Windows 7 Device Experience
Windows 7 introduces a collection of new features to improve how users discover and use devices that are connected to their PC. These new user features are supported by system and platform features that define how device makers present their devices—and related applications and services—in Windows.
Devices and Printers
Devices and Printers makes it easy for users to view and use the devices that are connected to their computer. Users can open Devices and Printers in two ways: through Control Panel or by clicking the Start button.
Devices and Printers gives users a device-centric experience in Windows 7. Through a new set of XML schemas that are supported in Windows 7, device makers can customize how the device is described and presented in Windows.
To better understand how to create a device metadata package for Devices and Printers, review the white paper Device Metadata Package: Resource Roadmap.
Device Stage
Device Stage provides a new way for users to interact with eligible devices in Windows 7. It includes a visual interface that makes it easy for customers to find and use applications and services for their devices. View this online demo to learn how Microsoft is promoting the convenience, power, and value of Device Stage to customers.
Device Stage also provides a multifunction version of AutoPlay for certain eligible devices. Device makers that develop device experiences for Device Stage use a new set of XML schemas to specify rich branding and customization of the interface, including defining custom tasks to install software and links to services. Device makers can update their custom Device Stage experiences by submitting updates to Microsoft for distribution across the Internet to PCs running Windows 7.
The Microsoft Device Experience Development Kit provides information and material you need to know to develop Device Stage experiences for eligible devices. The current release is available here.
For portable devices, Device Stage supports the industry-standard Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) 1.0 with new device services that enable a new rich set of features in Windows 7. The current release of the Windows Portable Device Enabling Kit is available here.
These two Windows Logo Program Webcasts provide additional information: Developing Windows 7 Device Stage Experiences and Device Metadata Submissions. Also, learn about the Device Stage Additional Qualification for the Windows Logo Program.
Device Containers
Grouping one or more device functions into a single device container lets Windows 7 represent these functions as a single "piece of plastic." This closely aligns with the user's perception of the physical device.
For example, a multifunction printer (MFP) with printer, scanner, fax, copier, and storage functions can appear in Devices and Printers as a single icon. Users can then interact with applications and services that are related to all the functions of this MFP through the Device Stage interface.
In Windows 7, device containers are generated for existing hardware, whereas device makers can take advantage of the extended Plug and Play interface to create device containers that are explicitly for new devices.
Device Metadata System
In Windows 7, the Device Metadata System provides an end-to-end process for device makers to define and distribute device metadata packages. These packages contain device experience XML documents that represent the properties of the device and its functions, together with applications and services that support the device. Through these XML documents, Devices and Printers and Device Stage present users with an interface that is specific to the device.
The Windows Dev Center Hardware Dashboard validates device experience XML documents and signs device metadata packages. Windows Metadata and Internet Services (WMIS) distributes new or revised device metadata packages that device makers submit through the Hardware Dashboard.
Windows 7 uses WMIS to discover, index, and match device metadata packages to specific devices that are connected to user PCs. Device makers can also distribute device metadata packages directly to user PCs through their own Setup applications.
Kits and Tools
Videos
- Devices and Printers Overview
- Device Stage Workshop - Getting Started
- Device Stage Workshop - Keyboard
- Device Stage Workshop - Mouse
- Device Stage Workshop - PC
- Device Stage Workshop - Printers
- Device Stage Workshop - Webcam
- Device Stage Workshop - Digital Still Camera
- Device Stage Workshop - Digital Video Camera
- Device Stage Workshop - Cellular Handset
- Device Stage Workshop - Portable Media Player
- Device Stage Workshop - Mobile Broadband Adapter
- Devices and Printers Workshop - Authoring Metadata Packages for the Devices and Printers Folder
- Developing Your Device Experience Strategy
- Overview of Windows Device Stage
- Submitting Device Metadata Packages
- The Device Stage Roadmap
- Using Device Stage to Create a Smart Card Device Experience
- Windows 7 Device Experience Overview
Resources
- Device Metadata Package for Devices and Printers: Resource Roadmap
- Device Metadata Package Pipeline
- Devices and Printers - Extensibility Guide
- Devices and Printers in Windows 7: Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Create a Device Metadata Package for Devices and Printers
- How to Create and Submit a Sync Plug-In for Device Stage
- Multifunction Device Support and Device Container Groupings
- Windows Device Partner Ecosystem Summit 2009
- Windows Sync Overview
- Device Experience for Windows 8
