LAS VEGAS — Improvements to Microsoft’s next version of Windows are largely incremental, but the operating system could go a long way toward repairing the software giant’s reputation.
Microsoft on Wednesday released a trial version for software developers of Windows 7, the follow-up to Windows Vista, which bruised the company with bad reviews and disappointing sales. A version for consumers to test on their personal computers is expected Friday.
“We are on track to deliver the best Windows ever,” chief executive Steve Ballmer said during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show.
Microsoft also edged out rival Google on two search-engine deals that Ballmer announced Wednesday. The first was with Dell to load Microsoft’s search engine on new PCs. The second was an exclusive five-year agreement to install Windows Live search software on most cellphones sold by Verizon Wireless.
The new features in Windows 7, a streamlined version of Vista, are designed to make the experience of operating a computer less frustrating and more seamless.
Ballmer said Windows 7 will make it easier for a computer to find and retrieve files such as photos, movies or documents in other machines on the same networked household. The software will also pop open a quick-start page whenever a device is plugged into a computer for the first time.
