[Concept/Discussion] Windows 8's Media Center

[Jimmy422]

So far Microsoft has not said a word about Windows Media Center in Windows 8 - aside that it will be included with Windows, and that very few people use it. As one of the people that does use WMC - especially for TV, I do not want them to just pass over it. I believe that it should be transformed into a decent metro app.

I whipped up a quick concept on what it could look like - I'm just hoping that Microsoft creates something similar - something that takes use of the full screen, uses metro buttons & concepts, and is clean and straightforward.

What are everybody elses' thoughts? Does anybody else use Media Center?

[Brandon H Supervisor]

haven't used it in awhile, but then again I also don't watch cable TV anymore because I find there hasn't been anything good worth watching in a few years

The only shows I find worth watching are a few shows on SyFy and I can keep up with those online along with the Anime I watch

for everything else there's Netflix :p

edit: but anyway, back on the topic, I really like that concept you put together

[Phouchg]

Nah. Not a fan of the specific color and it's all too bland anyway. Too bad if Metro means only taking all the shades away. Take a look at Zune instead. It's "Metro" enough but at the same time very colorful and dynamic.

[The_Decimator]

Man, you really know how to use Metro - Microsoft should hire you for their design team! xD

[Jebadiah]

I think Microsoft wants you to buy the rumored new XBox to watch TV instead of using Windows Media Center. This is probably why they are overlooking updates to the Media Center.

[The_Decimator]

is that a compliment? metro looks like ****.

Yes, it was a compliment. & BTW, I was only trying to compliment him that he uses Metro well, not turn this into another argument about whether it's good or not...

I think Microsoft wants you to buy the rumored new XBox to watch TV instead of using Windows Media Center. This is probably why they are overlooking updates to the Media Center.

Actually, they've already started the Live TV stuff on the 360's Metro Dashboard Update.

[Jimmy422]

These are some god concepts, i mean you cant tell they're Photoshops or anything fake :p

is that a compliment? metro looks like ****.

i agree. Zune was sexy, but nothing in Windows 8 metro that we've seen so far contains an ounce of personality and attractiveness.

Unfortunately the new metro that's being used in 8 and WP7 prefers that designers stray away from gradients and multitudes of colors (Watch the BUILD conference video on Metro, it's really insightful on what Microsoft is trying to accomplish - and metro makes a lot more sense after watching it). Besides - it's way too distracting if I tried to do something like the current Zune player.

The fancy background designs and images are just too much for an application like Media Center (at least, like my concept).

[Panda X]

If it was just a pattern instead of a photograph that Zune shot wouldn't be distracting, and it'd look better. I don't know why Microsoft is taking the art and the life out of design, Windows 8 incarnation of Metro is just bland, boring, and dull.

[The_Decimator]

If it was just a pattern instead of a photograph that Zune shot wouldn't be distracting, and it'd look better. I don't know why Microsoft is taking the art and the life out of design, Windows 8 incarnation of Metro is just bland, boring, and dull.

Then why are you one of the admins of a Deviantart group called MetroThemes? xD

[Jebadiah]

Actually, they've already started the Live TV stuff on the 360's Metro Dashboard Update.

Software != Hardware. Last I heard, the new XBox will have a TV Tuner built in.

[Panda X]

Then why are you one of the admins of a Deviantart group called MetroThemes? xD

Because I like customizing Windows. To make it look better.

[zhuking]

Thank you for sharing and good luck with the thread.