wraggster
May 2nd, 2015, 21:06
http://o.aolcdn.com/dims-shared/dims3/GLOB/crop/3000x1643+0+0/resize/960x526!/format/jpg/quality/85/http://hss-prod.hss.aol.com/hss/storage/midas/37681f775cc87964e727d3fe586b0cf7/201941619/134358540.jpg (http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/02/windows-media-center-is-dead/)Rumors Microsoft would dump its Media Center feature have plagued the project for years -- in 2007 we worried if it still had a future (http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/28/does-media-center-have-a-future/), after it was largely pushed aside in Windows Vista (http://www.engadget.com/2006/02/27/microsoft-unveils-official-vista-lineup-bye-bye-media-center/) -- and the company confirmed to ZDNet (http://www.zdnet.com/article/rip-windows-media-center/) this week that with the launch of Windows 10, it's actually happening. While Media Center came to Windows 8 as an add-on (http://www.engadget.com/2012/07/02/microsoft-announces-39-99-windows-8-pro-upgrade-offer-for-most/) and unchanged from previous versions, apparently "infinitesimal" usage statistics are the reason Microsoft is finally pulling the plug. Nearly ten years ago, thelaunch of the Xbox 360 (http://www.engadget.com/2005/10/11/xbox-360-hands-on-preview/) suggested Media Center Edition had a bright future and a place in the living room. While the console went on to sell millions, HTPCs became anignored and restricted niche (http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/the-home-theater-pc-is-dead-long-live-windows-media-center/) for Microsoft, a missed opportunity after its hyped 2004 launch (http://www.engadget.com/2004/10/12/bill-gates-live-at-microsofts-digital-entertainment-anywhere/) with Bill Gates and Queen Latifah.
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/02/windows-media-center-is-dead/
http://www.engadget.com/2015/05/02/windows-media-center-is-dead/