Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft
CBS, Amazon launch Windows 7 apps
by Brad Linder Oct 22nd 2009 at 2:00PM
Some of the coolest new features weren't actually from Microsoft. Partners including CBS, Netflix, and Amazon introduced new applications that work with Windows 7.
CBS content including full-length TV shows will now be available directly from Windows 7 Media Center. At a time when Fox, NBC, and ABC are making streaming content available through the Hulu web site, CBS has been holding out. And now maybe we know why. While Hulu Desktop presents a pretty decent 10-foot interface for watching Hulu content, the usage agreement says you're technically not supposed to plug in a TV to use the application. Windows 7 Media Center, on the other hand, is all about making the experience of watching PC content on a big screen TV easier.
Microsoft also announced that there will be an updated version of the Netflix streaming video app for Windows 7 Media Center as well as integration with the Zune video podcast library and content from MSN and MSNBC.
Meanwhile, Amazon is introducing a new Kindle application for Windows 7. It supports multi-touch gestures and allows you to read Kindle eBooks with color photos and supports pinching to zoom. So if you don't feel like dropping $260 on a physical Kindle, it looks like you can turn your Windows 7 notebook or tablet into an eBook reader capable of handling content from the Kindle store... albeit one with much shorter battery life than the Kindle eBook reader.
Today's announcement shows that Amazon is expanding its Kindle ecosystem well beyond dedicated devices. The company also offers an iPhone version of the Kindle reader. The Kindle for PC application will be available in November.
[via SlashGear]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
laserboyjc said 2:35PM on 10-22-2009
Maybe I'm missing something, but my Media Center that came with the Windows 7 Ultimate has less features than my former Vista Home Premium version. All I see now are options for local Music, Pics, and Video, and no more online streaming feeds such as News, Sports, Online Radio, Movie Trailers, and such...is there an update coming up or what is the deal?
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Stevo said 4:03PM on 10-22-2009
Internet TV is no longer in beta, and I think is found elsewhere in the UI
Neoprimal said 4:27PM on 10-22-2009
Internet TV Beta 2 is now under the Extras section. There are a bunch of things there. Netflix is now under the movies tab, it requires a download.
Good stuff.
Jason said 2:59PM on 10-22-2009
CBS Fail. I still can't watch "The Big Bang Theory" online without DL'ing a torrent. Only clips available...
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laserboyjc said 7:01AM on 10-23-2009
Got it! Actually had to install the Internet TV extras, but it only came up by clicking on the Windows Media Center gadget that I added. Lots of neat content and slick layout.
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