This weekend, Microsoft alerted me to the pending release of four new Fun Packs for Windows XP, which are designed to help users be more creative with the built-in digital media and communications features in the company's latest operating system. These special spring-themed Fun Packs add features and functionality to Windows Media Player 9, Windows Movie Maker 2, and the digital photography and Web browsing functionality in XP. There are also two new PowerToys for Windows XP, the company tells me. Starting Tuesday, April 22, Windows XP users who download the free Fun Packs will receive the following extras: A Web blog plug-in, 3-D Alchemy visualizations, and spring-themed 3-D Picture Viz add-ons for Windows Media Player 9. Six new video titles, 3 music tracks, 5 music transitions and 50 sound effects for Windows Movie Maker 2. 15 new greeting card templates for special springtime occasions such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Weddings and graduation. Five new title slides for Plus! Photo Story, part of Plus! Digital Media Edition. Over 70 Internet Explorer Favorites that connect users to a wide range of spring-themed Web sites. Microsoft tells me these sites can help you to find the perfect gift for Mother's Day, buy a digital camera, plan a hike, start a garden, get a start on baseball season and much more. Two new Windows XP Power Toys, including the Video Screen Saver Power Toy, which allows you to play any Windows Media Video (WMV) file as your Windows XP Screensaver, and Automatic Desktop Wallpaper Changer Power Toy, which provides revolving desktop wallpaper functionality. The new Fun Packs, as well as some recently updated content about using Windows Movie Maker 2 and the other digital media and communications features in Windows XP, will be available Tuesday on the Microsoft Web site. Source: WinInformant
