At the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, Sling Media showed a preview of their upcoming SlingPlayer software for Windows Vista, Microsoft's next generation iteration of the Windows Operating System. Though the existing Windows SlingPlayer works well with Vista, this optimized version of SlingPlayer takes full advantage of several Vista only features, including support for Windows Gadgets and Vista's slick Aero interface.

Utilizing the power of these Vista features translates into a tighter SlingPlayer experience by using semi-transparent video overlays for buttons and options when viewing in full screen mode, and the ability to add a gadget to the Windows Sidebar provides more flexibility to work and watch simultaneously.

Watch the video below to see Sling Media's Brian Meckler demonstrate some of the new features in SlingPlayer for Vista.

No specific date for the Vista optimized version of the SlingPlayer software has been announced, though it's expected to be available sometime in the second quarter of '07

(UPDATE 6/6/07: Current info indicates availibility will be before the end of 2007). Stay tuned to SlingCommunity as we uncover more about the latest updates and enhancements to SlingPlayer for Vista.)

(UPDATE 8-27-08: Sling Media's MegaZone has confirmed that this project has been shelved in favor of other projects. "Since the Vista proof of concept was shown, changes in the development plan for SlingPlayer occurred. At this time the Vista widgets are not on the development schedule, as the focus has shifted to other projects. While it is possible that special development for Vista may be revisited in the future, at this time the project should be considered terminated.")

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