The public perception of Windows Vista is not really positive which is not only Microsoft’s fault but also the fault of hardware and software developers. Microsoft recently changed their Hardware Logo Program Requirements requiring that every hardware developer requesting a Windows Vista logo certification to submit test logs for Windows 7 as well starting with the first Windows 7 beta. If the hardware passes the Vista logo certification it will receive the Logo even if the Windows 7 test will fail.
Microsoft is basically trying to collect as many information as possible at the earliest stage in development to improve the development of Windows 7 and will most likely result in a far better driver compatibility of Windows 7 which would not only benefit the end users but also hardware developers who would see reduced support requests.
The new policy will become active as of June, 1st 2008 but it is highly unlikely that Microsoft will be releasing the first beta version of Windows 7 at that time.
via Long Zheng
