Microsoft lights up the PC with Windows 7

Media Release
UNDER EMBARGO UNTIL 12.01AM, 22 OCTOBER, 2009

Microsoft lights up the PC with the release of Windows 7
World’s best number seven becomes first in New Zealand to receive the new operating system

Microsoft’s new operating system, Windows 7, launched today, at an exciting event in Auckland’s Queen Elizabeth Square. International rugby star and one of the world’s great number sevens, Richie McCaw, was onsite to be the first person in New Zealand to receive a Windows 7 powered, HP Pavilion dv7 notebook. This is being auctioned on TradeMe, with proceeds going to Lifeline.

Hundreds of Aucklanders gathered at the event, which gave attendees the opportunity to win more than $15,000 worth of HP and Microsoft technology. Crowds were entertained with product demos and live performances by high-energy percussion band, AK Samba. Ben Green, Windows 7 business group manager at Microsoft New Zealand said the launch event was designed to showcase the new possibilities offered by Windows 7.

“Windows 7 is the PC simplified – it’s faster and easier – at home, at work, at play and everywhere in between. It brings multi-touch PCs to life, makes it easier to share media like music, photos and movies, and delivers a user-experience unlike anything Microsoft has offered before.”

“Customer feedback has played a key role in the development of Windows 7, with more than 8 million people taking part worldwide in our pre-launch testing programme. The result is an operating system that’s more reliable, more responsive, and more intuitive,” says Green.

Many of the world’s leading PC manufacturers released sleek new product ranges today, which take advantage of the new functionality available in Windows 7.

“One of the strengths of Windows has always been the variety of PC form factors it’s available on. Along with our local retail partners, we are delivering an amazing set of offers, which provide real value for customers looking to buy the right Windows PC in this economy. When it comes to offering PC customers unparalleled choice and flexibility, the options have never been greater,” added Green.

Warwick Grey, SMB marketing manager for Hewlett-Packard New Zealand, says that HP has designed a range of products to take full advantage of the features of Windows 7.

“HP has worked closely with Microsoft throughout the development of Windows 7. Our new Windows 7 ready range of powerful, sleek and stylish notebooks and PCs take full advantage of the operating system’s new features, to provide our customers with an exceptional computing experience. We have been looking forward to the launch of Windows 7, and by the number of pre-sales our retail partners have received, our customers are truly excited about the launch too.”

Microsoft and HP will also be holding a Windows 7 launch event in Wellington, at the city’s Civic Square, commencing at 8am. An HP Pavilion dv7 notebook and free copies of Windows 7 will be given away throughout the morning.

For more information about Windows 7 visit www.microsoft.co.nz/windows7. To bid on the HP Pavilion dv7 notebook signed by Richie McCaw visit www.trademe.co.nz.

#ENDS

About Microsoft
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