Windows 7 RTM Microsoft Touch Pack

The Microsoft Touch Pack will bring a total of three casual games and just as many Microsoft Surface applications, all adapted to Windows 7. The Redmond company is opening up Windows 7 as a platform to a whole new range of applications, but in order to get developers to build touch-capable programs for Windows 7 it is kick-starting development with a few examples of its own.

“While touch is built into the “DNA” of Windows 7, we thought it would be fun to give you some applications that show what’s possible with this new way to interact with your PC. The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 is a set of six multi-touch optimized applications and games that are designed to truly showcase the capabilities of Windows Touch in Windows 7,” LeBlanc added.

With the Microsoft Surface Globe, Windows 7 users will be able to touch the world brought to their machines via the Virtual Earth 3D engine. The 3D version of the globe was first demoed a year ago by, Julie Larson-Green, corporate vice president, Windows Experience, with the introduction of Windows 7. Microsoft Surface Collage is an app that allows end users to put together collages of their digital images using their hands and make the result the desktop background.


Microsoft Surface Lagoon has been migrated from Microsoft Surface to Windows 7 as the name implies. The Lagoon offers a screensaver that will respond to touch and multi-touch interactions; users will be able to play with their fingers in the water and watch the fish respond to their gestures.

“The Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 will be available to PC makers (OEMs) who will have the option to pre-install some, none, or all of the applications available in the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 on PCs designed for Windows Touch (PCs that meet the logo requirements for Windows Touch) – so you should start to see these applications showing up on some touch PCs around the time Windows 7 is made broadly available. After general availability of Windows 7, we will look at making the Microsoft Touch Pack for Windows 7 even more broadly available based on feedback from customers and partners,” LeBlanc stated.

BitDefender: Free version is available in 2009

As in previous years, publishes an antivirus BitDefender Free based on the previous version of its software. While the 2010 version of the range profile, the publisher announced the availability of BitDefender Free Edition 2009. The main difference between this version and other free products BitDefender is the absence of resident shield. BitDefender Free Edition does not have the PC against threats, but allows them to detect and disinfect them if they are already on the machine.

This limitation, BitDefender Free Edition 2009 offers features similar to its commercial equivalent: it allows to analyze the job manually or automatically and planned. The analysis of files or folders from the context menu of Windows Explorer is also possible. BitDefender recommends that - the opposite would be surprising - the purchase of one of its solutions for a user connected to the Internet. BitDefender Free Edition 2009 can be downloaded from our software.

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Hitachi UltraVision series and Alpha series LCD HDTVs announced in the US

The new LCD HDTV product line offers extensive features, superior performance and elegant design for which Hitachi products are known, while achieving pricing that will be attractive to value oriented shoppers.

Hitachi’s UltraVision series, which headlines the first of two new series of LCD HDTVs, will be available in a 55-inch class home theater model and in 46-inch and 42-inch class screen sizes. Each model boasts 1080p resolution, 120Hz panel speed and Hitachi’s Reel120 smooth movie motion technology with up to eight high definition inputs and ENERGY STAR qualification.

The new Alpha series, available in 42-inch and 32-inch class screen sizes, includes four HDMI connections among the seven high definition inputs. Two of the HDMI inputs are conveniently located on the side panel for easy connection of game consoles and digital cameras. The technologically advanced and highly versatile Alpha series, which also includes a high definition RGB input for direct PC connectivity, will be accessible to almost any consumer’s budget.

“Hitachi is very excited to be able to offer such an innovative, beautifully designed and well-equipped new line of televisions,” said Bill Whalen, director of product development for Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. “Value has never been more important to consumers, and we believe these new television products deliver a compelling combination of outstanding picture performance and valuable features at very sensible prices.”

Hitachi’s 2009 LCD HDTV line includes:

UltraVision Series

Hitachi’s UltraVision line offers state of the art picture quality that is delivered by the latest 1080p technology. Consumers can enjoy spectacular color, razor sharp images and lifelike realism from a display that is also energy efficient and ENERGY STAR qualified. The UltraVision Series offers up to eight high definition inputs, including up to five HDMI pure digital inputs for the best possible picture. The stunning picture is surrounded by a slim, subtly curved gloss black bezel. The slim and light design is easily swiveled to accommodate various viewing positions. Additionally, the built-in ATSC/QAM/NTSC tuner allows consumers to easily access their HD channels. The UltraVision series will feature 55-inch, 46-inch and 42-inch class screen sizes and 120Hz panel speeds.

Alpha Series

Hitachi’s Alpha Series offers versatile connectivity with seven high definition inputs, including four HDMI pure digital inputs for a brilliant picture. Additionally, the televisions are ENERGY STAR qualified. Consumers can share their PC photos and videos with the high definition RGB input and use the swivel stand to optimize the viewing angle. Available screen sizes will include 42-inch (1080p) and 32-inch class (720p) with panel speed of 60Hz.

The Hitachi 2009 line will be released as follows:

UltraVision 55-inch Class L55S603: September $1799
UltraVision 46-inch Class L46S603: August $1299
UltraVision 42-inch Class L42S503: June $999

Alpha Series 42-inch Class L42A403: May $849
Alpha Series 32-inch Class L32A403: May $499