Wednesday, June 2, 2004
Windows Media Player 10 Beta Available
Posted by Jonathon Watkins in "OFF-TOPIC" @ 04:00 PM
Ars Technica just put the following story up:
"Microsoft today released a public beta of Windows Media Player 10. As it stands now, WMP 10 will be able to do some automatic synchronization of music, video, photos, and other files between a handful of devices and a user's PC. Later, Microsoft's Media Transfer Protocol will control the synchronization process once hardware supporting that feature is released. In addition, the interface has been simplified and allows users greater control over browsing and organizing media libraries."
"Microsoft's goals with WMP 10 are twofold. First, they want tighter integration between the PC and digital media players. One reason for Apple's success with the iPod has been the ease with which users can move music and data between player and computer. Microsoft is shooting to mimic this aspect of the user experience with WMP 10 and supported devices."
Now that certainly sounds promising. 8) So, feeling brave or have a scratch computer kicking about for this 'technical beta'? Then head over to Microsoft, where they will be delighted to send you a stream of electrons that will (as if by magic) be reassembled to become the 11Mb download. (Windows XP only). I'm intrigued to see the new library organisation and the automatic synchronization to device features. However, I am reluctant to commit either of my two 'production' PCs to the cause. :? Bear in mind this warning at the MS download site:
"This release is not for production use, and we suggest that you run the software in a test environment or back up your existing data, including music and video files, before you install and run the software on your computer."
You have been warned! Anyone care to let us know how it goes for them? :wink:
"Microsoft today released a public beta of Windows Media Player 10. As it stands now, WMP 10 will be able to do some automatic synchronization of music, video, photos, and other files between a handful of devices and a user's PC. Later, Microsoft's Media Transfer Protocol will control the synchronization process once hardware supporting that feature is released. In addition, the interface has been simplified and allows users greater control over browsing and organizing media libraries."
"Microsoft's goals with WMP 10 are twofold. First, they want tighter integration between the PC and digital media players. One reason for Apple's success with the iPod has been the ease with which users can move music and data between player and computer. Microsoft is shooting to mimic this aspect of the user experience with WMP 10 and supported devices."
Now that certainly sounds promising. 8) So, feeling brave or have a scratch computer kicking about for this 'technical beta'? Then head over to Microsoft, where they will be delighted to send you a stream of electrons that will (as if by magic) be reassembled to become the 11Mb download. (Windows XP only). I'm intrigued to see the new library organisation and the automatic synchronization to device features. However, I am reluctant to commit either of my two 'production' PCs to the cause. :? Bear in mind this warning at the MS download site:
"This release is not for production use, and we suggest that you run the software in a test environment or back up your existing data, including music and video files, before you install and run the software on your computer."
You have been warned! Anyone care to let us know how it goes for them? :wink:
