At the Digital Life Conference today, Microsoft announced that they will release an update for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 that will provide the OS with Xbox 360 support, and some other features.

The update has a nice flashy name of “Update Rollup 2”, and will enable users to stream music, photos, videos, and HD TV movies from Media Center PCs to any TV in their home through the Xbox 360. The update is available today for users of the system from the Windows Update site, totally free of charge. In addition, the software will be automatically on brand new Media Center PC’s, if you are looking to buy one.

"We introduced Windows XP Media Center Edition three years ago with a vision to simplify the way people experience digital entertainment on their PC using something as familiar as a remote control," said Will Poole, senior vice president of the Windows Client Business at Microsoft. "Now, Media Center Edition and Xbox 360, together with offerings from hundreds of industry partners, are providing fantastic interactive entertainment experiences that can be experienced throughout the home."

The Xbox 360 has built-in Media Center Extender technology, meaning it can connect to the new MCE Updated PC, and allow streaming of all kinds of imaginable multimedia content. This includes movies, music and videos all on-demand, whenever you want them.

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