Windows
is the most widely used operating system in the world. The latest
version of the consumer operating system, Windows 7, was built for
the ground up with the popular technologies and interfaces of today
in mind such as touch.
One of the big features of Windows 7
was its integrated support for PCs that were capable of taking
advantage of touch. In May of 2009, Microsoft announced that a new
Touch Pack was coming for Windows 7. The Touch Pack added in
several cool features and applications for touch capable computers
that extend the usability and entertainment value for Windows
users.
The Touch Pack includes Microsoft Globe Surface, which
is a 3D globe letting people manipulate the globe and get information
about places using touch. Surface Collage lets users view and
manipulate images on the screen using their hands. Surface Lagoon
makes a water simulation that works as a screen saver with a fish in
it. The user can cause ripples and make fish swim away by touching
the screen. Other components include a game called Microsoft Rebound
and Microsoft Garden Pond.
After a long wait of almost a year,
Microsoft has announced this week that the Touch Pack for Windows 7
is now available
for download. The touch pack included three games and three
Surface Applications. Previously the Touch Pack was only available to
OEM computer makers looking to include it on PCs they were selling.
Anyone
can download the Touch Pack now from Microsoft free of charge. That
is anyone with a legitimate version of Windows 7 and the time to
download a 239.2MB file.
