14 DAY TRIAL // Windows 8, the next-generation operating system from Microsoft, is nearing its official release on October 26th, and some more info on the features that users would be able to purchase for it has started to emerge.
One of the capabilities that Windows 8 will lack by default will be the Windows Media Center, which has been an integral part of previous platform releases.
According to Microsoft, the move was determined by its intent to keep costs of the platform down, and to have the retail flavor of the platform available at attractive prices.
However, users will be able to grab the Media Center should they want to do so, but it will be available as a separate downloadable package.
While no official info on the price of the download was provided, the guys over at WindowsBlogItalia claim that it would cost €9.99.
The price is not that high, especially for those who really need the Media Center in their operating system.
It comes with support for a great deal of codecs and media formats, but there are not that many people taking advantage of the feature, Microsoft claims.
However, users interested in getting this Media Center with DVD playback capabilities inside will be able to do so, by getting the Windows 8 Pro Pack or by installing Media Center atop of Windows 8 Pro.
The inclusion of support for various media files and codecs in Media Center means that Microsoft has to purchase licenses for them, and that is reflected in the final cost of Windows 8.
However, if the report on Media Center’s feature proves true, it seems that the cost saving was not as great as some might have expected.
With Windows 8 already released to manufacturing and set to hit the market in roughly two and a half months from now, specific info on the platform’s pricing will emerge soon, so stay tuned.