At CeBIT 2005 today, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT) announced that Windows(R) XP Media Center Edition-based PCs will be available this year in 20 new markets, broadening the global reach of Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 to more than 30 countries and 17 languages by the end of 2005. With this worldwide expansion of Microsoft(R) Windows XP Media Center Edition availability, more customers than ever before will be able to enjoy easy access to the best in digital entertainment and powerful home computing.

Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 offers people around the world the widest range of complete, connected entertainment experiences. Microsoft and many industry partners continue to come together to deliver on the vision of Digital Entertainment Anywhere with new hardware, software and services.

    "We're continuing to see unprecedented demand for Windows XP Media Center Edition worldwide," said Will Poole, senior vice president of the Windows Client Business at Microsoft. "Now, together with our partners, we are answering that demand by delivering our best version of Windows ever with new ways to experience digital photos, music, TV and more."

The availability of Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs continues to grow at an exponential rate. Today, more than 90 of the top PC manufacturers worldwide and nearly 7,000 system builders are shipping a wide variety of Media Center PC designs in 13 countries.

    Today, Media Center PC users can access more than 30 content and partner services across the globe via the Online Spotlight feature of Windows XP Media Center Edition. Online Spotlight provides a convenient, central location where consumers can discover and enjoy the latest online services and software designed for Windows XP Media Center Edition. Many Online Spotlight partners are already offering services in multiple markets, including CinemaNow, MSN(R) Music, Napster, Reuters and Tiscali.music powered by Loudeye.  Recent additions to Online Spotlight include TVTonic video on demand by Wavexpress Inc., and Autozine.

    In addition, Reuters today announced that its Interactive News Channel, already offered in the United Kingdom and United States, is now available in Germany and France, with plans for availability in more markets later this year. And Australia's Telstra has announced availability of its BigPond gaming content for customers using Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs.

    " Windows XP Media Center Edition is a convenient way for us to bring Reuters global news operation into our audience's living rooms," said Chris Ahearn, president of Reuters Media. "The Reuters News Channel in Online Spotlight gives people the opportunity to create their own personal news network where they choose the stories that matter to them, whenever and wherever they are happening in the world."

    The availability of Media Center PCs in 20 new markets later this year will further reinforce the global momentum behind Microsoft's Digital Entertainment Anywhere vision. By year's end, Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs will be available in the following additional locations:     -- Belgium     -- Czech Republic     -- Denmark     -- Finland     -- Hong Kong     -- India     -- Ireland     -- Mexico     -- New Zealand     -- Norway     -- Poland     -- Portugal     -- Russia     -- Singapore     -- Slovakia     -- South Africa     -- Spain     -- Sweden     -- Taiwan     -- Turkey     Windows XP Media Center Edition-based PCs are currently offered in Australia, Austria, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Netherlands, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

fonte:DIGITALPRODUCER.COM