Software

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Windows 7 to Be Called Windows 7

When I first heard that codename Windows Longhorn was to be branded Windows Vista, I scoffed at the name. It sounded too dumbed-down, as if computer users couldn’t grasp the concept of version numbers and acronyms. 3.11, 95, 98, 2000, NT, XP — now those were version names. Vista sounds like listless. Two years later, that’s exactly how Vista sales are: listless.

That’s why I’m glad Microsoft will brand Windows 7 simply that: Windows 7.

Over the years, we’ve watched Windows go from cool DOS front-end to integrated graphical OS to vaguely bloated mess. Let’s hope this return to simplicity in name reflects a return to simplicity in function.

T-Mobile Presells 1.5 Million G1s

The HTC T-Mobile G1’s hardware isn’t earth-shattering, but its software could be. At least, that’s what preorder figures show. The first phone to run Google’s Android mobile operating system has sold out 1.5 million units, over a week before it hits the streets.

This just goes to show that people can look beyond shiny casings and onto open platforms. Take that, iPhone.

(Image via Joshua Topolsky.)