Filed under: Audio, Windows, Commercial, Freeware
Winamp revs up discovery features in new release
by Lee Mathews Jul 1st 2009 at 3:00PM
When I finally updated from my trusty old RCA Lyra to an iPod Touch, I quickly downloaded WinAmp again and let it go to work on my library. Autotagging, organizing, and syncing was a breeze.
Tonight, version 5.5.6 arrives and brings with it beefed up discovery and social features thanks to the Orgler plugin. Orgler has been available separately since May, but it's now included as part of the main WinAmp download.
Similar to Last.fm scrobbling, the plugin keeps tabs on your listening and allows WinAmp to provide discovery features. Tracks you play are automatically added to your AOL Music profile page (here's mine - keep in mind I only activated the Orgler this morning). Streaming tracks aren't currently supported, though that will likely appear in future releases. Don't feel like sharing? It's not required, so just change your options in the Orgler preferences.
As you'd expect, the listener data WinAmp collects from its massive user base will be used to power Charts, which you can see in the screenshot. They provide a quick look at what's popular worldwide and regionally, and you'll be able to look back at previous charts as well.
The WinAmp team is also working on incorporating new login methods so you don't have to create an AOL/AIM or Winamp.com account if you don't want to.
I'm really enjoying the new version, though sadly iPhone OS3.0 has temporarily hindered my ability to sync (thanks, Apple). Hopefully the PMP support crew will sort that out in short order.
For a full list of changes in 5.5.6, check the release notes later (still at 5.5.5 as of right now). Once the download is live, you can grab it over at WinAmp.com, of course!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Eyad Salah said 4:07PM on 7-01-2009
I love Winamp, been using it since version 2 until recently when I started using Secunia 1.5... The thing about Secunia it doesn't just show software updates, it knows what makes them vulnerable. So it's more of a security adviser than just another software that pops up to tell you there is a newer version of Minesweeper.
Back to what winamp, Secunia recently added the secure browsing tab. It kept nagging that neither of my browsers (IE & Firefox) was secure because of Winamp. So I had to make the decision and stop using Winamp.
I switched to Songbird, I don't like it that much but its still pretty good and secure more importantly
Reply
prasannarevan said 12:31AM on 7-02-2009
I ran Secunia 1.5 and it never said there is a security vulnerability.
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Winamp 5.x is up-to-date. The detected version installed on your system is 5.5.5.2435, which either corresponds to or is newer than the latest secure version released by the vendor.
King Mustard said 4:09PM on 7-01-2009
You've used it for years, yet you still call it WinAmp?
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Molly said 5:17PM on 7-01-2009
AOL Software? you gotta be kidding me.
i still have vivid memories of their infamous CDs :)
Reply
prasannarevan said 12:29AM on 7-02-2009
I ran Secunia 1.5 and the results were favoring WINAMP!
Winamp Rocks dude! the best quality music ever!
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Winamp 5.x is up-to-date. The detected version installed on your system is 5.5.5.2435, which either corresponds to or is newer than the latest secure version released by the vendor.
Installed on Your System in:
C:\Program Files\Winamp\winamp.exe
Reply
Ryan said 11:43AM on 7-02-2009
If only there was a Mac version...
Reply
HulkSmash said 12:02PM on 7-02-2009
I had two RCA Lyras (Lyrae?) before upgrading to my Sansa Clip and later, Fuze. Oh, and I use Foobar.
Reply
Saint Seminole said 5:55PM on 7-02-2009
Good thing I clicked "No" when it asked me to update recently.
I just want it to play the music I tell it to.
Reply