http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/ Engadget Comments for Fresh-baked Windows 7 beta keys now available through MSDN? http://www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
Ooh, can someone spare one? :p]]>Jan 7th 2009 8:37PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 10:33PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:39PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:44PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:17PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 12:06AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:54PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Soo exited!]]>Jan 7th 2009 11:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:45PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
It really does kick Vista's ass. It's much more refined, polished, and just freakin cool.

Only problems I've faced it is that the taskbar and quick launch sort of blend in with each other so it is hard to know which programs are already running. But I'm sure MS can fix that easily. And of course some of my drivers didn't work with Win7, like my audio and USB WLAN. Both from cheap third teir companies so no surprise there.

And I guess I can throw in some flamebait: on a simple computer (including netbooks) it runs as smoothly as Leopard does on Macs.]]>Jan 7th 2009 8:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
1.) Full Zune Marketplace Support (Ditch WMP or add Zune support to it)
I know, Windows Media Player is great. And the new version on Windows 7 is good too, but there isn't much of a change and if MS decided to preload the software with the Installation process (like how Apple has iTunes on their OSes) then it would be an effective way to get the word out. Plus if people play with the software, they may prefer it over iTunes and decide to go in that direction. Either way, I'm shocked Vista didn't come with it pre-loaded and I'm hoping they won't forget to put it i Windows 7.

BUT if they do not want to put the Zune software, then fine. They can keep WMP but they should add Zune support and the Zune Marketplace (like how URGE was in WMP11). It's just common sense.

2.) Make DX10 Optional for Games
Yep, when I tried playing Bioshock, Trackmania, Portal, or any of my other games it never worked simply because I did not have a .dll file in my system folder. I don't remember the exact name, but it had '_dx10_' in it so I'm assuming it's mandatory here (but I'm not totally sure yet). Well, maybe by the time this is out, DX10 will be inside everyone's PCs so I won't have to complain but for now it's annoying. What's the point of having a refined, less-taxing OS if you can't play any of your games on it to test the performance?

(Note: If it isn't the lack of DX10 that's preventing me from playing games on Windows 7, then what is? Any tips?)]]>Jan 7th 2009 9:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Right-click the taskbar, select properties, and there's a drop-down in there that lets you change the behavior of the new taskbar grouping.
I like the 'don't group until the taskbar runs out of space' option.
This returns text labels to the taskbar items - sooo nice.]]>Jan 7th 2009 10:29PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 12:33AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/]]>Jan 7th 2009 11:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 15th 2009 7:02PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/I wish I weren't a coward, so I could torrent the beta and try it for free.
:(
I suppose I'll just have to wait and buy Se7en when it's finally released.
Only two questions remain, though:
Desktop or laptop?
Touch screen or regular screen?]]>Jan 7th 2009 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:50PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:56PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:12PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:57PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 8:59PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:00PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:07PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
The ISO was never available for download. Only the key was available. I tried the key in my "shady downloaded" 7000 installation, and activation worked.

Like the picture shows, the keys were strangely put under the 'Access 2.0' area. I've been told that Microsoft will be making an announcement regarding availability "really soon", so I expect they were just getting things in place to "flip the switch" to display them later on (maybe tonight?)

I'll check MSDN periodically and if/when it reappears, I'll post back.]]>Jan 7th 2009 9:14PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
More details here: http://www.winsupersite.com/win7/win7_beta_available.asp]]>Jan 7th 2009 9:46PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:55PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:35PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 1:27PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:47PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 9:51PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 10:05PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 10:18PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 11:13PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 7th 2009 11:48PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 12:28AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 1:05AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/
As of 2009-01-08 it seems that the download and the keys are available over technet. I am a technet plus subscriber and I can download the x86 / 64bit versions of the new beta of windows 7.

regards]]>Jan 8th 2009 2:21AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 8th 2009 1:18AMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 9th 2009 3:41PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 9th 2009 7:32PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 9th 2009 9:31PMhttp://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/http://www.engadget.com/2009/01/07/fresh-baked-windows-7-beta-keys-now-available-through-msdn/Jan 11th 2009 8:34AM