Windows 7 Momentum Continues! AT&T signs on as Latest Mobile Operator to Deploy Netbooks featuring the New Operating System
Other News: Vodafone and Sierra Wireless pronounce support for Microsoft Device Stage
AT&T Announces Windows 7 Netbooks Offering
We are pleased to share that today, AT&T announced it will be stocking its shelves this holiday season with two new Windows 7 based netbook PCs, the Acer Aspire One and the Samsung GoTM Netbook, both available later this month.
These netbook PCs will be the first through AT&T to launch with Windows 7. By pairing Windows 7 netbooks with AT&T's 3G service, AT&T customers will get an amazing PC experience virtually anywhere they go.
Other News: Vodafone and Sierra Wireless
In addition to AT&T's announcement, you may have heard at TechEd Europe that UK-based Vodafone has confirmed it plans to support its mobile broadband devices with Microsoft Device Stage, a new interaction experience available for users to see which compatible devices are connected to their PC. Vodafone will use this functionality to provide enhanced customer support and help within the Windows 7 Environment.
Sierra Wireless will also offer Device Stage support - in this case to operators who have adopted Windows 7 mobile broadband.
Device Stage is a new feature in Windows 7 and is essentially a window which lets users see which devices are connected to their PC and allows them to interact with the device and execute common device tasks. This provides the user with a realistic picture of the device connected, manufacturer branding, custom functionality and a simple way to interact and set up with their device. For manufacturers, it offers an opportunity to customize and brand an experience to help consumers prepare and set up their device. Moreover, the hardware manufacturer has the ability to add in: custom applications, links to applications within Windows, links to manuals and accessory websites, firmware upgrades, online services, and more.
Wrap-up
As you saw from my last post in late October, more than 50 telecommunications operators around the world will be deploying Windows 7 netbook PCs by year end. For operators, Windows 7 means better compatibility between applications and online devices, enhanced security, and a reduced total cost of operations.
For consumers, Windows 7 netbook PCs equate to a complete, connected and familiar experience. Connection is especially key to enhancing the richness of a computing experience, whether it is communicating, creating content, or consuming online content. As 2009 progresses, we are seeing more and more people buy netbook PCs through their wireless operators for many reasons like convenience and cost saving (e.g. lower upfront investments, affordable data plans.)
You'll also, in the near future, see additional momentum with Microsoft Device Stage.
Today's announcements are continued proof of the importance of mobile operators as a significant and strategic partner for Microsoft.
By working with our telco partners, we are determined to enhance the mobile computing experience for consumers and businesses. We strongly believe that Windows 7 is the foundation that will make 3G as ubiquitous as wi-fi is today and provide consumers with the best PC usage experience.
We want to thank all our telco partners including AT&T, Sierra Wireless, and Vodafone, and look forward to the continued success with Windows 7.