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Microsoft: Media Center Edition won't make it into Windows 10
Rumors Microsoft would dump its Media Center feature have plagued the project for years -- in 2007 we worried if it still had a future, after it was largely pushed aside in Windows Vista -- and the company confirmed to ZDNet this week that with the launch of Windows 10, it's actually happening. While Media Center came to Windows 8 as an add-on and unchanged from previous versions, apparently "infinitesimal" usage statistics are the reason Microsoft is finally pulling the plug. Nearly ten years ago, the launch of the Xbox 360 suggested Media Center Edition had a bright future and a place in the living room. While the console went on to sell millions, HTPCs became an ignored and restricted niche for Microsoft, a missed opportunity after its hyped 2004 launch with Bill Gates and Queen Latifah.
Ceton's Media Center mobile apps are for all, app and Echo extender beta signups open now
If you're a Windows Media Center fan and have been drooling over the treats Ceton showed off at CES like its mobile companion apps (whether on WP7 or other platforms like iPhone and Android) and Echo extender we've got good news and better news. The good news is that the apps have been rebranded simply as Ceton Companion Apps and they will be available for all Windows Media Center 7 users when they launch, spreading their guides, file browsing and remote DVR management options throughout the land. The better news is that you'll be able to get your hands on the apps and / or Echo extender relatively soon, since there are beta tests coming soon for both. While the app beta is planned to start May 25th on all of the previously listed platforms, the Echo extender will be a paid beta where users can keep the hardware once its over. More details on the latter should be available soon, for now interested users should hit the link below to get on the list or check out an... interesting promo video embedded after the break.
Microsoft outs three flavors of Windows 8: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT
We've known for what feels like ages that Windows 8 would come in at least two flavors: one supporting x86 devices and one for ARM machines. Now Microsoft's ready to put a naming scheme on its much-anticipated menu for the operating system. According to a post on the Windows blog, ARM devices will get Windows RT, while x86 / 64 devices will run Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro (also for x86 devices) will offer the suit-and-tie set added features for "encryption, virtualization, PC management and domain connectivity." Windows Media Center will be packaged as an add-on for the folks who go Pro. For a full break down of what each version will hold hit the source link below and check out our hands-on impressions of the OS preview here.
Trinion L7 HTPC touts integrated touchscreen LCD
Just in case you're looking for something similar to OriginAE's latest LCD-equipped HTPC enclosure, but would rather the unit come fully stocked and ready to rock, the Trinion L7 should fit the bill. This Korean-based unit packs a sexy, silver chassis, seven-inch 800 x 480 resolution touchscreen LCD monitor, 1.66GHz Intel T5500 processor, 1GB of DDR2 RAM, 250GB hard drive, 8-channel onboard audio, gigabit Ethernet, combo drive, and Windows XP Media Center Edition pre-installed. Additionally, the company offers up an IR remote to control the action from afar, front-panel flash card readers, USB / FireWire connectors, and audio in / out ports, and the built-in UI provides easy access to DVD playback, games, office applications, photos, TV episodes, etc. While we're not sure when South Koreans can expect this to land on local shelves, be sure to click on through for a more shots of the machine in action.
Microsoft extends support for Windows XP Home / MCE
If you thought Microsoft was just going to bail out on all the Windows XP Home and Media Center Edition users now that copies of Vista are flying off online shelves worldwide, here comes that assurance you've been yearning for. Although most of the folks in Redmond seem to be preoccupied with ironing out the forecasted Fiji service pack, the firm has announced that as of today, it will be extending the support phase for Windows XP Home / MCE users to match that already given to XP Professional owners. With the addition of the "Extended Support," the aid life cycle for the two operating systems will include "a total of five years of mainstream support (until April 2009), as well as five years of extended support." Of course, we highly doubt you're seriously planning on using an old-news OS for another couple years, but hey, Gates' crew is there if you need 'em.
