Although Microsoft officially launched its new generation operating system in early 2007, users can still try out some features of the Media Player 11 multimedia application suite (integrated into Windows Vista) starting in June.
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The library in Windows Media Player 11. (Photo: Hyperosforum) |
This new software will provide enhanced synchronization between computers and mobile devices, scientifically organizing the music library and tightly integrating with Urge – the music subscription service developed by Microsoft in collaboration with MTV Networks. Urge is Microsoft’s hope to compete more robustly with Apple’s iTunes and iPod duo.
With Media Player 11 on Windows XP, customers can “sync backward,” meaning they can send content from a digital device (such as a camera phone, digital camera, etc.) to their computer. Windows Media files are also compressed to a smaller size to suit playback on handheld devices.
However, this multimedia software does not allow the conversion of Windows Media tracks into Apple’s proprietary FairPlay format. Therefore, tracks purchased from the Windows Media music store will not be playable on the popular iPod MP3 player.
Media Player 11 has also been redesigned with a new interface. The music library is no longer a long list of songs but is organized by album. The quick search capability allows users to find any song they want by typing just a few letters – a method popularized by Apple’s online music store, iTunes.
T.N.
