02.04.2008 — Niveus is now giving away a free version of its Media Center Companion, which allows users to access certain Media Center functions from third-party devices such as Ultra Mobile PCs (UMPCs).

The version, called Companion Basic, works with any Media Center PC. Previously, Niveus made the software available only for use with its own media servers.

Companion Basic has limited functionality compared to the full-blown version. The lightweight Companion only supports three tabs: My Music, My Pictures, and My Remote. The full version, on the other hand, enables access to virtually all Media Center functions, and allows users to control remote TVs connected to Media Center Extenders.

Companion Basic does not support Extenders.

Late last year, Niveus revamped its Companion software, adding support for DVD changers and Extenders, among other new features.

Companion Basic can be downloaded free of charge by registered users at Niveusmedia.com.

In other news, according to the Niveus bulletin board, the company doesn’t have plans to develop Companion for the iPhone, at least “not yet.” A version for Windows Mobile has never been finalized, but “Mike,” a bulletin board administrator says, “Nothing’s done yet, but just imagine that if/when something is released, our hopes are it would support the latest & greatest mobile platforms.”

Thanks Derek Flickinger for the tip.