Microsoft has released certain key details of its next operating system launch, Windows 7. With high hopes that their latest baby will bring back their earlier dominance in the world of operating systems, Microsoft has also announced that Windows 7 will be replacing Vista in January 2010.

As per Microsoft, the new operating system is designed to function as an enhanced version of Vista. Microsoft hopes to undo the damage it suffered because of Vista, which was heavily criticized for being a system hogging operating system that slowed down computers tremendously with unnecessary features.

Steven Sinofsky, senior vice president of Windows, announced at the Microsoft developers’ conference in Los Angeles that Microsoft had learnt a heavy lesson from the failures of Vista and therefore, Windows 7 is being made fully compatible with all the relevant devices and applications.

A major innovation unveiled by Microsoft was the touchscreen functionality, that will enable users to operate the cursor without using a mouse.

The new OS is also going to feature the following:

  • Faster boot-up times
  • Updated task bar that includes previews of Open Windows,
  • A new desktop look
  • A set of features optimized for laptops.
  • Option to automatically configure settings for different networks.

Windows 7 will ditch some prominent features that were included in Vista, such as Calendar, Windows Mail, Movie Maker, Contacts and Photo Gallery. However, for people who need them, it will be available for free download from the Microsoft website.

Vista’s dismal performance is proved by the fact that although Microsoft operating systems still run on around 90 percent of the world’s personal computers, Vista has only been able to obtain an 18 percent share since its launch.

The growing success of Apple’s Mac computers has hit Microsoft where it hurts. Moreover, things are not being helped by the switch of many computing functions to mobile phones and the Internet.

Even Google is trying to gnaw out a share from Microsoft’s Office Suite clientèle and has been launching online word processors, spreadsheets and presentation programs.

In reply, Microsoft announced on Tuesday that it would release free online versions of Office and that they would be advertising to promote the same. However, fears run ripe that offering an online version would have inverse effect and cannibalize Microsoft’s most profitable line of products.

However, as per Rob Helm, senior analyst at research firm Directions, both Windows 7 and Office Online would have positive impact for Microsoft. He was quoted as saying, “Both are good improvements, Windows 7 will help Microsoft overcome the weakness of Vista, while Web-based Office is a direct response to Google. Many businesses will like it because they have lots of users who don’t use many of the Office features.”