Windows Media Player

Those who prefer Windows will be familiar with Windows Media Player. It comes pre-installed on every version of Windows. While the app is still a useful way to play media files, it has not received an update since 2009. Many consider this to be a sign that Microsoft is phasing out the program in favor of an updated platform. The main competitor to Windows Media Player has always been iTunes from Apple which is distributed on the Mac OS. The most recent version of this media jukebox includes a revamped interface. Access to files has been simplified, and the main window has been cleaned up. It has a toolbar at the top with various options including Now Playing, Library, and Burn. There are also tabs for ripping CDs to a user's hard drive or syncing downloaded music to a portable music player. One thing that hasn't changed is the Media Guide. It is still only accessible through a hidden menu, and this can become frustrating. On the positive side, the new version of Windows Media Player removes the complexity that has been a hallmark of other menus. The menu system of the media player is hidden by default. A simple right click on the player's main window will reveal it. The format of the library has also been much improved over previous versions. Windows Media Player is still a useful, if limited, app for individuals who are running older versions of Windows. It is, however, getting a little old. There do seem to be better options available.