As we have reported before, Microsoft has elected to make the Windows Media Center feature for Windows 8 a paid add-on for Windows8. However, the early adopters who buy the Windows 8 upgrade, or a PC that has Windows 8 already installed, are supposed to get the Media Center download for free until January 31, 2013.
Microsoft has yet to officially confirm what it will charge for Windows Media Center after that date. However, a recent rumor claimed that in Europe,
Microsoft will charge about 10 euros for the add-on. Now a new report from Windows8Core.com claims that the US price
for the Windows Media Center add-on will be $12.79. The proof comes from a series of screenshots showing how Windows 8 Pro RTM owners can upgrade to Windows Media Center.
As we have reported before, the Windows Media Center add-on for Windows 8 will be the only official
way to add DVD playback support for Windows Media Player. Microsoft will also
not allow users to boot up directly from Media Center in Windows 8. Microsoft is also not offering any Windows Hardware Certification Kit (HCK) support for TV tuners and remote controls, which will make supporting such devices for Windows 8 and Windows Media Center more complex.
