Santa is nowhere in sight, but CE manufacturers are bearing gifts already. One of them is Exceptional Innovation. The company just announced a new version of its Life|ware software, with the not-so-new name, version 2.0.3.

The new release boasts better functionality and a bigger roster of connected partners. New features include satellite radio and IR support, as well as emails or text messages to notify you of home events when you are out of town.

“This release is particularly exciting because we could call on a large user base for suggestions,” says Mike Seamons, Life|ware’s vice president of marketing. “We heard those suggestions loud and clear.”

In case you weren’t familiar, Life|ware systems deliver all of your photos, home videos, recorded TV, movies, music and home control via a Windows Vista-like interface.

Life|ware was just named as one of a 2008 CES Innovations Awards Honoree.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.