Creating Personal, Connected Media Experiences

Redmond, Wash. — May 5, 2010 — At Embedded Systems Conference (ESC) Silicon Valley 2010, Windows Embedded General Manager Kevin Dallas announced the availability of Windows Embedded Standard 7, which includes the Windows Media Center feature. So what does this announcement mean for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and consumers alike? Let’s take a look.

Many OEMs have device portfolios that include set-top boxes (STBs), televisions and other connected media devices (CMDs), such as DVD or Blu-ray players. However, what if they had a platform to create a truly streamlined and connected device that brings together the best of traditional and online media, such as Netflix, Twitter or Zune Marketplace? With Windows Media Center as part of the Windows Embedded Standard 7 platform, the ability to provide a centralized home entertainment hub for consumers is a reality.

As consumers, we’re looking for additional value and functionality with our devices — functionalities that help extend the life of our devices and the ability to keep them fresh and current. One way to do this is through adding various Internet services to the media experience. As noted above, Windows Media Center extends beyond personal media libraries of photos, music, videos and other content with the ability to access Internet services such as social media channels or online movies and music; you can rest assured you’ll always be able to view and watch your favorite content.

The last point, and probably most important for OEMs, is the ability to customize the experience on these CMDs with unique branding and navigation and menu experiences. With Windows Embedded Standard 7, look for new tiles, fonts and colors in the Windows Media Center user experience. People want choice and personalization, and by providing this, OEMs can differenentiate both themselves and their offerings.

A series of technical white papers is being released today to help OEMs, partners and the entire developer community begin leveraging Windows Embedded Standard 7. These resources can be found here.

Stay tuned to the Windows Embedded Newsroom in the coming weeks and months to learn more about the Windows Media Center Feature in Windows Embedded Standard 7.

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