Digital Home Thoughts: What Windows 7 and its Beta is All About

"Windows PCs have always represented a great value relative to other companies in the marketplace, both in terms of the whole range of price points and all the capabilities that you get out of the box. Given the economic situation, as shareholders would expect us to tighten our belt, but with the things that are most important, and customers would expect us to do that while continuing to innovate. And this is why even in this touch economic situation it's exciting to be able to look at the product pipeline we've got with Internet Explorer 8, Windows 7 and Windows Live...and the next generation of Windows Live, and look at all of the advances that we're offering to customers. A Windows PC is an unbelievable entertainment investment."

Bill Veghte is currently at CES stirring up interest in Windows 7. While the public beta is now available, CNet was unable to get Veghte to commit to a firm release date raising some questions as to whether it'll meet hopes that it will be released this year. However, a good portion of CNet's interview with Microsoft's Senior Vice President was spent emphasizing Windows 7's flexibility and focus on consumer needs, going so far as actively soliciting feedback during this beta period. I'm eager to set up a test computer to try out all the new features that I've been reading about. Fortunately, the requirements for Windows 7 aren't steep and in fact, very similar to Windows Vista. Anyone else going to try out the beta?