Microsoft Taiwan Corp (台灣微軟) unveiled its “release to manufacturing” (RTM) version of the highly anticipated Windows 7 platform yesterday, which is undergoing minor adjustments by local engineers before the worldwide launch on Oct. 22.
Despite its emphasis on multimedia and entertainment, “Windows 7 will give users a bare bones version of the VISTA operating system [OS], but with many additional improvements and compatibilities built-in,” Kevin Chien (簡志偉), Microsoft Taiwan’s assistant technology manager, told the Taipei Times on the sidelines of the launch.
Chien touted improvements made to various programs.
Upgrading from VISTA to Windows 7 is easy, but the same cannot be said about transitioning from XP to Windows 7.
To solve this problem, Chien said: “Microsoft engineers are standing by to help companies make a smooth transition. However, for non-corporate clients who are not as computer savvy, the task may be a bit daunting,” Chien said.
Chien said he believes that Windows 7’s capacity to consolidate information, facilitate data research and communicate with customers will attract companies.
“This time around, Taiwan will be the focal point for the release of Windows 7, since many of the PC original equipment makers [OEMs] and software developers are here. We try to localize applications to make the platform more user-friendly,” Cathy Yeh (葉怡君), head of the company’s Windows 7 Business Group, told reporters yesterday.
Contract makers of PCs, component suppliers, liquid-crystal-display (LCD) manufacturers and other companies are hoping the new release will spur replacement spending.
“We’re very excited about Windows 7. As early as the fourth quarter, you will start to see netbooks and all-in-ones [AIO] pre-installed with the new platform,” Compal Electronics Inc (仁寶電腦) president and chief operating officer Ray Chen (陳瑞聰) said last week.
Chen said Compal’s strategic investment in LCD panel maker Chunghwa Picture Tubes Ltd (CPT, 華映) would ensure a steady supply of notebook panels in the face of rising prices and give Compal an edge in producing high-quality, touch-enabled displays for AIOs, laptops and TVs.
Meanwhile, Asustek Computer Inc (華碩電腦) released its newest AIO yesterday, offering a free upgrade to Windows 7.
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