We still need a great HTPC UI
As Microsoft prepares to release Windows Media Center Edition 2005, I am (somewhat painfully) reminded that there is still not a great HTPC front-end application that makes the HTPC as easy to use as my TiVo. With all of the companies, including Microsoft, out there trying to figure it out, I still don't understand why we don't have one.

So, I am going to offer my wishlist of features (in addition to the basic photo, music and video features)for a front-end app in hopes that someone (anyone!) will build it:

Customizable, unified interface: I currently use the software that came with my FireFly remote. While it does a good job at allowing me to customize the "launch" screen with all of the applications that I want to access, I still have to open each application in a separate window with its own separate UI.

I want an HTPC front end that will keep all of the other apps within its UI. For example, if I select "Win DVD 6," I want Win DVD 6 to open within the UI of the front-end application. Think of it as putting a custom skin on each app.

Until there is a unified interface that allows you to add apps of your choice, HTPC will still not be as easy to use as they need to be for mass market success.

Truly universal remote control: Many apps and tuner cards have their own remote control; however, I have yet to find one that just works with everything. My FireFly is very close but it still needs some help with some apps like Rhapsody. Maybe the unified interface mentioned above would actually make it easier to create a single universal remote control.

RSS support: Because I don't watch the news on TV, I need to be able to access all of the dozens of RSS feeds that I use on my HTPC. Seems like a simple enough request. GB-PVR already includes that functionality via an RSS plugin. Again, this would require the unified interface and the ability to use a remote to make it worthwhile.

Browser that formats web for television display: The experience of using a browser on my HTPC is still not very good. Opera has created it "Opera for Home Media" technology; however, it is intended for the set-top box market. We need someone do to the same for HTPCs and include it in the (you guessed it) unified interface.

While there are probably more features that I could dream up, I think that these offer some of the basic funtionality that is necessary to make HTPCs more useful (and appealing to a larger audience).