Ballmer to CES: Windows 7 Beta Off and Running

Windows 7 enters beta test while Microsoft announces a deal to put its Live Search technology on Verizon Wireless phones.

Microsoft’s CEO Steve Ballmer announced Wednesday night that the long-awaited public beta test of Windows 7 has begun – although consumers will not be able to download it until Friday.

Beyond that, though, Ballmer’s first ever keynote speech at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) promised to be light on surprises – after all, his two biggest announcements leaked out before he ever got near a microphone.

No one was surprised that Microsoft announced the beginning of public beta testing for Windows 7, or that Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) has just won a tough competition to be the default search engine service on Verizon Wireless phones. Both leaked out before the vociferous Ballmer had a chance to utter a word onstage.

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