windows 7 application and driver performance. My overall impression so far is still this is What Vista was supposed to be.
• davepope: so, windows 7 beta (bld 7000) kicks ***! loaded it on my 5 year old laptop and besides having to force a video driver, it runs great!
• maciekl: Using windows 7 beta - pretty sweet!
• tamorgan: Just installed Windows 7 for a test run. Full marks so far, and its only a developer beta build? Getting excited for this one
• awbennett: Mesh is awsome, Laptop and Samsung NC10 documents now in sync. DId I mention I am running Windows 7, sweet.
• epicjoshftv: tried windows 7 again. and for it being windows, i like it.
• koenitz: Not bad Windows 7: http://blogs.zdnet.com/hardware/?p=3236 but i’m still waiting for snow leopard…
• kevinmw1987: I just installed the new Windows 7 Beta and I love it! It kicks Vista’s *** for sure.
• me1000: Windows 7 works a lot better than Vista on a clean install. The task bar is a dock, big rip off. I dont like a few things, but it’s alright.
• petergene: BTdubs, Windows 7 is suuuuper quick and I don’t hate the new taskbar as much as I thought I would. Libraries feature is a little confusing.
• tikian12: Loves windows 7 and hasn’t really even tried it out yet
• nathancook: @Geekdom … but windows 7 is fantastic!
• Alli_Flowers: Windows 7 works on my Wind netbook!
• creativeweb: Windows 7 is fast. Very fast.: Okay, there is a lot of Vista hate out there, and I’ll stand up and say,
• K_Asante: Just installed the new windows 7 beta build on my asus g70s laptop. This is seriously awsome! Even Apple fanboys will agree I think.
• andrewdarrow: first impressions of Windows 7….way to go M$ finally a OS that is’nt a memory hog and can compete memory wise with Linux..keep it that way
• parkinsonliam: windows 7 beta is certainly snappy and stable
• nemolian: I finally got a chance to install Windows 7 (7000 build) on a box. The new Media Center is shweeeet.
• i3g: is really impressed with windows 7! Have it on both laptop and desktop now! Hoping it wont die in 30 days…………….
• Lewisham: Surprisingly impressed by Windows 7. Am I impressed because it’s taking cues from Mac OS X (see Taskbar -> Dock)? Probably.
• credendino: Checked out Windows 7. Looks solid.
• atmasphere: @wonderhelm windows 7 on the netbook is solid … I like it more than XP

Not to just focus on the positive – here are some of the negative perceptions of Windows 7 from Twitter:

• Tower1984: Windows 7 is pretty but I can’t get fallout 3 working on it yet
• luke188: Installed Windows 7, things are a bit buggy at the moment but everything else seems to be ok. Will review it tomorrow
• urbanminstrel: Looks like my old laptop won’t support Windows 7 … LINUX time!
• chilkotardis: IT’s sort of pathetic that office apps wither and die under Windows 7. I know it’s a BETA, but it’s not TOO different from Vista.
• grahamhancock: Hmmm… The Mac Pro did not like Windows 7. Trying it on the old Dell notebook.
• shanselman: Google Chrome works on Windows 7 if you add "–in-process-plugins" to the icon’s target command line
• itilir: useing windows 7 now. kinda slow, but i like it. i know why there is a beta fish background too, because this is a beta version of windows
• gregbond: #5 Vista sucks and it looks like Windows 7 will not be the game changer they (we) need.
• petergene: BTdubs, Windows 7 is suuuuper quick and I don’t hate the new taskbar as much as I thought I would. Libraries feature is a little confusing.
• Lewisham: Surprisingly impressed by Windows 7. Am I impressed because it’s taking cues from Mac OS X (see Taskbar -> Dock)? Probably.
• hamil242: I installed Windows 7 beta. It’s been a day and it crapped out on me lol.

As you can see the positive comments, and some have a spot in both lists, run about 4 to 1 against the negative ones.  What is going to make Windows 7 a success is public opinion – that is why Windows ME and Windows Vista were hurt – the people did not like them.  I also recently ran a poll on my website asking visitors if they planned to upgrade to Windows 7.  An overwhelming 83% percent said yes – again – not scientific by any means but a good indicator of public opinion.

I say at least a small sampling of the people have spoken on Twitter and based on that I predict Windows 7 is going to be a hugely popular upgrade to Windows and considered a bigger success than Vista ever was.

Related Posts:

• Links Galore and Some Windows Seven Stuff
• Windows 7 (Seven) Google Alerts for 03 January 2009
• Windows 7 (Seven) Google Alerts for 07 January 2009
• Windows 7 (Seven) Google Alerts for 04 January 2009
• Windows Vista Google Alerts for 29 August 2008

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