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Windows Media Player posts

Filed under: Video, Microsoft, Browser Tips

Microsoft updates Windows Media Player plugin for Firefox

WMP plugin Microsoft has launched a Windows Media player plugin for Firefox 2.0 that supports Windows XP and Vista. The plugin is compatible with versions of Windows media Player from 6.4 to 11.

There's a known issue with Firefox version 2.0.0.3 on Windows Vista, where the installer does not work the first time you try it. All you have to do is restart Firefox and then install the plugin again.

It's good to see Microsoft improving compatibility with a competitor's product, but we can't help wonder why it's taken so long.

[via Port 25]

Filed under: Audio, Windows Mobile, Freeware

WinVibe: Free music player for Windows Mobile

WinVibeOkay, it's official. There's no reason to use the mobile version of Windows Media Player, and there's no reason to pay for an alternative program.

Sure, you could pick up a first class commercial product like Conduits Pocket Player or 40th Floor's iPlay (worst customer service ever). But with free programs like MortPlayer and GSPlayer I've never seen the need to spend money.

The newest kid on the block is WinVibe, an amazingly versatile little player out of Korea (while the download link is in Korean, all the program menus are in English). There's a VGA version available as well.

WinVibe supports MP3, OGG, WMA, ASF, and WAV playback, which places it at or near the top of the heap when it comes to Windows Mobile music players. Those level meters you see, they work. There's also a working equalizer spectrum.

You also get a nice playlist manager, sleep timer, button mapping, support for HTTP and SHOUTcast streams and playback speed changing.

There are some nice sound effects, including bass boost, 3d chorus, surround sound, reverb, and echo. It even recognizes that I'm running it on a Dell Axim X50v, which has hardware support for bass and treble boosting, as well as a 3D audio setting. On the downside, it takes a long time to load large music folder and playlists, and WinVibe appears to use more CPU than MortPlayer. I also like MortPlayer because of its support for audiobooks and bookmarks.

Filed under: Audio, Windows, Freeware

Foobar 2000 - alternative audio player for Windows

Foobar 2000 audio playerIf you're not happy with your options for playing audio content in Windows, like Windows Media Player, iTunes or WinAmp, you might be interested in trying Foobar 2000. Foobar 2000 is "an advanced audio player for the Windows platform. Some of the basic features include full unicode support, ReplayGain support and native support for several popular audio formats.", although rather than tout it as an advanced player, I think it would be more accurate to pitch it as a pared down player that does what it does well. You're not going to get the glitz of the other media players mentioned, but Foobar does include support for add-in components, so its functionality can always be built upon.

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

A pile of Windows Vista screenshots

Windows Vista installToday is three-for-one day on Windows Vista screenshot galleries. First up is ZDNet Australia which has documented the entire Vista install process from DVD boot to the desktop. Not exactly stirring, but a step up in terms of looks if not in speed. Next up is ExtremeTech that has a short tour of Vista Media Center side-by-side with Media Center 2005. Once again, if nothing else, it's prettier. And last is ActiveWin which has some shots of Windows Media Player 11.  Aside from the new (yes, prettier) chrome, it looks pretty much unchanged.

[Via Digg]

Filed under: Macintosh, Apple, Microsoft

Microsoft ditching Media Player for Mac?

Windows Media Player 9 for MacYesterday we reported on Microsoft offering Flip4Mac, a Windows Media component for QuickTime. According to BetaNews, that was the first step in Microsoft withdrawing Windows Media Player support for the Mac entirely and that the Redmond giant has recently been reassigning its Mac Business Unit staff elsewhere in the company. BetaNews speculates that soon the only Microsoft products available for the Mac will be Office and Messenger due to their business appeal. It seems like an odd move considering Microsoft's newly-minted five-year pact with Apple. Currently, though, Windows Media Player 9 for Mac is still available.

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