Microsoft recently shipped a beta release of Windows Vista Ultimate Edition to developers, and it came with an unexpected surprise: a first look at the next-generation Media Center interface that will accompany certain Windows Vista product editions. (Microsoft will stop offering a special Media Center Edition with Windows Vista.) The Vista version of Media Center includes numerous new features, such as a greatly enhanced UI and album art, video, and photo preview directly in the display (similar to thumbnail view in Windows XP). Microsoft promises dramatic changes by the next major beta release, and says that the final UI isn't yet final. But even in this raw state, I can say it looks pretty sweet
