Special report: Live from the Windows 7 launch

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By Barry Collins

Posted on 23 Oct 2008 at 11:58

Microsoft has released the first details of Windows 7 here in Los Angeles, at the company's Professional Developers Conference.

Bookmark this page for the latest reports and reaction from the Windows 7 launch

The next-generation operating system includes a bevy of new features, including a revamped Windows desktop, support for multitouch, USB drive encryption and improved boot times and performance. See below for further details.

However, it's not only Windows 7 that's on the agenda this week. Microsoft has been outlining its cloud-computing vision, including details of its new cloud operating system, dubbed Azure. "Software + Services" is the buzzphrase of the pre-show sessions, and Microsoft has revealed more details on how it plans to marry rich client applications with online services.

The company has also revealed it intends to launch online versions of Word, PowerPoint and Excel with Office 14. Expect greater detail at next month's Tech Ed.

The beta wrapping has also been taken off its impressive Live Mesh service, which allows you to synchronise files and folders across multiple PCs and mobile devices. "One of the things you're going to learn about is how Live Mesh will operate as a platform going forward," said Jamin Spitzer, director of platform strategy at Sunday's pre-conference session.

Robotics was also high on the agenda, with Spitzer claiming that "folks from Bill Gates downwards look to robotics like an opportunity that the PC market was very early on."

Finally, Microsoft has expand the scope of its touch-table Surface technology with its SecondLight innovation.

Keep checking this page for the latest news updates and opinion from the Professional Developers Conference.

NEWS FROM PDC 2008

Tesco touches up shopping software
Tesco takes advantage of Windows 7's touch capabilities with home shopping software

SecondLight: Surface on steroids
Microsoft literally adds a new dimension to its touchscreen tables

Microsoft: research is our insurance policy
Research chief explains why company continues to plough billions into its labs

iPlayer to synchronise shows on PCs and phones
BBC iPlayer synchs shows across PCs and mobiles with Windows Live Mesh integration

Office 14 to include web apps
Online versions of Word, PowerPoint and Excel to arrive with Office 14

Windows 7 beta "coming early 2009"
Microsoft announces Windows 7 beta will be ready for public consumption in early 2009

Revealed: What's in Windows 7
Read our in-depth guide to find out what you can expect from Vista's successor

Reinventing the user interface
Vista's quick search interface has garnered a lot of praise from users, but Microsoft thinks it can be improved. Discover how