Several industry sources have confirmed to TG Daily that a very early version of Windows 7, previously code-named Blackcomb Vienna, already has been shipped to "key partners" as a "Milestone 1" (M1) code drop for validation purposes. A roadmap received by TG Daily indicates that the new operating system will be introduced in the second half of 2009.

While it has generally been believed that Windows 7 was scheduled for a 2010 debut, Microsoft has revised the roadmap and apparently moved up the release date by a few months: A recently distributed roadmap of the OS lists a release to manufacturing in H2 2009. Microsoft declined to comment on this date.

The current M1 drop is available to Microsoft partners in English only and has shipped in x86 and x64 versions. An interesting feature that has been highlighted by Microsoft is the ability of the M1 software to handle a heterogeneous graphics system consisting of multiple graphics cards from different vendors. A new version of the Media center is already integrated in this software, but supports PC speakers only at this time.

If Microsoft will be able to keep the H2 2009 RTM (and most likely) release date in place, the company will have two busy. The M2 code drop is currently scheduled for April/May 2008, M3 will follow in the third quarter. The dates for the first Beta and the release candidate are still listed as "To be determined" but it doesn’t take much to see that the first beta versions could become available a year from now.

We will have more clarity on when we could see Windows 7 going into production will when Microsoft announces Windows Logo Program Changes for Windows 7. According to the policy of the firm, these changes will be announced 18 months prior to the scheduled RTM.

There are very few pieces of information about Windows 7 and the features it will bring available at this time. So far, we have heard only about new touchscreen features as well as – and probably most interesting – MinWin, a much smaller kernel of the operating system that takes up only 40 MB of memory.

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News source: TG Daily via joejoe.org

Check it out, Windows 7 Milestone 1 has arrived. While news is quite limited, this means the beginning of another insane cycle. You all know what I mean!!

I can sense fake by reading that "x86 and x64 versions has been released"...Wasn't this one supposed to bit 64-bit exclusive? Or am I wrong...? Whatever...

From what I understand they have decided to do one last x86 version. I guess time will tell if this is fake media hype or not. I am inclined to believe it right now.

Going completely from memory...I think that was the initial plan, but then later it was decided it will have both 32 and 64 bit flavors.



I'm not confident enough to bet money on it though.

Damn, already?



Microsoft moved up a release date? ROFL.

From what I've heard, it's only the Server line that's exclusively going 64-bit.

Oh wow!

I can't wait to see what they've been cooking up. The MiniWin demonstration a while back got me really interested, especially when he was complaining about the registry. Down with the registry I say! I absolutely loathe applications that scatter hundreds of registry values all over the place. They need to totally overhaul Windows and simplify the way it works. Then create an all-new compatibility engine for the old applications. But with a release scheduled for 2009, I'm not sure just how much overhauling they can do.

They are right to want to speed up the Windows release cycle though. Windows XP's long life has made people lazy and resistant to change. I'm just against the idea of the "R2" or "Second Edition" type of releases.

oh me likey

Sweeeeeeeeeeeet

(now leak!)

I suspect it will be sometime before we see any leaks... if any...

/offtopic] heyy thats that sig i made soooo long ago for ya

Indeed! It has served me well! Thanks!

Shipping Seven is a blog done anonymously by one of the devs who's been working W7 since day 1. There's a few cool snippits about the dev process and features, with more to come.

Interesting link Illy. I'll have to check that out and thanks for sharing.

Might wanna check out this:

http://www.istartedsomething.com/20080122/...w-windows-7-m1/

and then this: http://www.istartedsomething.com/20080123/...firm-windows-7/

There is also: MSFTextrememakeover & Mini-Microsoft.

Exciting...

Screenshots: http://www.withinwindows.com/?p=39

+1

Not much to see in the real early builds. But from what it sounds, there's not going to be any major overhauling as I was imaging earlier. It sounds like this release will be similar to the 2k->XP transition, with updates being more around the interface level. That makes me wonder why they are calling it Windows 7. Oh well... Can't wait to upgrade!

The secons link Singh posted was revealing on that topic, Chug. The new design lead is taking a more "Office-like" approach to Windows development. Instead of facing a major upgrade with millions of lines of new code, new driver compatibility, and all the other nastiness that caused Vista to take so long, there will be less changes focused on improving what already works well with a few "wow" features added, with updates on an 18- to 24-month refresh.

Gee, that sounds REALLY similar to another OS that's floating around out there with about 8% of the market....

What is gonna be a struggle is the fact that people are ALREADY ragging on W7, and expecting more from it that it will be. When Leopard shipped people were all ooh and ahhh for a VERY small list of really "new" features (time machine, the new launchbar, etc.). With Windows, they expect their world to change the moment they hit the power button, and anything less is crap. To put it in as crass a manner as possible, they're happy if Apple send them a hand job from a $2 hooker, but want Microsoft to send them a lifelong threesome with virginal supermodels. Time will tell whether or not they can accept Windows on a slow-but-steady cycle.

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-crFaYLW-xk

and let's not forget that several pre-rtm vista misconceptions are still being thrown around to this day