Windows To Support Blu-ray

Microsoft has announced a new feature that will allow users to burn Blu-ray discs without using additional software.

When the hi-def wars began, Microsoft came down on the side of Toshiba and its HD DVD format. But Toshiba threw in the towel earlier this year, leaving the Blu-ray format as champion – and Redmond out in the cold.

Now Microsoft is taking steps to catch up. According to Information Week, the forthcoming Windows Feature Pack for Storage will let users burn Blu-ray HD discs from their computers without having to resort to third-party software.

The company has told developers through a site that the feature "enables the Windows platform to do master-style optical burning on Blu-ray media."

Windows Feature Pack for Storage, which is currently in beta with no release date announced, will work on both XP and Vista. Additionally, it will allow users to restrict access, needing passwords or certificates, for portable devices like USB sticks, and give driver support to ICCD/CCID smart cards.