TouchPack
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Microsoft releases Windows 7 Touch Pack as a free download
We're not quite sure why it's taken Microsoft so long to release it to the general public, but anyone with Windows 7 and a touchscreen will no doubt nonetheless be glad to know that the previously OEM-only Windows 7 Touch Pack is now available as a free download. That includes touch-enabled favorites like Microsoft's Surface Globe and Surface Collage, as well as a handful of games including the Pong-inspired Rebound and the "tranquil" Garden Pond. All set? Then hit up the source link below to find the 239MB download and the complete details on what's included.
Microsoft Touch Pack brings Surface experience to Windows 7
Our initial experience with Windows 7's multitouch was decidedly less than stellar, but it looks like Microsoft's taking the initiative to ramp up the usability with the newly-unveiled Touch Pack. It's a software suite consisting of three games and three Surface apps, including a a globe you can pinch and twist around, the ever-popular surface collage for images, and and a zen-inspired lagoon screensaver. OEMs making touchscreen-capable Windows 7 rigs are being offered the pack to use as a pre-installed option, so look for these to arrive around the same time as the new OS, which should be sometime this holiday season. In the meantime, GottaBeMobile's gotten their hands on the app collection early, and you can view their efforts in the video after the break. Read - Windows 7 Team Blog Read - GottaBeMobile's hands-on
Averatec's AHI UMPC concept device
What do you get when you mix one part OQO, one part Sidekick, and add a touch of UMPC? Apparently you get Averatec's new AHI concept device, that's what. Expected to be launched this fall for as little or as much as €500 or €900 ($600 or $1,090 US) depending on options, Averatec's aiming to launch their device with XP, a touchscreen (which we assume will take advantage of Microsoft's Touch Pack UMPC suite), WiFi, GPS, 3G data, and a six hour battery life in a 7.3 x 3.5 x 1.3-inch 24 ounce package. So yeah, basically this device might single-handedly solve just about every complaint the UMPC community (and we) have: price, battery life, keyboard, and wireless data. We'll believe it when we see it though, so keep your eyes out for Averatec this fall.[Via The Reg, thanks to everyone who sent this in]
