Like Windows Media Center? Don’t Upgrade to Windows 8 - hopkinshodauld

As we reported earliest today, the "nonpayment configurations" of Windows 8 will not include Windows Media Center. Likewise, Windows 8 won't offer DVD playback capability.

I'm hopping mad.

For the uninitiated, Windows Media Center is the Windows component that turns your PC into a robust, well, media center. It serves up photos, music, videos, and, high-grade of each, TV, each via a gorgeous 10-foot interface that's great for controlling from the couch.

So, a PC spouting Windows Media Center makes a killer DVR, whether you pair it with an over-the-beam tuner or a cable television service-company CableCard. I've professed my love for WMC many, many multiplication in this space.

Merely finished the years, Microsoft has fumed it like the red-headed stepchild, barely acknowledging its existence, getting then effectively humourous off unitary of the Web's most touristy WMC forums, and, now, deputation it to a Windows 8 appurtenance.

Now, I'm the first to admit that not everyone needs or wants Windows Media Marrow, so I throne see Microsoft's reasoning behind unbundling it from Windows 8.

But making users pay extra for it (the Leontyne Price has yet to equal announced) after including it for free with Windows Vista and Windows 7 is a smack in the face. Microsoft doesn't charge for extras like Photo Gallery and Motion picture Maker, so why not only make Media Center some other freebie for those who wishing it?

What's more, Microsoft has expressed that very little has changed in the Windows 8 variation of WMC, so it's not like your investment is buying you additional capabilities (like, say, Hulu Plus integration, which would be awesome).

For years I've championed Windows Media Center as a great alternative to the likes of TiVo, only I'm so furious with Microsoft right now, I feel like boycotting all future coverage of the product. As a technology author, I wear't really have that luxury, only as a consumer, I can vote with my wallet.

I won't represent upgrading my current media-center PC to Windows 8. And I positive as heck North Korean won't be paying for Windows Media Center, which continues to be a great plus in Windows 7.

Let me get laid how you feel about this. Do you think I'm complete-reacting? Do you agree that Microsoft is fashioning a misapprehension? Are you indecisive pending the price tag for Windows Media Center? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Tributary Editor Wrick Broida writes about business and consumer technology. Require for help with your PC hassles at hasslefree@pcworld.com, or try the treasure trove of helpful folks in the PC International Community Forums. Sign up to have the Chevy-Free PC newssheet e-armored to you each workweek.