Digital Home Thoughts: ExtremeTech looks at Windows Media Player 10 Technical Beta

"Nobody would argue that Windows Media Player hasn't had a rocky past, growing over the last few years from an ugly, feature-poor but efficient video and audio playing application into an all-in-one media center in need of a complete interface overhaul. Windows Media Player 10 (WMP10) attempts to improve the overall user experience while at the same time providing some new technology for audio and video services. The changes in WMP10 fall into three broad categories: interface improvements, device support, and DRM improvements for online stores. We'll describe many of these upgrades in depth, but you can easily go check the new player out for yourself: Last week, Microsoft released a technical beta version to the public. You should know that WMP10 works like WMP9 – it cannot be uninstalled; the only way to actually remove it is to make a restore point before installation and jump back to it. You'll need Windows XP to try it out--those with earlier versions of Windows are out of luck. "

Make sure you rread up on DRM changes and other behind the scenes technology in WMP 10. Other than some very minor GUI issues, it looks like Widows Media Player 10 is a huge upgrade for most users. Many people still don't use WMP, prefering to stick with their 3rd Party players, but I just bet within a couple months of this release, most will be using WMP and dumping WinAmp/MusicMatch/Real. :D