Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve already covered the plethora of Windows 7 versions, starting with the gimpy Starter edition and then running all the way up to Ultimate (which, we can now confirm, will not include a bag of chips). Microsoft’s grand scheme is for users to start with what they need and pay to unlock additional functionality, upgrading their way to the top rung of the the Windows 7 ladder. But, it’s now coming to light that the company will also allow downgrades — not to simpler versions of Win 7, but to earlier operating systems like Vista and even XP. Yes, OEM manufacturers can still keep shipping XP Pro by “downgrading” Windows 7 machines through the end of April, 2010, and while HP is the only one advertising this, you can be sure they won’t be alone. Interestingly these machines will still come with free Windows 7 upgrades, hopefully enticing users to give it a shot, but if they don’t like it they are allowed to go back to XP on their own. Details for user-driven downgrades are a bit light at the moment, though, so don’t be surprised if it requires a little fdisk action.

[Thanks, Simon B.]

Read — Windows 7 will allow downgrades too at CNET
Read — Microsoft allows HP to wipe Windows 7 at AppleInsider
Read — Windows 7 upgrades for downgraders at Computer World

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops

Microsoft hoping for Win 7 upgraders, reluctantly allowing downgraders originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft still hasn’t nailed down all the specifics about its much talked about Windows 7 Starter Edition, but it looks like the company is all too happy to talk up a few of the potential side effects of the OS variant, including the promise of some actual $200 netbooks by this coming holiday season. Apparently, Microsoft sees netbooks running Windows 7 Starter Edition as all but replacing current entry-level Linux-based netbooks, which it says see a “disproportionate amount of returns,” although the company insists that it will still market Home Premium as the default option for most netbooks. Microsoft also says that’s it’s going out of its way to make Windows 7 as accommodating for netbook manufacturers as possible, adding that it has cleaned up the system tray and “made some other concessions for the OEMs to help with branding.”

[Thanks, fikhl]

Filed under: Laptops

Windows 7 Starter Edition to pave the way for $200 netbooks? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 13:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In a bid to help consumers recognize PCs optimized for new Windows 7 multi-touch controls, Microsoft has started… (can you guess?)… a logo program. Not that those “Vista Capable” stickers were of much use. Just think, now our new convertible laptops will be graced with loads of crapware and stickers touting Designed for Window 7, Intel inside, nVIDIA graphics or similar, and now Windows Touch, too. Of course, Microsoft’s slide-ruled hearts are in the right place: the Windows Touch logo is meant to identify machines featuring all the required improvements in hardware (such as accuracy, sample rate, and resolution of the display) to ensure that gestures are recognized and that users can successfully target common UI elements like “I’m over 18” boxes. The logo program also quantifies the requirements for drivers (hooray!) and applications (natch). Certified machines must pass a 43-step test that validates the core requirements under different conditions. Every device submitted for logo will be tested in-house by Microsoft. Hit the read link for the exhaustive detail straight from the unicorn’s mouth.

P.S. The BBC’s report on the new logo program says that Microsoft will kick out the Windows 7 release candidate for users “at the end of May,” not April as previously rumored.

[Via BBC]

Filed under: Desktops, Laptops, Tablet PCs

Windows 7 Touch logo program detailed, Release Candidate “at the end of May” originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 09:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Via Daily Tech]

Read – Some changes since beta for the RC
Read – Feedback and engineering Windows 7

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Windows 7 to get 2,000 bug fixes pointed out by testers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Just in case Microsoft hadn’t locked down enough support for Windows Mobile at MWC last week, the company also managed to shake hands with a slew of PC makers in order to extend support for Mobile Broadband enhancements within Windows 7. It’s still quite unclear what all this means, but we’re guessing that the likes of Acer, ASUS, Dell, HP and Fujitsu will happily support WWAN modules from Huawei, Option, Qualcomm, Sierra Wireless and ZTE. The writeup also gives us reason to believe that WWAN connections will be more tightly integrated than before, possibly even showing up alongside potential WiFi hotspots when looking for a wireless connection. At any rate, we’re all about getting a signal regardless of location, so we’ll take this as a definite positive despite the glaring dearth of details.

[Thanks, Jacob]

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless

Microsoft gets big support for Mobile Broadband enhancements in Windows 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Feb 2009 05:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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