So one of the promises Microsoft made to people who forked out the extra money for the Ultimate version of Windows Vista was that they would get Ultimate Extras – exciting add-ins that users of other Vista editions would not be able to use/see.

Prior to today, the Extras have consisted mostly of Windows DreamScene functionality + content (allowing you to play a video in a loop as your desktop background), some different sounds, and a few games. Come to think of it, today’s release does not actually change that – all today’s release consists of is a new game called Tinker and another DreamScene update (i.e., another dreamy scene). Oh, and you can install other language packs too if you want to switch Windows’ language, a neat feature if you’re (actually) bilingual.

As the release announcement on the Vista blog says,

“this is the 6th wave of Ultimate Extras released by Microsoft exclusively for Windows Vista Ultimate users.”

Considering that Windows Vista was released at the end of January of 2007, you would think that there would have been more extras to justify the title of “ultimate”. Lucky for me, I spent the extra $$$ on Vista Ultimate not for the extras, but for the additional features.

Regardless, if you’re looking for a somewhat entertaining game, the Tinker game ought to provide a fair amount of amusement. It’s a puzzle game, where you use the arrow keys to move a little robot around, pushing blocks and other shapes, until you can get the robot to end up on the end disc. Microsoft has kindly provided instructions and strategies here, if you need help or are bored.