Windows 7 gets a new look

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Geoff Spick22 June 2009, 5:20 PM

The latest leaks of Windows 7 pre-release code show a new desktop background. While unlikely to be the final version, its always good to look at something different


While not artists, it looks to us like the new Windows 7 desktop theme, full-sized version found here, is adding a few little retro touches to the Windows logo. Some of the additional effects look like a touch of 16-bit game lens-flaring, 8-bit parallax and other psuedo-3D visuals. Has Microsoft's in-house art team been playing a lot of emulated games recently? Are they planting not-so-hidden messages? Or, is it just art?



As we have mentioned previously, you can't install the latest betas with your common RC registration codes, so what else is going on within the bowels of the system, remains to be seen. With all of the prime features in place, there should only be bug fixing and performance improvements, and the Twitterverse seems rather silent, so we're assuming nothing stunning is about to be pulled out of the bag come launch.

Talking of the launch, a recent article suggested it will be a low key affair. Given that the U.K. consumer launch of Windows Vista had the lead-singer from The Feeling doing an accoustic number in between interminable "productivity" demonstrations, the lower key, the better really.

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The Big Baboo (User):

It's so bloody bright :( You have to have sun-glasses on if you're going to have that as your Desktop.

22 June 2009, 5:46 PM (9 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

The Big Baboo (User):

It's so bloody bright :( You have to have sun-glasses on if you're going to have that as your Desktop.

22 June 2009, 5:46 PM (9 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

TV Bis (User):

Not so bright if you have a look at the full frame .......

22 June 2009, 7:29 PM (9 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

The Big Baboo (User):

Quoting TV Bis:
Not so bright if you have a look at the full frame .......

It is :(It is.I downloaded the full page version,then went->save as->set as->wallpaper and this wacking big thing appeared on my screen which if it wasn't for the fast response of my photochromatic glasses would have left me in the market for a Labrador Guide dog and maybe a walking stick.Sheeesh :( Talk about overkill. And besides which,somehow or other it deleted my background at the time which was a really neat photo of "Billy Gibbons" from "ZZ Top" Grrrrrrrrr Arf Barkle I hate Microsoft

26 June 2009, 9:41 AM (8 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Tin (Senior Forumologist):

The "8 bit lens flare" isn't the only retro feeling about it. Apart from the increased detail, it reminds me a lot of the old Windows 98 wallpapers. Still, not as retro as sticking the old Windows 3 era logo in your face... Who remembers that one?

22 June 2009, 11:27 PM (9 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

Tim01 (New user):

Surely it's just art. Microsoft wouldn't brainwash us with subliminal messages... Would they? *goes to play SNES*

23 June 2009, 1:27 PM (9 months ago)report abuse Send to a friend reply

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