Microsoft reveals Windows 7 Touch Pack
One year ago, Microsoft discussed their new operating system’s multi-touch capabilities at the “D: All Things Digital” conference. And almost exactly one year later, today they have announced the “Windows 7 Touch Pack”. This is a set of 6 multi-touch enabled apps that will be available with Windows 7; it is comprised of 3 games and 3 MS Surface applications.
Microsoft Surface Globe: This is based on the Virtual Earth 3D engine and, using multi-touch, allows users to navigate different area of the globe as well as getting local info and “pinning” top locations. A demo video can be found here.
Microsoft Surface Collage: Users can arrange photos with their fingertips to create personalised desktop backgrounds.
Microsoft Surface Lagoon: A screensaver that supports multi-touch interaction. “Ripple” the water with your fingers or watch fish gather around as you press down.
Microsoft Blackboard: A game which may also educate! In this physics based teaser, users must arrange various gears, fans and levers to move objects towards the finish.
Microsoft Rebound: A touch based, electrified version of air hockey that can be played online.
Microsoft Garden Pond: A modern version of a Zen garden, this app allows you to guide your Origami creations around the peaceful ponds and pools with your fingers.
It will be up to the OEM’s whether they include some, all or none of these applications however, following general availability of Windows 7, Microsoft will look to expand this. It should be noted that these apps will only be available on PC’s designed for Windows Touch (PCs that meet the logo requirements for Windows Touch) so not all Windows 7 machines will feature them.
Some may see these as great features, some may see them as nothing but filler but if nothing else, they do a great job of showing how clean, easy and fresh multi-touch application can be on Windows 7.
You can see even more over at the Windows Team Blog.
Update: GottaBeMobile has put up a video review demonstrating the Touch Pack.
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Tags: multi touch, windows 7
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4 Responses to “Microsoft reveals Windows 7 Touch Pack”
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Windows 7 touch is pretty good. A lot of the major interface changes have been centered around the fact that you need to be able to touch it with a finger and not just a stylus or use a mouse.
Richard,
Its great that you have addressed one of the great new features in Windows 7. There are several other new features that I encourage every reader and user to check out. For more information head on over to Microsoft Springboard.
http://tinyurl.com/832nco
Jessica
Microsoft TechNet / Springboard
Why can’t I find the touch app on my hp touch screen computer I’ve just upgraded to windows 7
and i got my dell studio and no touch pack with windows 7 where do i go what should i do?