It seems that Microsoft is working on the starter edition of Windows 7 though the news hasn’t been confirmed till yet. According to Mary Jo Foley Microsoft has sent invitations to the participants of the Windows 7-beta program from Chile, Egypt, Lebanon, Brazil, Jordan and India to test this version of Windows 7.
According to the mail sent to the testers Microsoft is looking for testers with machines that adhere to the following spec list:

1 GHz processor
1 GB of system memory
16 GB of available disk space
Support …

Big changes have happened for certifying your application for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.
The testing of the software by Microsoft,for Windows 7 compatibility(required for Windows Vista) is no longer required. Instead, the software  programmers can carry out the tests themselves.Participation in the program is free.This is to ensure that the Windows 7 compatibility logo can be used for all future applications developed for the operating system .
The same is valid for Windows Server 2008 R2.
Here is the extract from the MSDN Blog
Cookbook, Guide Can Assist …

According to the MSDN Up North blog the deadline to download Windows 7 beta from the Windows 7 official site has been extended to 10th Feb 2009 which was earlier 25th Jan.So all those who haven’t downloaded Windows 7 just go ahead and download it from here,you would definitely feel the difference between this version and the previous versions of Windows.

Windows 7-compatible Virtual Earth Navigation Application. Uses Windows 7 Location Platform to retrieve user’s location and enables her to see her move on the Virtual Earth Map.
Screenshots
 
What It Showcases?

How to access Windows 7 Location Platform data in your .NET application
How to show this data with Virtual Earth 3D and track movements automatically by subscribing to Location changes from Location Platform API
How to use WPF Ribbon Control and VE3D WinForms control to make easy Natural User Interface …

If you are a technet plus subscriber then you can submit feedback to the Windows 7 team directly through Microsoft Connect.All you need is to go to this page here ( Only technet plus subscribers can see this page) their you would find the following extract.Just click the link in the extract and you can then submit bugs and suggestions to MS Connect.Here is what the extract on the page reads-
 
Give us feedback on the Windows 7 Beta!
As an TechNet subscriber you have the ability to register with Microsoft …

The Technet India blog has written a nice article regarding the features of Windows 7.Here is what it reads-
Windows 7 , the next client release of Microsoft will be available in 32 & 64-bit versions.
Here are some things that you asked for in your Desktop OS:
For end –users
1. Faster-Your system starts up, shuts down and resumes from standby faster, and your laptop’s battery lasts longer!
2. Touch- Multi touch, ink and gesture support along with handwriting recognition allow you to create exciting new input capabilities. Managing large number of windows …

If your computer is running a beta version of the Windows® 7 operating system, the following information can help you select the correct beta software to download for your Microsoft Hardware product.
For the best Microsoft Hardware device and software performance, it’s essential to install all of the important and recommended Windows updates from the Windows Update site.
Important: These are beta versions of software to support Microsoft Hardware devices on beta versions of the Windows® 7 operating system. The following table lists the beta software you will need to …

Today the Live Mesh team has updated the software for Windows 7.Now Live Mesh no longer disables Windows 7 aero theme while using it.Here is what the Live Mesh Blog reads-
 
For your safety and enjoyment, the Live Mesh client verifies the SSL certificate of the update server before downloading new code.  It turns out that one of the other things we didn’t get to do during the holiday blackout was update our SSL cert, which expired at end of 2008.  As soon as we can get the new valid cert …

After the launch of the Windows 7 beta, the new Web site for Windows 7 went online. Currently the new site for Windows 7 is available in the following countries-

Canada (English)

Deutschland (Deutsch)

France (Français)

United Kingdom (English)

United States (English)

?? (???) (Japan)

Windows 7 Themes
A theme is a desktop background plus glass color, sounds, icons, and more to help you personalize your computer with one click. Clicking Download will download and install your chosen theme. You can revert to your original settings in the Personalization Control Panel.
The themes …

With the recent announcement for Windows 7 Beta, there are now tools for ISVs to evaluate the opportunity on Windows 7 including

ISV Goal

Resource

Value

Compatibility of my shipped apps
Windows 7 Application Quality Cookbook
Learn how to verify compatibility of your applications with Windows 7…

Guidance for app targeting
Windows 7 Developer Guide
Get help building applications on …

Insights into technical depth
Windows 7 White Papers
…for in-depth technical insight into Windows 7

Presentations from converence
Windows 7 Content from PDC 2008
…session recordings from this year’s Professional Developers Conference.

Resources beyond the above
Windows 7 Partner Resources
…the Windows 7 …