Windows Media Center is no longer integral part of Windows

Windows Media Center is no longer integral part of Windows now. With the announcement of Windows 8 SKUs, Microsoft has also explained its plan to include Windows Media Center in Windows 8. Now Media Center will be a “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro edition only.

The Windows blog states:
Windows Media Center will be available as an economical “media pack” add-on to Windows 8 Pro.

Not surprisingly, it’s a good idea. Windows Media Center is not the first choice as media player and only 6% of Windows 7 users launch ever globally.

Windows Media Center

Windows Media Center

And it’s true… I just run Media Center to take screenshot only :P

The downloadable media pack would be delivered via Windows App Store for few bucks to tech enthusiasts and business/technical professionals. It sounds crazy as Windows Team blog stats that Windows 8 Pro is for enthusiasts and in the business environment and in my opinion Media Center for Home users makes much more sense than limiting it to geeks/professionals and businesses.

On the whole, Media Center is no longer integral part of Windows and the separation could be beginning of the end of Media Center.

About RKonit

He is a technologist, writes code for fun and work out of his home office, and has been Microsoft MVP for 4 years, specializing in Windows and also became Microsoft .Net Rockstar.