Philips launches a handful of Vista MCE-compatible remotes
While we've already seen a few Windows Vista Media Center Edition remotes, Philips has just rolled out a whole host of its own along with assorted USB receivers. These range from a more standard style remote (RC1974501/00) with the huge number of buttons up and down to its slightly upgraded counterpart, the RC1974502/00, which appears to be the same, except with backlighting on the keys. The third version of the family, the RC1974603/00 also has backlighting, but adds "advanced IR learning," although we're not really sure what makes it more advanced than a remote with standard IR learning. However, the top model of the family includes an RF receiver and transmitter, just in case you need that extra range. Beyond that, there's also some PC-card remotes that'll jack in with your laptop, but the best one out of all of them is the TINO SRM7500/xx -- this larger model comes with its own built-in LCD so that you can navigate and control music playback without turning on the screen of your home entertainment center. Plus, its got them learnin' smarts too, so it can show those other remotes who's boss. Philips neglected to mention how much any of this stuff will cost, nor when it will be released; until we find out, we'll just have to settle for our more traditional channel-changing wands.[Via Zatz Not Funny, image courtesy PVR Wire]
Pinnacle rolls out PCTV To Go placeshifting box, bundles WiFi
If you're scouting the perfect placeshifting device to cure those television blues while stuck at your TV-less grandmother's house for Thanksgiving, the Slingbox might not be the obvious choice anymore. Granted, it'll probably be awhile before the current king is dethroned, Pinnacle is giving the shifting game its best shot with the PCTV To Go. Sporting built-in WiFi / Windows MCE support, this content liaison works essentially like any other timeshifting device out there, and channels MPEG4 video to wherever you're logged in (or MPEG2 if connected locally). It also allows full control over your attached DVR, giving you the opportunity to schedule a recording for that oh-so-critical rerun of Nick Arcade, Season One. It reportedly works seamlessly with your home entertainment system, acting as a pass-through device that won't complicate things when wiring it up, but there's no word on whether it supports HD signals. The Pinnacle PCTV To Go should be available just before Turkey Day for a very competitive $249.99.Update: Thanks to an eagle-eyed reader who prefers to remain anonymous (apparently Pinnacle's got some leg breakers on its payroll) we now know that this is little more than a rebranded HAVA box from Snappy -- not that there's anything wrong with that, just sayin'.[Via PVRWire]
Sneak peek at Microsoft's Windows Vista MCE remote
Joining the celebratory Windows Vista soft drink as accessories that have hit the streets long before a finalized copy of the operating system itself, the Vista MCE remote was out and on display at this year's Digital Life expo. A curious fellow over at Neowin got a brief glimpse of the remote in action, and even got some hands-on time with the yet-to-be-released media liaison. The remote appears oddly rectangular -- an unusual deviation from the curvaceous trends we've seen in remotes -- yet was said to "fit in your hand beautifully despite the squared edges." While the obvious Vista logo dominates the face, the remote is otherwise subtle when it comes to labeling, striking a surprisingly clean look compared to the sticker-ridden devices we've become accustomed to. Moreover, the kiosk was supposed to demonstrate how Vista (and presumably the remote) interacted with the Xbox 360, but a "number of technical difficulties" prevented that anticipated show from commencing. As of now, there's been no word concerning price, expected delays, or eventual availability, but we're sure this is just the first of many media remotes we'll see coming down the pike for Microsoft's forthcoming OS.[Via PVRWire]
Inteset's "Julia" touchscreen-based MCE unit
Inteset continues its unique naming scheme for its MCE devices, adding the Julia to its line-up to compliment its Denzel, Vana and, um, TeraRAID units. This one's particularly notable for the inclusion of a touchscreen display, which is no easy feat given Media Center's decidedly touchscreen-unfriendly interface. To get around that, Inteset whipped up some custom pop-up menus and keyboards so you can navigate your way around without cluttering up your desk or countertop. The unit itself packs a 17-inch widescreen display, along with a CD/DVD drive, TV and FM tuners, 80GB hard drive, and Ethernet and WiFi capabilities. While the Julia's designed to work in conjunction with Inteset's other media server products, it'll also apparently work as a standalone unit, which would suggest it's got a bit more under the hood, though exactly what isn't clear. Neither are price nor availability, unfortunately.
