More DreamScenes For Vista Users
If you’re running Windows Vista Ultimate, then you know about Windows DreamScene, the feature in Vista which lets you set an animated background as your desktop wallpaper. I ran DreamScenes at first because they were something new to try, but after a while I returned to plain old wallpaper. The problem wasn’t that there was anything wrong with the DreamScenese themselves… it’s just that I get bored with my desktop and like to change the background frequently. After going through all the included Dreamscenes a few times, I switched back to wallpaper to keep it interesting.
However, during a recent visit to the deviantART website it occurred to me to search for DreamScenes there. I don’t know why I didn’t think to do this before! As it turned out, there were several new DreamScenes available for me to try, including this nifty glowing white Windows logo on a black background, which I’m running right now:
I also found a colorful variation on that theme here:
Some glowing cosmic lights:
A blue and yellow lit-up design:
And even a Leopard-esque light show:
These should keep me busy for at least a few more months!
New Ultimate Extras
Vista Ultimate users recently got a nice surprise: a handful of new Ultimate Extras have been made available for download. These Extras include new DreamScenes, soundscapes, and a fun puzzle game called Tinker. The four new DreamScenes are simply four different variations on one image of clouds and sky, each with a unique color scheme. These are great for those of us who want to use DreamScenes but wanted a background that wasn’t too busy as some of the others were. The sky image is much simpler and can still be enjoyed even if you decide to cover it with icons.
The real winner from this recent update, though, is the new game called Tinker. (Click here to see a video). This is a fun little puzzle game that features a character called Tinker, a robot that some say is reminiscent of Wall-E. In the game, a creation of Fuel Industries, your goal is to navigate Tinker through various obstacles in order to complete each level. It may sound easy, but it’s not as easy as you think. However, it is addictive, so be warned - you might end up playing it for much longer than you anticipated! There are 60 levels in all, and if you complete the whole game, you can actually build more levels by downloading the editor used by the team. You can then share those levels you made with your friends.
Ultimate Extras Team: Thank you! This one rocked.
The Ultimate Install Contest
Microsoft is running a new contest to find the best and most creative Windows Media Center installations in people’s homes.
And check out the prize package!
- An all-expense paid trip for one to CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver, Colorado, including round-trip airfare, 3-night hotel accommodation in Denver, and participation in a Press Cocktail event announcing the winner.
- A trip for 2 to Microsoft, round-trip airfare, 2-night hotel accommodation at the Bellevue Westin and a special VIP day at Microsoft that includes a $1000 cash, a visit to the Microsoft eHome Custom Install (CI) demo room, time with the eHome team focused on the CI channel, and a private tour of the Microsoft MSHome.
- A full-day photo shoot to have professional photographs taken of your winning solution.
- A story featuring your entry, interview, and pictures from the photo shoot posted on the CE Installer website.
- A Technology Appreciation Package for the homeowner provided by Microsoft that consists of:
- Xbox360 Elite video game and entertainment system
- 4 Black Xbox360 Wireless Controllers
- 1 Xbox360 Media Center Remote
- 1 Year Xbox Live Subscription
- 4 Xbox360 Game Titles
- 1 80GB Zune, 1 8GB Zune, and a Zune Home AV Kit
The entry deadline is August 1, 2008 and the winner will be announced on September 3, 2008 at CEDIA Expo in Denver, CO.
All I have to say is thank goodness Microsoft employees can’t apply, because, based on the videos we’ve seen here on 10, these guys have some killer setups…
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