NewsGator comes to Windows Media Center... now it's time to really open up MCE to the masses

Michael Gartenberg | April 14, 2004, 07:38 AM

I can talk about this now! This is a major development as it shows promise not only for RSS but for the notion of MCE as a platform. Unlike the rather lames MSNBC channel in the Media Center online services, NewsGator lets me view and work with RSS content while really taking advantage of the Media Center UI. One of the things that Microsoft needs to do to really spur development is to remove the restriction that vendors need to ship a TV tuner with MCE. While the TV is important and it's a good exprerience, there's a lot of folks that don't need it or want it but do want to view their pictures, listen to music and read newsfeeds with the benefits of the 10 foot UI. It's a bold move for Microsoft to make but will provide the impetus for more developers to get on board and create a positive feedback loop, sprak growth of Media Center Extender and Portable Media Center devices and create a consistent framework for developers and benefit to users.

This used to be what Microsoft was best at. I wonder if anyone over there still remembers the concept :)

Like I said, my Tivo is getting unplugged this year and I'm going to get a Windows Media Center PC. Why? Well, my favorite news aggregator, NewsGator, is now on the Media Center. Congrats Greg Reinacker for getting that done.

[Scobleizer: Microsoft Geek Blogger]