Tell Your Photo Story Too

Today, Microsoft announced an enhanced version of its Plus! Digital Media Edition. The Plus! series, originally launched with Windows 95, is an enhancement pack for Microsoft's flagship operating system. Plus! DME adds digital media enhancements to Windows XP.

The enhanced DME includes Photo Story 2, the second version of Microsoft's software for creating slideshow movies. Extending this technology is smart, as Jupiter Research research shows that working with digital photos is an important use of consumer PCs. Microsoft's approach appeals to shutter-bugs that may not want to shoot or edit movies. Using Photo Story 2, consumers can create slideshow movies complete with soundtrack and nifty transitions.

Plus! DME is Microsoft's showcase of Windows Digital Media technologies. The company has aggressively priced the product, too, at $19.95. In some ways, the product seems like a bargain considering all the features, like synchronization of digital content with Pocket PC handhelds, Windows Media Player party mode or tiny dancers that move to the beat of music. But, Microsoft isn't giving anything away. The low price is a good way for Microsoft to better acquaint consumers with Windows Digital Media technologies and encourage more creation of content in Windows Media Audio or Video formats.

In other Windows Digital Media news, today, MSN launched the beta of a video service. Initial content will come from NBC and MSNBC.com streamed as Windows Media Video.

Posted by Joe Wilcox at October 14, 2003 06:48 PM