16 replies to this topic

[Mike]

In a blog post published on Monday, Microsoft announced three editions of its upcoming Windows 8 platform: Windows 8, Windows 8 Pro and Windows RT.

Windows 8 is the consumer SKU and it will include the updated Windows Explorer, Task Manager, better multi-monitor support, and the ability to "switch languages on the fly," which previously was only available to those purchasing the Enterprise and Ultimate Editions of Windows.

Windows 8 Pro is for tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals and adds features for encryption, virtualization, PC management, and domain connectivity.

It appears that Windows 8 Windows Media Center functionality will only be available as an "economical add-on" to Windows 8 Pro, and be known as the "Media Pack."

Microsoft is calling the Windows on ARM (WOA) version, "Windows RT" which is short for Windows Runtime and is at the heart of the Metro-Style side of Windows 8. The WinRT version is for WOA tablets and PCs only.

Some assume that by moving Media Center to a paid application in the upcoming Windows Store, and (or) offering it as part of a premium SKU for Windows 8, it will allow Microsoft to eliminate some of the licensing fees that the company and OEMs have previously had to pay for certain technologies used in Media Center, thereby pushing the core cost of Windows down.

You can see a full list of the differences between the three versions of Windows 8 at Microsoft’s Windows Team Blog here.

[Auldar]

Disappointing, but it makes sense.. I don't see any need to upgrade to W8 on my HTPC anyway..

[davidgol]

Disappointing, but it makes sense.. I don't see any need to upgrade to W8 on my HTPC anyway..

Since when is it about 'need'?

[GlenR]

Since when is it about 'need'?

When SWMBO vetoes the 'want'.

[DDH]

I really must get serious about Linux in production at this home address

[logifuse]

I really must get serious about Linux in production at this home address

Why? MP runs on any version of Windows 8.

Justin

[Niall]

that sucks...

I'm not that opposed to it being an addon/extra - but what possible justification is there for it being for the Pro version only? Most people will realize far too late they have the wrong o/s version and won't get it at all. (most laptops are shipped with Home/Premium ~ not Ultimate/Pro versions - can't see that changing at all in WIn8).

I also have grave doubts it will make an appearance - remember all those wonderful 'Ultimate Extras' on Vista - me neither - they never actually appeared at all..

[DDH]

Why? MP runs on any version of Windows 8.

Justin

I'm thinking, get rid of the Media Centre issue and the Windows license issue at the same time.

[vbap]

[....]what possible justification is there for it being for the Pro version only? [...]

Agree. It should just be an "App" available to any version of Win8.

There was that MS blog post about the analytics suggesting WMC users are something like <1% of the user base - concluding WMC users are essentially "enthusiasts".

But that is a self-fulfilling prophecy if the only way to get WMC8 is to buy Win8 Pro and pay for WMC on top of that....

[TiggerK]

I thought that the MC in Win 8 was going to be much the same as the Win7 version anyway, so why bother moving from Win 7 ?? I happily stuck with XP MCE during the Vista years, happy to do the same thing keeping my rock solid Win 7 setup and bypass Win 8.

I suspect Win 8 will be a bit of a Vista anyway.

[univex]

MS is trying to kill it, simple as that.
Paul Thurrot comments on it in the podcast at <url>http://www.winsupers...ul-142898</url>
Disappointing for sure. I hope there is a Metro app replacement. All the time and effort put into MyMovies might have been a waste.

[spaceman]

I see that the confusion has been tidied up with the statement that Media Centre will be a paid app on the business version but already included by default in the home version....
so stop panicking people.

[logifuse]

Never been any panic here.

Justin

[dgaust]

I'd have no problem if it was a paid app on top of Win8. At least in that case, you'd get some guarantee that it would continue for a period, and MS would get a better idea of the marketplace.

If it was paid, it would easier to justify the development/licensing costs to the business, even if it was still a niche product. At the moment, being niche and free isn't the best place to be.

[alec]

So just three questions from me
1. Will this support the current media extenders such as the Linksys DMA2000 series devices and of course the Xbox 360
2. Will it support dvr-ms format or only the newer wtv format
3. What other media types apart from its own will it support i.e. mpeg, vob etc.