Side by side: UI changes from Windows 7 beta to build 7048

[Slimy]

What's new in the latest Windows 7 build? I'm asked this question every time there's a new build out and I see it asked on forums, too. Usually, the response is brief because it's really hard to spot all the changes when you're just using the new build. That's exactly why I've put this post together: I have Windows 7 build 7000 on my laptop, and Windows 7 build 7048 on my desktop, and I've gone through trying to spot as many changes as I can. That's not to say that this list is a comprehensive one, but it's a solid start, and I encourage you to leave feedback in the comments as I will be reading all of them before I do a more thorough comparison between the beta to the RC.

Build 7000 was compiled on December 12, 2008, at 2:00pm and the leaked build 7048 was compiled on February 19, 2009 at 6:45pm, so there is over two months of work to cover. This is not about the new sound schemes, sample videos, sample pictures, and wallpapers; this is about the UI and feature changes between both builds. Although I do mention some fixed bugs, I'm mainly focusing on tweaks that are "tangible" as opposed to the thousands of bugs that have been fixed.

In the comparison screenshots, I have tried to keep build 7000 on the left and build 7048 on the right, or build 7000 above and build 7048 below. Also remember that the "Send Feedback" link has been removed in build 7048, so that's an easy way to remember if there is a window title bar visible.

Full Story: http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/ne...changes-from-windows-7-beta-to-build-7048.ars

 

[xan K]

nice read. thanks!

 

[woodyard]

The article is good. But it doesn't mention that Remote Desktop Connections are remembered on the "Recent" list. That's a good thing in my opinion

 

[saverio]

At what point will Build 7048 be availiable on the W7 updates or availiable for download from MS?

 

[Barman58]

Hello saverio,

Unless you are a MS official tester 7048 will not be made available direct from MS, if you are it's already available. Also MS never include complete OS builds in windows update

 

[saverio]

Oh I see. I downloaded my Build 7000 from MS themselves, so I thought perhaps ther would be a continuity there.

So in essence i carry on with Build 7000 until it expires whereupon what, I have to go back to Vista?

Or will another build be open to me? ... or hopefully the full retail version will be out...

here's hoping!

 

[garysgold]

There should be an RC (release candidate) build out for public download at some point before 7000 expires.

Gary

 

[Barman58]

Microsoft have stated that the Release candidate will be a public release, or at least "widely available". When the Beta time bombs you will need to reinstall a valid OS This could be Vista, The RC or the released windows 7

 

[pooch]

Hey slimy thanks for this

 

[saverio]

Thanks barman, and gary,

I really hope that I can get the RC or failing that the retail before my build expires.

I'm dreading having to re-install vista and go backwards!

I'm really enjoying this experience, and that's coming from a hardcore Mac User !
(see we can be turned! )

There's still a couple of things that I feel really would be of benefit, and i'v communicated this through the Feedback loop, but mostly I'm really impressed.

 

[GatoSoft]

Nice article, but I think that, for the moment, I'll go back to build 7022. Build 7048 is giving me headaches, mainly with games and desktop slideshow...

 

[Mason]

Really nice article, it's interesting to see the development so clearly ;D

 

[Hybrid]

I love the new windows orb on the taskbar. Much better quality.

 

[ripbox]

I cant help but get the feeling everyone at Microsoft are all sat in their chairs absolutely bored out of their minds waiting for the top cheese to say " its official! we release Se7en to the today!"

By the screen shots and changes in the side by side pic's it looks like their all leaning back messing around with the icons in paintshop.... some of what i feel look less professional than their original icons... Kinda looking like something my little sister has painted on her Nintendo DS paint by numbers game, but then i suppose there is still time for then to be changed again
#
Shame they cant spend finding better pre installed bloat ware to replace the likes of minesweeper and solitaire

Not that im complaining or anything.. mutter mutter grumble grumble... ahem i mean im well chuffed with what they have done with se7en and will be (fingers crossed) one if the first people to get and install an official released off the shelf version on my system but i do like the way it looks in build 7000 and would hate for its to look like it was designed by someone who still thinks the live in the psychedelic 60's

enough of the retro already lets keep it need tidy and clean with colours that wont look out of fashion when we tell our grand kids how back in the day "we used to run window 7 which in its time was really advanced"... and so on only for then to say well yeah pops but my 3 year old kids cud design and OS better looking than that
ok rant over... im gonna go hide now before M$ come after me with their 5 1/4 inch floppy discs

 

[GatoSoft]

ok rant over... im gonna go hide now before M$ come after me with their 5 1/4 inch floppy discs

brb... I need to lol right now...