With just a few days left to end 2007, it’s time to take a look back on the past twelve months and see how software has evolved all along this year, especially for us Windows users. There have been key software releases and improvements for the Windows platform during this year, starting with a new operating system and ending with a new version of Firefox that’s about to be announced.
This is why I’ve decided to follow Cyril’s idea and create a list with the ten most important Windows apps in 2007. Should you think we’ve missed any, feel free to add your own.
- Windows Vista – Whether you love it or hate it, Microsoft’s new operating system clearly stands out as one of the most popular software releases this year.
- Safari for Windows – Though poorly implemented in its first version, the native Mac OS web browser was a total surprise for Windows users.
- Google Earth – The virtual interactive atlas implemented some new cool features in 2007, like astronomic imagery and even a hidden flight simulator.
- Joost – Probably the biggest software hit of 2007, Joost has been extensively covered on our blog and opens up a new era in online visual media streaming.
- Adobe Air – Adobe’s cross-platform runtime to create rich Internet apps for your desktop brings offline and online software development even closer.
- Firefox 3 – The final version hasn’t come out yet, but all those sleeky betas that keep coming out really have us drooling over Firefox’s next release.
- Miro – Previously known as Democracy Player, Miro launched as an alternative way to watch videos online. Only time will say if they’re on the right path.
- Call of Duty 4 – I’d dare say this is the best CoD ever. Truly realistic, gleefully frightening and sometimes devilishly difficult, it guarantees hours of fun.
- uTorrent – After being bought by BitTorrent, uTorrent kept up the good work in 2007. They even launched a mobile version (Mac version coming soon).
- Google Reader – Though not really a Windows app, Reader has included some nice features (embedded search, colored tags and more) to make it even better.
I know I’m cheating a bit here but despite having listed already ten apps, I couldn’t finish this 2007 roundup without including World of Warcraft. After all, this list is based only on personal criteria and WoW still remains my favorite game.