Saturday, January 20, 2007

Windows Vista Ultimate Extras Revealed

At this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Bill Gates showed off Microsoft's upcoming Ultimate Extras as part of his keynote. Ultimate Extras are some additional programs for users of Vista Ultimate edition. MS has three Ultimate Extras ready for release on Windows Vista's general availability date (end Jan 2007). These extras are:

  • Windows DreamScene:  This Ultimate Extra allows you to to use a video as your desktop background. DreamScene then loops through this video as your desktop background. There's a nice waterfall video  and you can even use your own videos.  the downside is that this uses a huge amount of CPU and can be distracting.
  • BitLocker and EFS Enhancements:   This includes a tool called the Secure Online Key Backup that you can use to store your BitLocker recovery password on a secure MS web site.
  • Texas Hold'em Poker Game:  This is not a bad version of Texas Hold'em. You can not, however, play online with other users.  

Ultimate Extras are slated for release on 30 January with more Extras coming.  MS has created the Windows Ultimate Web site for updates and information on current and upcoming Windows Vista Ultimate Extras.

 

 

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