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Today, October 22, 2009, Microsoft officially releases Windows version 7. While it has been out for a while in beta, the official release marks the first major OS release by MS in years.

The company is hoping that this new version will help get rid of the bad taste that many users have fromVista.

The recession has also led businesses to delay spending on PCs and other technologies. Because of those tight budgets and the lack of enthusiasm for Vista, more than 80 percent of new computers installed in offices still run Windows XP, which is now 8 years old, according to Forrester Research. A year from now, Forrester expects most new business PCs to be using Windows 7, but that won’t necessarily translate into a huge boost for the PC industry. Click here for the AP story.

Click here to go the Microsoft’s official Version 7 site.

Barnes & Noble’s has just introduced the “nook,” a new e-book reader to go alongside Amazon’s Kindle and Sony’s Reader. This new device sports a 6 inch E-ink screen and a color touchscreen to navigate content. According to preliminary information, the “nook” weighs 1 ounce more than a Kindle and has a battery life less than that of the Amazon device. However, it does offer the ability to play MP3 files through its built-in speaker.

The one feature that Barnes & Noble’s is touting most, is the ability of “nook” owners to share e-books based purchased. Copies of purchased books can be sent to friends who have installed the “nook” eReader software on their PC, Mac, iPhone, iPod or other selected device.

Read the full article.

Imagine sitting in your car, minding your own business, when along comes a gun toting thief ordering you to hand over the keys. That happened to José Ruiz, age 33, of Lindsay California. But instead of worrying, he allowed the gunman to take the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe knowing that his OnStar system from GM would allow authorities to recover the vehicle.

More than just reporting the vehicle’s location, a new feature of the system allowed operators at General Motors’ command center to send a message to the vehicle that brought it to a slow stop. This allowed police officers to safely apprehend the thief and return the vehicle to Mr. Ruiz.

Read the full article.

Yesterday’s post talked about how technology companies might lead the economy out of the economic recession. And in line with that, Apple computers (APPL) reported higher than expected earnings. Much like IBM and AMD, these better than expected returns are due to higher demand for laptop computers, iPods and iPhones.

Surprisingly, the number of iPhone’s was lower than expected. However, analysts say that is due to the fact that Apple could not keep up with demand for a large portion of the quarter.

Many on Wall Street think that Apple is poised to do even better over the coming year. This is based on the opening of China to the iPhone and anticipated new products such as a netbook and tablet computer

Read analyst’s remarks.

A review of this morning’s headlines indicates that recovery in the technology sector may be underway. After a stellar third-quarter, Google stock prices are soaring again and it looks like the company will be investing in new hires as well as new technology. Read the article.

IBM has also indicated that it sees a bright future on the horizon for technology despite a slump in tech sales. The company reported a 7% drop in sales for July through September, but a 14% increase in profits has made IBM revise its 2009 outlook for the second time. Read the article.

AMD, the chip manufacture, has also announced that sales were better than anticipated. The company produces 20% of the worlds microprocessors. It said that shipments rose due to an increase in the demand for laptop computers. Read the article.

While many pundents have announced that the economic recovery is upon us, and some indicators like those listed in the articles above seem to agree, many Americans are waiting to see it for themselves.  What do you think?