ABC News

TechBytes: Windows 7 Now In Stores

Google Music, Facebook Gift Shop, The Internet and Your Brain

The newest version of Windows is on sale today.

The new Windows program arrives at stores and online today.

Windows 7 arrives in stores with much better reviews than its predecessor, Vista. The new operating system is designed to boot up faster, look cleaner and streamline the way people work with fewer clicks and fewer annoying notifications.

Windows 7 is also said to work better with plug-in devices, like cameras. Setting up home networking to share photos and music is also supposed to be easier. Several versions of the software will be sold with prices starting around $120.

Google Tunes

Google will soon make it easier to discover, sample and buy new music. The company is said to be launching music search pages next week. The pages will feature images of artists, album artwork, links to news, lyrics, videos and song previews.

Related

Fans will also be able to buy songs for download, although Google won't be selling the music itself. The site gives record labels an alternative to Apple's iTunes, which is the top online music store.

Facebook Music Shop

Facebook is also getting into the music business. The social networking site is revamping its online gift shop, allowing members to buy music for their friends.

For 10 cents, members can send a song to stream online and, for 90 cents, they can send a song to download. The new feature starts rolling out today with more than 8 million songs available.

Online Brain Power

Surfing the web may be better for you than you think. Researchers at UCLA found that older adults with little internet experience show positive changes in their brain activity after one week online. That means Internet training could potentially enhance brain function. The scientists say they'll have to conduct further studies to test the Web's impact on younger people.

  • 1
  • |
  • 2
NEXT >
Next Story: Apple's New Tablet: How Will Jobs Prove It's Worth Buying?
Comment & Contribute

Do you have more information about this topic? If so, please click here to contact the editors of ABC News.

Watch Video
1 2 3 4 5
Ahead of the Curve News
Slideshows
1 2 3 4 5