Even before Windows Vista hit the shelves, Microsoft was applauding the upcoming availability of exclusive content designed especially for the Ultimate edition of the operating system. The Ultimate Extras was set up as a collection of materials tailored on the high-end SKU of Microsoft's latest platform and offered as an additional incentive for end users to grab the most Vista edition. Featuring just four Extras including Hold 'Em Poker Game, BitLocker and EFS Enhancements and the late to arrive MUI Language Packs and Windows DreamScene, on top of some cute wallpapers both static and animated, the Redmond company's additional offerings for Vista Ultimate failed to convince.

Now, Windows DreamScene, the Microsoft technology that enables Vista Ultimate users to enjoy looping video backgrounds instead of the traditional static wallpapers, is coming to two of the remaining editions of the operating system. Users running Windows Vista Home Premium and Business, but also Ultimate, will be able to integrate DeskScapes 2.0 from Stardock, in order to be able to also set video fragments as Vista wallpapers.

A single aspect recommends DeskScapes 2.0 for Vista. Stardock is in fact the original developer of the Windows DreamScene Extra that is now offered to Vista Ultimate users via Windows Update. Stardock worked with Microsoft to produce not only DreamScene but also the first set of animated wallpapers made available with the technology. DeskScapes 1.0, also developed by Stardock, was positioned as an extension of DreamScene, but version 2.0 has gone beyond that and will support the integration of animated wallpapers with the Business and Home Premium editions of Vista.

At this point in time, Stardock is planning to make DeskScapes 2.0 available in February 2008, but the product will debut into beta stage in the immediate future. The final version of DeskScapes 2.0 will be made available in two flavors, with a basic one offered for free. Stardock DeskScapes 1.02 and all future releases as they become available can be downloaded from here.