Today I attended TechEd 2006 Student Day where Microsoft showed off their latest technologies (Windows Vista, Microsoft Office 2007 and Expression Web Designer, Live Anywhere, IPTV, DirectX 10, Xbox 360) and how they’re going to make student life more productive (well, some of them).
Speakers also covered employment opportunities at Microsoft (what they look for, requirements and programs such as interns or MACH) as well as what I’d describe as a bit of Intel promotion.
I also had the pleasure of meeting Long Zheng who I’ve known for a while, just never actually met. Long gave a demo of Office 2007 with Microsoft’s Frank Arrigo. These guys covered what students will be looking forward to with Microsoft Office - adding style and creativity to their documents, spreadsheets and presentations all in a few clicks.
During the Windows Vista demo, I noticed they were running an RC1 branch, build 5700 which should no doubt be making its way to CTP customers soon (which I’m looking forward to). The build, from the bits we saw, ran faster and had been cleaned up a bit. Long took the following photo of the build number:
We were then given the opportunity to enter the expo halls (only for an hour). Basically, a few stands, heaps of Xbox 360s (including those connected as Media Center Extenders) and lots and lots of demo PCs available for use including two hands on labs.
You can view the rest of my photos in my TechEd 2006 photoset.
There’s also a bit of other coverage on the web you can check out:
Comments
Peter Akkies (August 23rd, 2006, 1:30 am)
So what exactly are the improvements for students? I’m using Office 2007 myself and it is a lot easier, but maybe there are things I missed!
John Anderton (August 27th, 2006, 5:27 pm)
There is something similar (but smaller here) for uni students near my place since that college has an academic affiliation with Microsoft and they get all of their products and stuff. Last year, they showed off vista so im guessing this year they will do it again but with beta 2.
The fest is around 28th-30th of sept so hope ill be able to go there
I love those slouch couches that you get around those xbox 360. They put them up at an I-Max cinema near my place and people wont get off em
David (December 27th, 2006, 3:35 pm)
Man, I wish I knew about it
Where was it at anyway?