Attached here is a how-to video showing how one can easily add their favorite web apps to Windows Media Center (Vista / 7) using Prism by Mozilla Labs and Media Center Studio (hat tip to halcion1). Note that for a better user experience you may want to track down web app interfaces that have been designed for TV – i.e. YouTube XL, Google Reader Player, etc. However, if all of this seems like too much of a hassle, MillieSoft has just released a free add-in to bring Google Reader Player to Windows Media Center (additional launcher add-ins). MORE »

Remote Potato is a nifty little PC server app that allows you to browse your Windows 7 Media Center electronic program guide (EPG), manage recordings, and stream video from your home PC for playback via a web browser. Below is a demo of Remote Potato showing off its latest Silverlight powered interface that’s capable of handling all tasks through a single web page. If you’re interested in taking Remote Potato for a spin, you can download it for FREE and, if you like, make a donation to the developer for his efforts. Note: you will need to setup a dynamic DNS service to access your home PC remotely – see: Support/FAQ. [via] MORE »

Don’t like Android? Can’t stand the iPad? You’re in luck! On March 3rd you’ll be able to order DigitalRise’s new X9 multi-touch tablet PC powered by Windows 7. The X9 offers a 10.2-inch (1024×600) touchscreen, Intel Atom N270 1.6Ghz processor, 2GB of RAM, 160GB hard drive, 1.3MP webcam, 3G via SIM, 802.11g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, 3 x USB 2.0 ports, and a 4-in-1 memory card reader. Price: $799 @ ChinaGrabber.com. However, if you can’t wait ’til then, or you don’t need multi-touch, you can pick up the original Digitalrise S1 touch tablet — with essentially the same specs — for $659.99 today. Below is a video demo of the DigitalRise X9 in action. [via] MORE »

A reader of Lifehacker submitted a tip to the site detailing how one can use a Zune Wireless Remote (two versions available: new, old - pictured above) or Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote with Windows 7 Media Center. The hack is simple enough to do, requiring a single digit in a command string to be changed (see quoted text below). In a nutshell, the edited string tells media center to scan all IR channels using 0 instead of 1 by default, So if you’ve got a Zune or Xbox 360 remote handy (both run on channel 8) and an IR receiver connected to your PC, you’re good to go. MORE »

What do you know? Multi-touch has been integrated into an HTPC remote for Windows Media Center. The attached video demo shows how Elan Microelectronics Corp.’s capacitive touchpad Smart Remote Control works in conjunction with Windows 7’s built-in touch features over RF. You’ll notice that it makes browsing photos and web pages on your TV a relatively enjoyable experience. Plus, it can operate in 6 modes: handwriting, mouse, remote control, joystick, presenter, keyboard. No word on pricing or availability, but they should definitely be rolling this gadget out ASAP (a quick search online reveals it’s been under development since early 2009). MORE »

Attached above is a video of Microsoft’s Brad Brooks demonstrating Windows 7 Play To (earlier coverage) at a launch party in New York. What’s amazing is that a humble laptop (Dell XPS 16) is able to serve up photo, music, and video content to 15 DLNA certified devices with only a 54% CPU load. Brooks later goes on to show that the PC’s UI is still snappy even while juggling all the streams.

Chris Pirillo (Chris.Pirillo.com), Pete Cashmore (Mashable), and Brian Chen (Wired.com) share their thoughts on the launch of Windows 7 and the possibility of Hulu moving to a subscription model. All in all, it’s an interesting roundtable from three self avowed Mac guys with Windows experience. But I agree with Chris… the OS is becoming irrelevant in these days where everyone just logs in to their computer and fires up a web browser. I might also add that desktop replacement web apps and non-platform specific industry standards in regards to networking and media streaming help make the case as well.

Today Microsoft Corp. announced the worldwide availability of its new Windows 7 operating system. Windows 7 delivers on a simple premise: make it easier for people to do the things they want on a PC. The new operating system offers a streamlined user interface and significant new features that make everyday tasks easier and allow people to get the most out of computers of all styles and sizes. MORE »

You may have seen some of Windows 7’s supported multi-touch gestures, but I’m sure you haven’t seen anything like BumpTop’s multi-touch implementation [full guide] running inside its 3D desktop environment. Personally, I’m torn if this is insanely cool or just over the top and inefficient in real-world use cases (i.e. sitting at your desk trying to get work done). Either way, though, there’s no denying that BumpTop’s gesture commands will influence future multi-touch app development on all platforms. Check the video and tell us what you think. Where would you like to see this setup implemented?

Unbelievable, a day that I thought would never come has arrived. Microsoft Windows 7 Media Center end users — with the blessing of CableLabs — can now add CableCARD tuners (like the ATI TV Wonder Digital Cable Tuner) to their PC on their own with little to no hassle. What’s more, Windows 7 will integrate “Copy Freely” or CF functionality so users can transfer/stream CF-marked digital cable recordings to other PCs (on their network or remotely), devices, and portable media players. Looks like the HTPC biz just got a much needed shot in the arm. Full press release with additional details below. MORE »