 |
 |
|
 |
|
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
|
Microsoft announces Plus package for Windows XP
By Martyn Williams (IDG) -- Voice control for Windows Media Player and three-dimensional screen savers are two of the functions that will be included in Microsoft's Plus for XP software, which is scheduled to ship with the new Windows XP operating system in less than a month, the software company has announced. Like previous versions of Plus that have been sold beside Microsoft's operating systems since Windows 95 was launched, the new version of the Microsoft Plus package includes a number of enhancements that are aimed at adding a little more enjoyment, rather than productivity, to the system.
Leading the features in the new version is the voice-command software which, according to Microsoft, allows users to issue instructions to the Media Player software using approximately 40 preprogrammed commands, such as "Media Player, play," or "Media Player, next." Also on a musical theme, the package includes software designed to boost clarity and richness of sound on PC speakers, the company said in a statement. Microsoft is also including software that will convert MP3 audio files into its own proprietary Windows Media format, a jukebox-like application that allows users to compile customized play lists, and a CD label and jacket maker application that automatically adds artist, track, and album information. A number of new screen savers, among them an on-screen aquarium and space walk and desktop themes including nature, space, and da Vinci, are also part of the Plus package as are a number of 3-D games. These include a PC version of the Hyperbowl bowling game, a tabletop labyrinth game, and a new puzzle game called Russian Squares. The company has been shipping its Plus package of add-ons for the Windows operating system since it moved from the Windows 3.x platform to Windows 95 in 1995. At that time, Plus including a number of features such as a task scheduler called System Agent, a more efficient disk drive compressor than was included in the operating system, many desktop themes, and the first version of a new Web browser -- Internet Explorer. Microsoft Plus for XP is to ship with Windows XP on Oct. 25 and will carry a price of $39.95. |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
RELATED STORIES:
• PC makers may ship Windows XP early
August 10, 2001 • Preorder Windows XP systems from Gateway September 7, 2001 • Microsoft unveils Windows XP February 17, 2001 • Microsoft unveils new Windows operating system February 13, 2001 • Lavish event planned to launch new Microsoft OS February 12, 2001 • Web site problems strike again for Microsoft January 26, 2001 • Worm possibly used against Microsoft had links to China January 19, 2001 • Microsoft, Starbucks look for wireless jolt January 3, 2001 • Microsoft case in political limbo as votes counted November 9, 2000 RELATED IDG.net STORIES:
• Update: Consumer groups blast Windows XP in report
(IDG.net) • Windows XP takes a bite out of Big Apple (IDG.net) • XP PCs to hit streets next week (PCWorld.com) • XP's extras (PCWorld.com) • Compaq offers free upgrade to Windows XP (IDG.net) • Microsoft fixes security flaws in Windows Media Player (InfoWorld.com) • MS releases new media players (IDG.net) • RealNetworks, Microsoft announce media player plans (IDG.net) Note: Pages will open in a new browser window
External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.
TECHNOLOGY TOP STORIES:
• Report: SUVs pose danger to cars • New telemarketer tool trumps TeleZapper • Terra Lycos logs $2.2B loss • AOL to offer song downloads • Microsoft seeks fiscal fountain of youth (More) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Back to the top | |
© 2003 Cable News Network LP, LLLP.
A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines. Contact us. |
