Winamp

Winamp.com

A blog brought to you by: Sarah Marbach, Melinda Lopez, Sarah Liu, and Nick Lepf

Winamp is a standalone program designed for Windows operating system. Winamp was originally intended to be strictly used to audio, then later video formats. It was not until later versions of the program when the developers added the “media library” ability that was later expanded to include options such as AOL.com, SHOUTcast’s Radio/TV, and Winamp’s own remote media (internet radio). Concurrently, developers made advances to the website that originally was intended for the facilitation of downloads and technical support for the program; now the website maintains many options for the audiophile to the casual user. Winamp.com now has expanded its’ reach in attempt to be amicable to any internet user (the headline tabs include: home, player, skins, plug-ins, media, community, development, support, about, and extras). If a user desired to play music from Winamp’s online archives they would require a music playing program (i.e. Winamp, Realplayer, etc). At this point if a music playing program is not installed on the users computer they would have to install one (Winamp). If the user decides to logically download Winamp they would be able to access the archives though the media library function imbedded into the GUI (graphical user interface) of Winamp; however, this function is only available when the user is online. Online music options such as the ones offered by Winamp are not as transferable as an actual CD or MP3, but online music seems to be able to disseminate a breadth of music options that music storefronts simply cannot keep up with.

Question 3:

I prefer the “Winamp Remote” which is located on the website but it works the same as the one you download. That program contains three tiers which the left one has library, browse folders, search and playlists; most players offer similar options (ITunes, LimeWire, etc). The middle tier has all the music that you have or you are going to play. On the right side of the player is called “Make or Pick a playlist”, just drag the music to that area which you like, share them by the Email or text message to your friends with the site link. There are 4 buttons on the left top of the program which include play, resume, share select, and delete. However, for more control it is recommend that you to download a toolbar, so that when you open the web there is the directly link with the Winamp homepage and other settings. Additionally, on the right side there exists commands such as pervious, next, stop, pause and so on. However, you also can download a player individually into your computer which has the same using as others. It’s easy to understand and user friendly. Options such as AOL, SHOUTcast, Games etc are also available. The function can also double as a CD burner/ripper (pro version only), video player, etc.

Question 4:

The site is able to make money from the ads presented on the website. While playing songs there pops up while a song is played but you can see them on the screen while a song is being played. Downloading music is free but you do need to download the service and create a logon or you can pay for the service if you upgrade with Winamp pro which is $19.95. You can’t buy music but by getting the Winamp pro in a sense you are paying for the music.

Question 5:

There are many genres to choose from; from classic rock to country each with their unique artists. An interesting discovery on Winamp.com was that for every genre it seemed that Bruce Springsting was apart of every genre. There does not seem to be any playlists for any celebrity, but most of the radio stations have a certain genre assigned to it.

Question 6:

The skins option is perhaps the more unique option proffered by the site. Many programs are bare with little to no customablity and by extension void of personality. This feature lets the user to personalize the player with images of their favorite music performers, television shows, band logos, etc.