14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has extended the control of Windows Media Center in Windows Vista beyond the limits of the operating system to devices adjacent to the platform via Windows SideShow. With the Windows SideShow technology, users are enabled to access information from their Vista machine on a variety of additional hardware from mobile phones to digital picture frames. But it also goes the other way around as the latest Windows Media Center Gadgets for Windows SideShow demonstrate. No less than four gadgets are available for download and testing from Microsoft Connect.
"Four gadgets are included with this beta that allow you to browse the TV Guide and schedule recordings. Browse Recorded TV by thumbnail. Browse your music library and control music playback. Browse Picture and Video libraries. View 'now playing' information and control Media Center with playback controls," revealed a member of the Windows SideShow Team.
The gadgets essentially permit users to access the content which is playing in Windows Media Center on copies of Windows Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. The viewing function comes complete with playback capabilities. This, in addition to browsing, can be done from any Windows SideShow enabled devices.
However, for the time being, all the gadgets are in Beta stage, and do not deliver an accurate user experience compared to the finalized product. The Redmond company warned testers that, since the pre-release status of bugs are somewhat inherent, all the gadgets have to be installed on the Windows Vista machines featuring the Media Center.
The download link for the Winodws Media Center Gadgets in Beta "works one time per Windows Live ID (You must sign-in with your Windows Live ID to access Beta Programs on Microsoft Connect). You can submit feedback to the team working on these Gadgets on Microsoft Connect," added Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.