Windows Ultimate Extras are optional features offered to Windows Vista Ultimate users. They are available via Windows Update.
Windows Ultimate Extras[]
- Windows DreamScene – a utility that allows videos to be used as desktop backgrounds. DreamScene-compatible backgrounds are also available to download.
- BitLocker and EFS Enhancements – two tools (Windows BitLocker Drive Preparation Tool and Secure Online Key Backup) that facilitate the use of security features in Windows Vista.
- Hold 'Em – a version of Texas hold 'em with graphics matching built-in Windows card games.
- Microsoft Tinker – a puzzle game with a custom level editor.
- MUI language packs – add-ons that allow Windows to be displayed in another language.
- Windows Sound schemes – three sound schemes (Glass, Pearl, Microsoft Tinker) that can be set to play sounds while using Windows.
Proposed Windows Ultimate Extras[]
The following features have been proposed, but never officially released as part of Ultimate Extras:
- Group Shot, a photo editing program developed by Microsoft Research.
- More effects and transitions for Windows Movie Maker.
- Two desktop backgrounds were made by the Ultimate Extras team, Start and Strands, but were made available publicly instead of as downloads in Windows Ultimate Extras.[1]
Reception[]
Microsoft has been criticized for not delivering many useful Extras after the launch of the Vista operating system and its most expensive edition. Some people even argued the Ultimate Extras team disbanded early.[2] However, on July 2, 2007, a post on the Ultimate Extra blog issued a statement that 20 more language packs would be provided along with the final version of Windows DreamScene by the end of the summer, as well as more Ultimate Extras “over the next couple of years”.[3]
References[]
External links[]
- Windows Ultimate Extras at Wikipedia
Wikipedia (article: Windows Ultimate Extras )
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