Windows Media Center won’t make it to Windows 10 at all, Microsoft confirms
Alexandra BurlacuWindows Media Center will not be available at all in the next Windows 10 version of the operating system, Microsoft has officially confirmed.
More than a decade ago, Windows Media Center made its official debut in the Windows XP Media Center. Since then, it has offered users an optional, alternative interface usable with a TV-like remote control from roughly 10 feet away.
It may not have appealed to the masses to the extent Microsoft likely wanted it to, but over the years Windows Media Center has nonetheless won over some loyal users who were hoping to see it in Windows 10 as well.
In Windows 8, for instance, Windows Media Center was not included in the core operating system, but was still available as an extra functionality for $10. The next-generation Windows 10, however, will no longer offer Windows Media Center at all. This means that not only will the Media Center be absent from the core operating system, but it will not be available as a paid upgrade either. Those who upgrade a PC from an earlier version of the OS to the latest Windows 10 will lose Windows Media Center on the spot.
"In a private meeting this week at the Build developers' conference in San Francisco, a Microsoft executive confirmed to me that there will be no update to the company's Media Center software for Windows 10," ZDNet's Ed Bott reported.
While this decision may come as bad news for some Media Center diehard fans, it's not all that surprising. Microsoft put an end to Media Center development back in 2009, as home theater PCs and media center extenders were already losing significant ground to standalone Internet media devices.
In 2015, plenty of other alternatives now allow users to turn their TV into an Internet media center, which further questions the necessity for a Windows Media Center. Gadgets such as Roku, Google's Chromecast, Amazon's Fire TV and TV Stick, Apple TV, and others retail at affordable prices, and can offer a better experience compared to the outdated Windows Media Center, so it makes sense for Microsoft to let go of this option.
In conclusion, Windows Media Center fans might want to think twice before upgrading to the latest version of Windows. If you don't want to let go of Media Center, the older Windows 7 may be your best option.
© Copyright 2020 Mobile & Apps, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.most read
more stories from Mobile
Stay updated! Google Messages Beta introduces a fresh Gallery Picker UI. Explore it now for enhanced messaging experience.
ernest hamiltonExciting news! Samsung has begun developing One UI 7.0 Beta, based on Android 15, for the Galaxy S24 series. Stay tuned for the latest updates.
ernest hamiltonStay tuned for Pixel 8a's first update, introducing Google's AI Wallpaper Generator! Don't miss out on this exciting feature.
ernest hamiltonWith Google Messages, you can now enjoy a new audio recorder and voice moods, enhancing your messaging experience. Check it out today!
ernest hamiltonThe iOS 17.5 RC release brings several enhancements, including updates to the Podcasts widget, an improved unwanted tracking system, Repair State mode, and more.
ernest hamiltonThe decision to revoke export licenses to Huawei could have significant implications for chip sales by Intel and Qualcomm in the US.
ernest hamiltonExperience innovation like never before with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 Series, set to introduce the groundbreaking 'Battery AI' feature. Learn more in our latest article!
ernest hamiltonThe leaked promo images of the Sony Xperia 1 VI reveal exciting details ahead of its launch. Dive into the details in our latest article!
ernest hamilton