Microsoft continues push for Windows 7 driver perfection
Microsoft is making the Windows 7 development program more open than ever in an attempt to avoid the driver problems that plagued Vista. The move will be key to a highly visible driver-dependent feature in the new system.
Previously many Windows details have been shared only with specific Microsoft partners such as those who subscribe to the MSDN and Technet schemes. That secrecy was blamed for the situation with Vista where many hardware producers weren’t able to make sure their drivers worked properly until the system had already been released.
Had this only happened in a few cases, computer users probably would have blamed the device manufacturers. Instead, so many devices were affected that it quickly created the impression that Vista simply didn’t work on many machines.
Microsoft has now launched what it’s calling the Ecosystem Readiness Program. This allows manufacturers to not only get the publicly available beta release of Windows 7, but also access to testing tools, documentation about the system’s workings, and greater communication with other developers and Microsoft itself.
Mike Nash, one of the most senior figures in the Windows division, says the aim has been not to simply throw every possible detail at developers, but to do a better job of highlighting which is the most important information for their circumstances.
Such cooperation is particularly important thanks to a new feature in Windows 7 known as Device Stage. Instead of simply seeing a generic icon when they plug a device into their machine, users will now get a photograph of the device (potentially in 3D) and easy access to instructions plus links to driver updates and even relevant applications.
If it works, this could be an eye-catching and useful feature. The problem is that without the close co-ordination Microsoft is now looking for from manufacturers, so many devices won’t have the necessary details available that the feature could be a disappointment.
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