… and Life|ware Visual Project is a finalist in the “Best New Technology” category! You can check out all the finalists on CEPro’s CEDIA News site. Winners will be announced at the annual Electronic Lifestyles Awards Banquet at CEDIA Expo 2008 on September 6.

As of this fall, the Xbox dashboard will have a completely new look. Microsoft assures us that no functionality will be lost, but we have no idea just yet how this will affect Xbox setup as an extender:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-giving-the-xbox-360-a-totally-new-dashboard/

At E3, Microsoft announced today that Xbox Live Gold members will be able to stream Netflix video for FREE. Live Gold members will have instant access to their Netflix queues, and while it seems unlikely at the moment that the stream will be HD, we can’t believe that’s not in the works. Check out Engadget’s coverage:

http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/14/microsoft-and-netflix-announce-partnership/

(no, the Disney Innoventions Dream Home is NOT eligible!)

Microsoft is looking for the best installation using Windows Media Center in a residential system. Submit your Windows Media Center project for the opportunity to win a vacation for two and a visit to the Microsoft campus as well as recognition as the design and installation firm who built the Ultimate Media Center Install! Last year’s winning entry, submitted by Tyler Jennings of Imperium Smart Systems LLC in Herriman, Utah, is a Life|ware installation—let’s keep Life|ware dominant!

Entries are open now, and the deadline is August 1, 2008. The winner will be announced September 3, 2008, at the CEDIA Expo in Denver, CO.

One winner will be chosen from the list of eligible contest entrants based on the judging criteria. Prizes include:

• An all-expense paid trip for one to CEDIA Expo 2008 in Denver, Colorado, including round-trip airfare, 3-night hotel accommodation in Denver, and participation in a Press Cocktail event announcing the winner
• A trip for 2 to Microsoft, round-trip airfare, 2-night hotel accommodation at the Bellevue Westin and a special VIP day at Microsoft that includes a $1000 cash, a visit to the Microsoft eHome Custom Install (CI) demo room, time with the eHome team focused on the CI channel, and a private tour of the Microsoft MSHome.
• A full-day professional photo shoot of your winning solution
• A story featuring your entry, interview, and pictures from the photo shoot posted on the CE Installer website
• A Technology Appreciation Package for the homeowner provided by Microsoft that consists of:
  • Xbox360 Elite video game and entertainment system
  • 4 Black Xbox360 Wireless Controllers
  • 1 Xbox360 Media Center Remote
  • 1 Year Xbox Live Subscription
  • 4 Xbox360 Game Titles (actual titles to be determined by sponsor)
  • 1 80GB Zune, 1 8GB Zune, and a Zune Home AV Kit

   

For more details and how to enter, visit the Windows Media Center Ultimate Install website. Good luck!