Microsoft denies Windows 7 was inspired by Apple

Microsoft has denied claims that Windows 7 was inspired by the Mac operating system, following PCR’s interview with Microsoft’s partner group manager Simon Aldous.

Statements asserting that the operating system’s design was influenced by Apple’s competing software have been described by the firm as ‘incorrect’ and ‘inaccurate’, after the story spread quickly around the internet.

Microsoft told PCR:

“In an interview with PCR at the Microsoft Partner Network event last month, Simon Aldous, Microsoft Partner Group Manager, made reference to creating a Mac look and feel in terms of graphics with Windows 7. Simon was incorrect in describing Windows 7 in this way and subsequent headlines claiming that the Mac OS inspired Windows 7 are totally inaccurate.

"Over nine out of ten computer users choose Windows. Over the years, hundreds of millions of Windows users have given us great feedback and we have derived great insight about User Interface (UI) design. The Windows 7 UI was designed to make computers simpler to use and to take advantage of new and innovative technologies Microsoft is bringing to market. One example of this is the multi-touch support in Windows 7, which is not supported by the Mac OS.”