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The Green Button

The #1 authority on the Microsoft Windows Vista Media Center and Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition 2005. Expert advice, news, tips & tricks, downloads.


Microsoft Skips Media Center at CES KeynoteYesterday

Windows Media Center was talked about in the CES keynote, but despite the several mentions of bringing the “three different screens” together, Media Center is still lacking in Microsoft’s digital home vision.  Windows Media Center has really reduced to this PR statement…

“Consumers today have access to more digital media and are increasingly using the PC as the hub of their electronic experiences. The “Play-to” feature in Windows 7 allows easier streaming of music, video and photos to devices in a home network. Windows Media Player and Windows Media Center in Windows 7 have built-in support for more media formats so people can use their PC to play more media content and sync it to a broader range of devices. As an alternative to monthly digital video recording (DVR) fees, Windows Media Center, available in some editions of Windows 7, with a TV tuner and improved user interface, makes recording TV free and easy.”

“Connected TV” was covered with a focus on Mediaroom reaching 2.5 million homes.  This is the second year in a row that Media Center, Microsoft’s former baby has been a no-show at the CES Keynote.  No Media Center on Microsoft.com, no Media Center at CES keynote.  


Random Notes from Microsoft’s CES KeynoteYesterday

Media Center

  • 10 million Media Center users a month
  • Average Media Center session time is ~90 minutes

Xbox 360

  • Xbox LIVE membership that has grown to 17 million active members.
  • Xbox 360 has sold 28 million consoles sold to date
  • More than $1 billion spent on Xbox LIVE since the launch of the Xbox 360
  • Xbox 360 has largest game attach rate
  • Xbox LIVE Primetime channel brings together the best of TV and gaming in an interactive way.
  • Primetime will create scheduled programming, offer interactive and social features.
  • Average Halo player playing 150 hours on Xbox LIVE
  • Two new Halo titles this year.  Feb 28th release for Halo Wars.  Halo 3 ODST in 2009.
  • Since NXE launch, downloads of video content up 60%
  • Over 45 movie/TV studios providing content on Xbox LIVE
  • Over 60 millions song downloads on Lips and other music games.

Mediaroom

  • Mediaroom platform has reached nearly 2.5 million subscriber homes worldwide (250% growth over last year)
  • Mediaroom Anytime lets you watch previously aired content
  • Mediaroom adds interactive third-party application support (BBC Top Gear as an example)

Windows Mobile

  • Windows Mobile is getting new Internet Explorer with Adobe Flash support
  • Lots of new
Xbox LIVE Primetime Channel Brings Interactive Gaming/TV to Xbox 360Yesterday

Developing….

“new interactive entertainment genre with the premiere of the Xbox LIVE Primetime channel, which brings together the best of TV and gaming. Xbox LIVE Primetime will debut with an online version of the popular TV show “1 vs. 100” that enables thousands of gamers to play together with real hosts and compete for real prizes."

Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/aggbug.aspx?PostID=324130
Windows Mobile Gets Netflix Queue Updating SoftwareYesterday

Developing...

"This month, Microsoft and Netflix, the world’s largest online movie rental service, will offer software that enables Windows Mobile customers to update and view their Netflix movie queue. Changes will appear instantly on Netflix on Xbox LIVE, extending the existing service that launched in November. Xbox 360 is the only game system that lets people instantly watch thousands of movies and TV episodes streamed from Netflix, many in HD."

Cross Posted from Chris Lanier's Blog at http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/aggbug.aspx?PostID=324129
Microsoft’s Ballmer Announces Availability of Windows 7 Beta and Windows LiveYesterday

Company previews simpler, better Windows operating system and highlights connected entertainment offerings at CES.

LAS VEGAS — Jan. 7, 2009 — In a keynote address at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer announced the beta availability of the Windows 7 operating system as well as the availability of the latest version of the Windows Live, a suite of personal communications services and applications.

“I’m thrilled to announce the availability of the Windows 7 beta, which is on track to deliver simplicity and reliability,” Ballmer said. “Windows 7 and Windows Live are part of an incredible pipeline of consumer technology that is making it easier than ever for people to communicate, share and get more done.”

The beta version of Windows 7, Microsoft’s next-generation PC operating system, can be downloaded today by MSDN, TechBeta and TechNet customers. Consumers who want to test-drive the beta will be able to download it beginning Jan. 9 at http://www.microsoft.com/windows7.

Microsoft also announced the global availability of Windows Live, a free suite of communications and sharing applications. Windows Live makes it easy for people to communicate, share and keep their online lives in sync and in one place with one login. The new and enhanced Windows Live services — including PCMag.com 2008 Edi