The buzz is just beginning. The rumors are already spreading. Microsoft is planning to get it's groove back with Windows 7, formorely codenamed Blackcomb/Vienna. This new operating system is scheduled to be released in 2010 and will hopefully not be continually pushed back like the Longhorn/Vista fiasco. Bill Gates and hinted at the failure of Vista and Microsoft has continued it's support of XP. Don't expect Microsoft to make the same mistake twice, although they don't have the powerful brand allegiance of Apple, they have more money and have been fending off competitors for more than 2 decades now. My guess is that Windows 7 will be a dramatic improvement in desktop interface and usability. Another thing to note is that the web has made a dramatic impact on everything, I would expect Microsoft to further exploit this and further integrate their current web tools with this operating system. It also appears that a Windows Server 7 is also planned. Well, for now, stay tuned. It looks like the Bill Gates vs. Steve Jobs battle will only heat up. Maybe Linus will get involved soon.

 

Conceptual Video
Don't watch too many YouTube videos on 7, most of them are fake or purely conceptual... just be patient... :)

 

Checkout some early screen shots here:

 

Wikipedia: