The Windows Ultimate Extras team has released a great set of wallpapers for Windows Vista and Hamad Darwish also offers a great selection of backgrounds in addition to his images that are shipping with the operating system. But Microsoft has yet another ace up its sleeve. This time not from Kuwait, but all the way from Singapore.

Microsoft Singapore has debuted the PhotoVista competition back in December 2006 and has closed it in January 2007. With PhotoVista, Microsoft has tapped the potential of Singapore to deliver unique vistas for its operating system. During the 60 days of the competition, Microsoft Singapore has managed to attract in excess of 2,200 entries.

Microsoft has been looking for talented photographers but only amateur and under 18 years of age. Only entries from permanent residents of Singapore were accepted as Microsoft aimed to capture the local flavor. In this context, the entries also had to be focused exclusively on Singapore.

"This is the original photo I submitted for the photovista competition. It was taken somewhere near Jurong Industrial Park, the only explanation I can give for the cloud formation is that it is nearing the end of the monsoon season here in South East Asia," revealed Justin Tan, a participant in the PhotoVista competition talking about the image included herein on his blog.

But the selection of Vista wallpapers is truly luxuriant and you will be able to find examples via this link. The PhotoVista site is also offering high resolution wallpaper versions for download, all you have to do is to go here.