SEATTLE: Microsoft has been rolling out several media-friendly products this year as more people use their PCs to store music, pictures and video. The latest edition 'Microsoft Plus!' Digital Media Edition, which will be available in stores and as a download from Jan. 7, is a set of tools that allow users to create digital photo albums and use their personal computer as a jukebox.

The Plus add-on to Windows has been marketed toward PC enthusiasts for years with features that allow customization of Windows with extra desktop themes, games and screensavers.

With the new edition of Plus, which will be sold alongside the main version, users can create digital photo albums set to music with narration, as well as create zoom and pan effects.

In addition, the software package allows users to turn their personal computers into an entertainment jukebox.

When set to party mode, PCs can be set to play songs with visual effects, a guestbook, show song and artist information, and also protect personal files and information.

The new version also features a dancing figure for the desktop. It can convert the PC into an alarm clock and adds more features to Microsoft's movie editing software.

The $19.95 software, which can be bought for 25 percent less if ordered online early, is also Microsoft's first software product to be sold online, through retail Web sites.

© Reuters