This new software package will contain at least 3 new technologies, including the Active Storage Platform, which can restrict access to portable storage devices via a certificate or a password, the Image Mastering API update for Blu-ray, which allows BD-R/RE burning without the need to install a 3rd party application and the Smart Card Driver, which provides support for new form factors such as ICCD/CCID.
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Supported Operating Systems will include Windows Vista, XP, Server 2008 and Server 2003, although specific service pack levels are required.
The Redmond based software giant previously supported the now defunct HD DVD format exclusively, on both the Windows OS and on the Xbox 360 gaming console. The new-found support for the Blu-ray Disc format is most likely a direct effect of HD DVD's demise, which occurred early in 2008.
A release date for the new software has not been announced, but if you would like to stay on top of the developments, keep an eye on the pre-release website.
Thanks to RTV71 for also submitting this news.
"Microsoft to support Blu-ray"
This should be the final nail in the coffin....
"Active Storage Platform, which can restrict access to portable storage devices"
Niiiiice. M$ and $ony both stink.
It's long overdue and about time. But this does not necessarily means XBOX will support Blu-ray. ;p Or will they?
Well this is funny make a bad comment towards Microsoft now that it is leaning towards Blu-Ray use on PC's now. I remember when the whole HD war was in full force and a lot of users and guest said HD is better and without all that region restrictions and DRM crap. But now since MS is going to put an update out for users to user their Blu-Ray Drives on their PC's they are evil all the sudden when the reason MS is doing this is so users don't need to fork out money to a third party application just to utilize their drive(s). I think this is a bold and great move that MS is doing this.
Wow, I actually like Microsoft today...what a pleasant change :P
sad... restricting access to these devices is a security feature to prevent anyone from accessing your device without your permission.
WTF are you talking about ?
This feature is great. We should not need 3rd party apps. In this day and age a BR-E disc should behave like a hard drive and not require anything special to write to it. Copy, and paste.
On this site, I don't think I need to point out that 50 GB optical storage is very welcome !
I submitted this article. I found it surprising that they are supporting XP which is supposedly obsolete.
Thanks RTV71, I've added a shout out for you. Sorry I didn't notice your submission when I wrote up the article.
@ RTV71, Yes that too is a big shocker I do know that you need the UDF file system to play BD movies bought and just imagined the same on a copy?
It is UDF 2.5 if I remember correctly. They have already released it when they supported their HD DVD drive Xbox 360 add-on for use on Windows XP. You can still find it on the net. I installed it on my PC and have played UDF 2.5 Bluray Discs burnt to DVD9 discs.
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