Microsoft typically supplements its operating systems with a retail grab bag of utilities and entertainment-oriented applications called Microsoft Plus. For Windows XP, it has released not one but two such packages. The latest, Microsoft Plus Digital Media Edition, sports nearly a dozen perks, toys and tools for those who use their PC as a multimedia companion. Though some will find the program packs its fair share of incidental “fluff”, anyone into photos, video or music will undoubtedly find several components both useful and enjoyable.
Digital camera buffs will quickly take to Photo Story, wherein they can organize their favorite pictures in slideshow format, add narration, and create a dynamic sense of motion by manually or automatically zooming or panning across each shot. The end result is flowing and compelling and far less stagnant than a standard still presentation.
The program also has plenty of goodies for music fans, including Analog Recorder, a clever utility that transcribes audio in real time from traditional sources such as cassettes and 8-tracks (cables not included), organizes them into playlists, and efficiently removes pops and hiss via technology licensed from respected pro audio veteran Syntrillium Corp. Slightly less impressive is CD Label Maker, which offers a standard selection of CD labels and templates but unfortunately emblazons a Microsoft Plus logo onto each one. Party Mode stretches your Windows Media Player to fill the entire screen and displays customizable marquee announcements and animations, and the aptly named Audio Converter converts MP3 and WAV files to space-efficient WMA files.
Arguably Digital Media Edition’s most disposable feature is Plus Dancer, a selection of minuscule live action pop-up dancers who cavort on command across the desktop. Conversely, the practical Sync & Go allows users of pocket PCs to enjoy their favorite PC content on their portable. Microsoft rounds out this eclectic package with several tidbits and novelties, including a variable interval alarm clock, eight mediocre Windows Media Player skins, and fifty additional transitions and visual effects for Microsoft’s free downloadable video editor, Windows Movie Maker. –Gord GobleMicrosoft Plus! Digital Media Edition delivers easy and exciting new ways to share your photos and enjoy your music and home movies. The software allows you to easily create vibrant photo stories with your own narration, music, and photo effects. Transform your PC into a full-featured party jukebox with visual effects, while protecting your personal information and restricting access to other applications. Copy your cassette tapes and vinyl records into clean, vibrant digital files using hiss and pop reduction, track splitting, and more. With Plus! Digital Media Edition you can harness the power of Microsoft Windows XP to showcase and manage media on your PC and Pocket PC.
Easily add your music, voice, and special effects to your digital photos to create vibrant photo stories. Small file sizes make it easy to share with family and friends via e-mail or the Web. Easily add special effects to your home movies with 50 effects and transitions for Windows Movie Maker 2. Get current news, music, and more delivered to your Pocket PC automatically in high-quality audio and video. Make your desktop the dance floor for amazingly lifelike 3-D characters that groove to your favorite tunes. Select from a variety of dance styles such as hip-hop, disco, house, salsa, and many more.
Turn your computer into a full-featured alarm clock, complete with your favorite tunes. Use songs or sounds from your music library, set snooze times, set multiple alarms, and more. Customize your personal schedule with different alarms for every day–or every appointment. Also, with Plus! Digital Media Edition you can personalize your Windows Media Player with high-quality skins. Manage Windows Media Player-compatible personal audio players in My Computer, just like CD-ROM and floppy drives. Easily and quickly view, drag and drop, transfer, and delete files between folders.
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