Microsoft's chairman and chief software architect Bill Gates will take to the stage tomorrow in Los Angeles to officially unveil the latest version of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 operating system. Codenamed 'Symphony', the update to Windows XP Professional will offer users an all-in-one system designed to take the place of a DVD player, digital VCR, stereo and TV.
With the holiday buying season fast approaching, they have the timing right. However, we know prior versions left consumers with a symphony of complaints from instability to poor image quality to lack of hardware support. This latest iteration which has been in beta since last spring, is reportedly offering solutions to these issues, along with support for two TV tuners, DVD burning, over-the-air high-definition television, cable and satellite TV.
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A key new feature is support for wireless technology and in particular Media Center Extender, a new technology that lets users wirelessly connect up to five TVs to the Media Center PC. Also, users can now exchange MSN instant messages through their TV and remotely program their Media Center 2005 system through a service offered by MSN. Microsoft has hosted events in September or October for the past two years to introduce new Media Center products for the December shopping season. In 2002, the software maker announced the first version of Windows XP Media Center Edition, followed by an update, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004, last year. With the 2005 version, Windows XP Media Center is finally a finished product, said Enderle. "This is a significant step. Last year's product was interesting, but this year's product feels mature and where we go from here will be minor enhancements." Windows XP Media Center Edition is |
According to this PC World article, it appears Hewlett-Packard plans to announce four new Media Center PCs, a Media Center Extender and two products dubbed Digital Entertainment Centers that look like standard consumer electronics hardware such as VCRs or DVD players instead of PCs. Dell also will announce new systems that run the updated Microsoft operating system.
Well, let's hope that they do make a favorable impression on the public with this newest entertainment offering. But will the consumer embrace a design that comes entwined with Microsofts digital rights management? That is the question. They own the desktop computer realm, will they also own our entertainment rooms?
Source: PC World Australia
