What Is This? Microsoft Scrapped the Immensely Successful Vista Ultimate Extras?

Without a shadow of a doubt, one of the biggest disappointments associated with Windows Vista was the Ultimate Extras. Announced as a collection of exclusive content available for integration with the high-end edition of the latest Windows client, the Vista Ultimate Extras ended up as a total of four items including Windows DreamScene, the Language Packs, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements and the Hold'em Poker game, in an entire year. Actually, disappointment is an understatement.

Until not too long ago, the few Extras that Microsoft did manage to ship were featured on their very own corner of the Internet, the WindowsUltimate website. This is no longer the case. The original Windows Ultimate Extras website is now dead and redirecting to the new UltimatePC hotspot. "Thanks to all our Windows Vista Ultimate customers for visiting this site. We're excited to announce the launch of a new site at UltimatePC that provides more information – and resources – to help you get the most of your PC," is a lingering message that redirects visitors to the new website.

New information? Sure! New resources? You bet! New Vista Ultimate Extras? Well... I wouldn't go that far. And no! Nothing extra when it comes down to Ultimate Extras. Just the same old Windows DreamScene, the Language Packs, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements and the Hold'em Poker game. At well over a year since the Extras made their debut.

Steven Bink has reported that Microsoft is in fact preparing some new Extras for this year. This has not been confirmed officially by Microsoft, but apparently the company will flood users with new and exciting content. Yes, I am kidding. The new Extras will feature some new sound schemes, screensavers and animated backgrounds for DreamScene. There is also a new game supposedly coming, as well as enhancements to Movie Maker and DVD Maker. If you ask me, the Ultimate Extras have been moved to a corner of UltimatePC in an effort to have them swept under the rug and be forgotten.

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