MICROSOFT TUNES IN 15/10/2004

As the latest generation of computers strives to become the hub of home entertainment, Microsoft has released Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to put multimedia PCs in the hands of the average consumer. It features dual-tuner support so you can watch one TV show while recording another, using the remote control to channel surf. You can also watch movies, play music and manipulate home videos and pictures. Windows Media Player 10 is installed, giving users access to Microsoft’s Digital Media Mall for downloading content. The company has also unveiled its Portable Media Center, to take the contents of your home computer on the road.

Audio and video has been improved, encouraging consumers to leave behind dedicated devices like DVD players and personal video recorders. Burning DVDs and CDs is facilitated by one remote-controllable interface. The availability of affordable Media Centre PCs without TV recording functionality will put the technology within the reach of mainstream households, and users will be able to buy the OS separately rather than purchasing it pre-installed on a new computer. Sony, Toshiba and Hewlett Packard have already announced desktop machines running the OS, code-named Symphony. We are anticipating the announcement of laptops soon.

Contact: www.microsoft.com