Microsoft will not make available the Extras for Windows Vista Ultimate until January 30, 2007. But this does not mean that we cannot have a sneak preview at Microsoft's offerings. Just in case you were considering buying a copy of Vista Ultimate, here is what Microsoft has in store for you: Windows DreamScene, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements, Hold 'Em Poker Game, Group Shot, MUIL packs etc.

The Extras for Windows Vista Ultimate are designed to be an integer part of the Vista Ultimate line up and have been showcased at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2007 in Las Vegas, by none other than Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. The sneak previews offered by Microsoft on the WindowsUltimate.com website, are just a taste of the first wave of Extras for the high-end version of Vista.

"Windows Ultimate Extra adds a popular poker game to your Windows Vista gaming experience. Hold 'Em sets you against the computer for no-limit poker fun. Hold 'Em may cost you time, but your money is safe because the chips are not real. Hold 'Em uses Microsoft DirectX technology for smooth animated play and rich graphics. Users can change options to play against up to five computer players, set the opponents' skill level, and customize the look of the card deck and playing table. After you install this Windows Ultimate Extra, Hold 'Em will appear in the Windows Vista Games Explorer," revealed Microsoft, and you can see a screenshot of the Hold 'Em Poker Game for Vista Ultimate in the image at the bottom.

The multi-user interface language packs will be available in 35 languages on top of English. According to Microsoft, the MUILs will be also offered to Vista Enterprise customers. GroupShot will enable Vista Ultimate users to construct a composite image out of a series of photos. GroupShot will not be among the first wave of Vista Ultimate extras as it is a project still in development.

However, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements and Windows DreamScene will be on Windowsultimate.com on January 30, 2007, enhancing the security features in Vista and enabling users to set up video fragments as their background.