Windows Media Player 10 Beta Debuts

Two and a half years after previewing the previous "Corona" generation of its media platform, Microsoft has let loose a technical beta of Windows Media Player 10.

Windows Media Player 10 includes additional access to online music stores, as well as increased support for digital media devices. On the outside, the beta features an improved user interface and an enhanced jukebox mode.

The player debuts Microsoft's next generation digital rights management
technology, code-named Janus, to support inline access to a multitude of
music stores in WMP's "Digital Media Mall." To complement music
purchases with portability, WMP 10 supports a host of media devices and
features a new synchronization technology derived from Microsoft's
Portable Media Center devices.

The interface of Windows Media Player has been cleaned up to provide
faster access to commonly used features. Microsoft has also garnished the
player with a brand new look and feel. Some of WMP's advanced features
are now available in the library, and Microsoft has promised "smart"
jukebox features.

Windows Media Player 10 Beta may be downloaded via FileForum.