Windows Media 9 Series Makes Beta Debut

In a star-studded Hollywood event Wednesday, Microsoft unveiled the much anticipated public beta version of its next-generation Windows Media platform. Under the main spotlight was Windows Media Player 9 Series, an evolutionary update to Microsoft's ubiquitous digital media player.

Among the new features in the beta release are improved media management tools, smart playlists, and enhanced audio and video codecs. A new Mini-Player Mode allows Windows Media Player to shrink onto the taskbar, reminiscent of Microsoft's scrapped Shell Audio Player PowerToy.

"We designed our new player for both the typical user who just wants an easier, faster and more flexible experience, as well as the audiophile who demands the highest possible recording and playback quality," said vice president of the Windows Digital Media Division at Microsoft, Will Poole.

Subscription services play a major role in Windows Media Player 9 Series. A new Services tab allows users to easily sign up to music and video offerings from pressplay, Full Audio, Cinema Now and Intertainer. "Offering pressplay right inside Windows Media Player 9 Series extends the reach of our service to millions of potential new users," said pressplay CEO Mike Bebel in a statement.

The official beta release -- build 2799 -- differs little from versions of Windows Media Player 9 Series that previously leaked to the Web, and is numbered less than build 2848, which escaped from Redmond late last month. Microsoft did however remove the "Send to Friend" file-swapping option that appeared in early betas.

Windows Media Player 9 Series beta is available for Windows 98, Me, and 2000, along with a separate release for Windows XP that includes additional features optimized for Microsoft's newest operating system. A beta release of Windows Media Encoder 9 Series, a tool for encoding live and pre-recorded audio and video to Windows Media Format, is also available for download.

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