Darren Straight's Blog

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes over at ZDNet has posted a gallery of Windows 7 Screenshots. The screenshot gallery is one of the first of the new Windows 7 beta 1 (build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400) to be posted on the internet so it’s worth a look if you haven’t had the chance to see it yet!

• There are no new features in this build. If Microsoft has any new stuff lined up for the RTM then we’re going to have to wait to find out. Features-wise, build 6.1.7000.0.081212-1400 is similar to earlier builds I’ve looked at (here are some posts for you to check out: 1, 2, 3).
• This beta is of excellent quality. This is the kind of code that you could roll out and live with. Even the pre-betas were solid, but finally this beta feels like it’s “done.” This beta exceeds the quality of any other Microsoft OS beta that I’ve handled.
• Performance of this beta is exceptional. I’ve not had a chance to benchmark it yet but it feels snappier and more responsive than earlier betas I’ve handled.
• Judging by the quality of this build, I expect Windows 7 to be released June/July of ‘09. I really can’t see Microsoft dragging out the release a year.

Check out the Windows 7 Beta 1 screenshot Gallery here.