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The media launch for Windows Vista in Australia took place on January 30, 2007 at the Museum of Contemporary Art, in Sydney’s Circular Quay. While passers-by enjoyed the spectacular panoramic vista of Sydney harbour, the city skyline and the Opera House right outside the building, another kind of Vista was being unveiled indoors.
Steve Vamos – Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand
The Managing Director of Microsoft Australia and New Zealand, Steve Vamos had only one week remaining in his position on launch day, so he shared some emotional words about his time with the company, noting “Today is the result of years of work, millions of hours of software development”. However, he didn’t seem especially upset, perhaps as his new position is becoming Microsoft’s Vice President, International Online Services Group. Steve praised Windows Vista as “An easier, safer and better connected experience,” before handing over to Kevin Johnson, the President of Microsoft Platforms and Services Division in the USA.
Kevin Johnson, President of Microsoft Platforms and Services Division
(USA)
Kevin Johnson, as a visiting American, was full of hyperbole. “I’m here in Australia to really talk to you about the ‘wow’,” he said. “This concept of ‘wow’ is all about consumers. And creating those ‘wow’ moments,” he said, enigmatically. He emphasised that the new designs for Windows Vista and Office 2007 weren’t dictated by the software developers. Rather, they took a reactive approach, collecting feedback from countless users. “We didn’t ask users what they wanted – they told us.” he said, noting the input of the five million beta testers and fifty families that participated in special “Windows Vista for life” studies.
Key Windows Vista Features
Kevin explained the key areas where Vista was enhanced. “Today, people are using PCs to connect to people that are important to them in various different ways,” he said. “This concept of mobility continues to evolve,” he added, hinting at the evolution of contacts and communication software. “It’s a time of change,” he claimed. He noted that Generation Y consumers spend more time at the PC than they do watching television, referring to a recent research report. Kevin outlined four key areas that defined Microsoft’s efforts in improving Windows: “It is easier, safer, more entertaining experiences and it is better connected,” he said.
Windows Vista Entertainment
Kevin Johnson emphasised the entertainment features of Vista. “Windows Vista was built from the ground up around the scenario of entertainment,” he said, noting the inclusion of Windows Movie Maker with high definition, the new Windows DVD Maker and support for HD displays and video streams.
Windows Vista Connectivity
Kevin also described the new Network & Sharing Center, which shows a visual diagram of the current connections and their status as well as Windows Meeting Place, which allows collaborative work and presentations to be shared remotely.
Windows Vista Beta Testing
Kevin noted that there were over 2,000 Vista certified products at launch time. He wanted to thank the beta testers personally, saying “You participated in the design and development of this product,”.