Did Microsoft Lose the Windows Media Center Remote on the Way to Vista?

Has Microsoft lost the Windows Media center remote on the way to Windows Vista? The remote control designed especially for the Windows Media Center integrated into Microsoft's latest operating system can be viewed in the adjacent images. This is nothing new. The fact of the matter is that this remote control has been around since before Windows Vista. You have to take into consideration the fact that Microsoft has even included the remote into the official Windows Vista Product Guide.

Following the release to manufacturing of Windows Vista back in 2006, the Redmond Company produced an updated version of the Windows Vista Product Guide and made it available for download. "Media remote control - While you watch TV with your family on your Windows Media Center PC, you can find out what programs are showing next or schedule a recording for the next day. You can also browse through your Windows Media Center music collection from the display on the remote control without turning on the TV. In addition, the device supports other gadgets for Windows SideShow, so you can look at tomorrow's calendar, check sports scores, monitor incoming email messages, and even receive instant messages," reads a fragment of the Windows Vista product guide referencing the Vista remote.

The image of the remote - identical to the one towards the bottom of this article - is even called MCE_Vista_Remote. So what gives? Vista was made available to business on November 30, 2006 and to the general consumers on January 30, 2007. The beginning of June is but two days away and the Microsoft Windows Media Center remote is nowhere to be seen.

Well, there is a piece of good news concerning the device. Apparently, it has not been scrapped by Microsoft, as the Redmond Company just got a patent for it. Well, not for the actual remote, but for the design of the Windows Media center accessory. "The ornamental design for a remote controller" has been conceived by Maruska; Joshua David (Seattle, WA), Steiner; Philipp (Seattle, WA), Mabry; John Dan (Seattle, WA) of Microsoft Corporation. Therefore, there is still a chance that Microsoft will deliver the remote to Vista users. Just another surprise to tag along Windows Fiji?