Since Microsoft released Windows Vista early this year, one of the most scrutinized aspects of the launch was the Windows Ultimate Extras program.  The Extras were a set of downloads for customers who had purchased the Ultimate version of the OS and included items like multi-language packs, a Texas Hold'em card game, BitLocker drive encryption tools, and Windows DreamScene, the technology to play video files as your desktop wallpaper, all without losing any PC functionality. 

DreamScene should be of particular interest to everyone here, as it's the technology we built Stardock DeskScapes on top of, extending the capabilities of DreamScene to allow artists to retain credit for their work, and to go beyond simple videos, and place real-time 3D dynamic animations on your desktop.

Up until recently, Windows DreamScene was considered to be "beta" software and thus unsupported by Microsoft, and with no guarantee of proper functionality.  Today, the Director for Windows Vista Ultimate, Barry Goffe, announced that DreamScene is done!  Here's a bit of what Barry had to say about DreamScene, as well as Stardock/WinCustomize in the announcement:

Additionally, you can use your own videos as DreamScene desktops or visit Stardock’s Dream.WinCustomize.com website to download Stardock’s DeskScapes (an add-on to DreamScene) as well as a collection of fabulous content created by Stardock and members of the Ultimate community.

If you are a Windows Vista Ultimate user, you'll want to check Windows Update later today to pull down the final build of DreamScene.

And if you're already a DreamScene user, grab DeskScapes for free from Dream.WinCustomize.com!