Windows 7 and Microsoft Hardware: Better Together

Exceptional offers now available on the latest PC accessories so people can
complete their Windows 7 experience.

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Windows 7 is now broadly
available to the public, and to celebrate this launch Microsoft Hardware is
offering deals on some of its innovative products that help make everyday
tasks faster and easier with the new operating system. Consumers all over the
world are celebrating the availability of Windows 7 by hosting their own
launch parties from Oct. 22 through today, and party hosts have been able to
receive virtual coupon books to share with their guests, which are filled with
exciting offers on several products. These offers are now available to people
who didn't host a party so everyone has the opportunity to take advantage of
the deals.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Deals from Microsoft Hardware include discounts on the latest products,
including LifeCam Cinema, Wireless Laser Desktop 6000 and Explorer Mini Mouse.
Information on these hardware deals can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/windows7/promos/launch-party.

Everyday Tasks Made Easy
These featured products, as well as Microsoft Hardware's entire current line
of mice, keyboards, LifeCams, gaming devices and notebook accessories, are
fully compatible with Windows 7.(1) Several Microsoft Hardware products make
everyday tasks easier with the following features exclusive to Windows 7:
-- Taskbar Favorites. Using many Microsoft keyboards, people can easily
access their open programs by mapping keys to the location of
applications on the improved Windows Taskbar. The icons in the Taskbar
can be easily rearranged just by clicking and dragging, and Taskbar
Favorites will instantly adapt to the icons' new locations.(2)
-- Device Stage. Many Microsoft Hardware mouse and keyboard products will
support Device Stage, a Windows 7 feature that gives customers quick
and
easy access to common tasks, including product information,
registration, settings and more for popular device categories such as
cell phones, cameras, printers, portable media players and input
devices.
-- Windows Flip. Many Microsoft mouse and keyboard users can easily see a
thumbnail preview of all open windows with the press of a button. A
full-screen preview of the application will automatically display,
enabling the user to better identify and select the desired
application.

-- Windows Live Movie Maker and Windows Live Photo Gallery. LifeCam users
will be able to do more with photos and movies. With Movie Maker they
can start a movie project with one click, and then upload video to
social networking sites. Photo Gallery access will enable them to
easily
upload a photo that they can edit, tag and share with friends and
family.(2)

Availability and Compatibility
Consumers can take advantage of the Microsoft Hardware discounts starting
today. Even those who didn't host a launch party will have access to special
Microsoft Hardware offers at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/specialoffers.mspx.

When choosing peripherals for their Windows 7-based PCs, consumers can feel
confident that many current Microsoft Hardware products are compatible with
the new operating system.(1) Microsoft Hardware products tested under
Microsoft specifications for compatibility with the new operating system will
display a Windows 7 logo on the product.

About Microsoft Hardware
For more than 26 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative
engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to
create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the
software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their
PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial
design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easy,
convenient and enjoyable computing experience. In 2008, the Hardware Group
debuted the world's most advanced tracking technology -- Microsoft BlueTrack
Technology -- allowing consumers to track on more surfaces than optical and
laser mice.(3) More information about the Hardware Group is available at
http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software,
services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full
potential.

(1) Microsoft Fingerprint Reader will not be compatible with Windows 7.
(2) These features are exclusive to Microsoft Hardware products.
(3) Compared with the leading commercially available mice as of fall 2008.
BlueTrack does not work on clear glass or mirrored surfaces.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

Hailey Buser, +1-206-223-1606, hailey.buser@edelman.com, or Brittany Turner,
+1-206-223-1606, brittany.turner@edelman.com, both of Edelman for Microsoft
Corp.