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Windows Ultimate Extras

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Windows Ultimate Extras are optional features offered to users of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition. They are accessible via Windows Update.

Current Windows Ultimate Extras

  • Windows DreamScene, a utility that allows videos to be used as desktop backgrounds. DreamScene supports .mpeg and .wmv video formats. During the last week of September 2007, Microsoft released the final version of DreamScene and announced availability of hundreds of animated backgrounds hosted at partner Stardock's Web site (dream.wincustomize.com). An update pack of additional DreamScenes was released on May 1, 2008.
  • BitLocker and EFS Enhancements, two tools (Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool and Secure Online Key Backup) that facilitate the use of security features in Windows Vista.
  • Hold 'Em Poker Game, a version of Texas hold 'em.
  • Various MUI language packs, add-ons that allow Windows to be displayed in another language.
  • Windows Sound Schemes, two extra sound packs (Ultimate Extras Glass & Pearl) that can be used instead of the Windows Default sound scheme. An update pack of additional Sound Schemes was released on May 1, 2008.

Upcoming Windows Ultimate Extras

The following have not been officially released, but have been confirmed to be part of Ultimate Extras in the future:

Criticism

Microsoft has been criticized for not delivering many useful Extras after the launch of the Vista operating system and its most expensive edition. Some people even argued that the Ultimate Extras team was no longer in existence.[1] However, on July 2, 2007, in a post on the Windows Ultimate blog they issued a statement that they would be providing 20 more language packs and final version of Windows DreamScene by the end of the summer 2007, as well as more Ultimate Extras "over the next couple years." Microsoft released the final version of Windows DreamScene on September 25, 2007. Microsoft released new extras on 1st May 2008, almost 8 months after DreamScene's release.

References

  1. ^ Computerworld.com – Critics: Vista Ultimate's promised add-ons just broken promises
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