Quote:
Originally Posted by uxevangelist  If you're a Windows user, WMP 11 wins hands-down! I've tried Winamp, Rhapsody, and iTunes but other than using iTunes to load songs to my iPod, nothing beats the integration of WMP for me. I liked the WMP 10 UI but they really did some EXCELLENT UI work with WMP 11! I always found it to be a bit stupid that the EU made Microsoft provide copies of Windows without WMP in them due to "monopolizing the audio/video application market". I mean, a good application is a good application and if it weren't for Microsoft DEVELOPING their freakin' OS, there would be absolutely NO market at all! (Well, I'm sure someone would've done something where Microsoft wouldn't have but that's beside the point)
Long story short, if I'm going to buy a product like Windows, I want all the added value I can get and if that includes a very stylish media player that provides tons of functionality, then I'll take it - even if I decide I don't want to use it! I do understand what it means for businesses to be at somewhat of a disadvantage but I'm speaking of this from a consumer standpoint. Now, if I'm a developer trying to develop a media player to charge people to use on Windows, then yes, I would favor the EU's decision... but I'm not. I'm just a Windows enthusiast who's happy with WMP. 
- Stephen |
What doesn't make sense about that is that Apple's iPod actually ties you to iTunes and doesn't allow you to use anything else at all. You could say that it's Apple's device, they have the right to tie it down like that but then why doesn't Microsoft have the same ability when it comes to their OS? They developed, they sell it, it's their product. What's wrong with bundling it with software? It's not like computer manufactures don't bundle the computers they sell with plenty of software.
I'd like to also mention Zune in this thread. Up until the recent 2.5 update, using Zune as a primary media player wasn't the best choice but since then it totally has become quite the alternative.
The interface is sleek and flowing, yet simple and elegant. The means to view your media library also provide what I've found to be the best way to do so.
Jason Dunn of Thoughts Media has a post on his reasons for switching from WMP11 to Zune.
Why I've Ditched Windows Media Player 11 And Switched to the Zune Software - Thoughts Media Forums