Definition

Windows Media Player (WMP)

Part of the Software applications glossary:

Windows Media Player (WMP) is a software application from Microsoft used to play, store and organize digital audio, images and video. While earlier editions of WMP were released for PC s running a variety of operating system operating systems, including Windows Mobile.

Next Steps

WMP uses the WMV , WMA and ASF file formats to encode audio and video downloaded from the Internet or ripped from compact discs or other storage media. Recent versions of WMP also include the ability to synchronize digital media with a portable media player, like Microsoft's Zune or Creative's Zen , and purchase or rent content from online media stores. Because WMP uses Microsoft's Windows Media DRM , not FairPlay DRM, files encoded using WMP are not compatible with the iPod .

Facing increased competition from Apple Computer's iTunes software, Microsoft released Windows Media Player 11 in the fall of 2006. The new version incorporated improved navigation, with graphical representation of media files, live search features, CD burning , media library sharing and improved support for streaming media over a network.

Windows Media Player is offered as a free download from Microsoft's Web site, with the exception of the mobile version of the software, which only ships with Windows Mobile devices.

This was last updated in November 2006
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • application modernization

    - Application modernization is the refactoring, re-purposing or consolidation of legacy software programming to align it more closely with current business needs. (SearchCIO.com)

  • Eucalyptus

    - Eucalyptus is an open source software platform for implementing Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) in a private or hybrid cloud computing environment. (searchCloudProvider.com)

  • flat design

    - Flat design is a simple, graphic style common in user interface (UI), software and Web design. The flat style contrasts with skeuomorphism, an approach that seeks to bring real-world effects to the... (WhatIs.com)

Glossaries

  • Software applications

    - Terms related to software applications, including definitions about software programs for vertical industries and words and phrases about software development, use and management.

  • Internet applications

    - This WhatIs.com glossary contains terms related to Internet applications, including definitions about Software as a Service (SaaS) delivery models and words and phrases about web sites, e-commerce ...

Dig Deeper

Continue Reading About Windows Media Player (WMP)

People Who Read This Also Read...

Tech TalkComment

Share
Comments

    Results

    Contribute to the conversation

    All fields are required. Comments will appear at the bottom of the article.