Windows Vista was in development for about 5 years. Microsoft operating system development team seems to have learnt its lesson and started to work on Windows 7 in a hurry. Less than a year after releasing Vista the Redmond corporate monster has released Milestone 1 of the next release of its OS. On the surface Windows 7 seems very similar to Vista. The graphics and windows look and feel is identical to Vista. But you have to keep in mind this is only a milestone release. By the time Alpha version rolls around the os is expected to look different.
Windows Slideshow is a new feature in Windows Vista that enables a small screen on a device to display important messages. These messages include new email, upcoming appointments, alarms, contact details, weather info and others. Slideshow also allows some customizations. For more info on Vista Slideshow go here. Now Microsoft is trying to port Slideshow to work with Windows Mobile platform. This allows you to interact with Vista Gadgets (aka Widgets) on your Windows Mobile powered smartphone or PDA. Ikanos Consulting have posted a new video on YouTube showing off this feature.
Windows Vista marketing team must be serious trouble. I never thought Microsoft would resort to marketing its Vista and Live products in its competitor’s website. Yes, you read correct! Microsoft is promoting its Vista Operating System and Windows Live systems on Google’s YouTube. A new WindowsVistaAndLive channel has cropped up on YouTube with a handful of videos showing off some Vista features. Being a Vista user myself I find these little known and promoted features useful for the average user. But one decision is quite surprising and no one seems to be able to figure out the why Microsoft with all its wisdom (read $$) team decided to keep comments open. The only motive I can imagine is to generate publicity and buzz.
Why Care About Comments?
Comments are a natural and convenient form of interaction on YouTube between viewers and video publishers. But the Vista videos are being flooded with negative comments. Unless the giant corporation unleashes its media PR hounds to tackle the situation it will keep getting worse. A sample comment is provided below.