Microsoft releases Windows 7

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, was launched on Thursday at an event in Auckland’s Queen Elizabeth Square. The event gave the hundreds of attendees the opportunity to win more than $15,000 worth of HP and Microsoft technology. Ben Green, Windows 7 business group manager at Microsoft New Zealand said the launch event was designed to showcase the new possibilities offered by Windows 7. “Windows 7 is the PC simplified – it’s faster and easier – at home, at work, at play and everywhere in between. It brings multi-touch PCs to life, makes it easier to share media like music, photos and movies, and delivers a user-experience unlike anything Microsoft has offered before.” “Customer feedback has played a key role in the development of Windows 7, with more than 8 million people taking part worldwide in our pre-launch testing programme. The result is an operating system that’s more reliable, more responsive, and more intuitive,” says Green. Many of the world’s leading PC manufacturers released new product ranges today, which take advantage of the new functionality available in Windows 7. “One of the strengths of Windows has always been the variety of PC form factors it’s available on. Along with our local retail partners, we are delivering an amazing set of offers, which provide real value for customers looking to buy the right Windows PC in this economy. When it comes to offering PC customers unparalleled choice and flexibility, the options have never been greater,” added Green. Rugby star Richie McCaw was onsite to be the first person in New Zealand to receive a Windows 7 powered, HP Pavilion dv7 notebook. This is being auctioned on TradeMe, with proceeds going to Lifeline. To bid on the notebook, signed by Richie McCaw, visit www.trademe.co.nz.