Windows Media Player 12: New Features Review
Windows Media Player 12: A Feature Overview
Many Windows users continue to favor Windows Media Player, even with the availability of numerous alternative media players for the Windows operating system. Its pre-installed status and comprehensive feature set make it a convenient choice.
As previously noted by Saikat, Windows Media Player 11 was known for its extensive collection of shortcuts, plugins, and enhancements designed to optimize the user experience.
What's New in Windows Media Player 12?
The latest iteration of Windows' media player application, Windows Media Player 12, introduces several key improvements. These include expanded support for various file formats and enhanced streaming functionalities.
Furthermore, new playback modes have been incorporated to provide users with greater control and flexibility during media consumption.
This update offers a refined experience for those utilizing Windows 7 and beyond.
Here's a breakdown of the enhancements:
- Expanded Format Support: WMP12 handles a wider range of audio and video codecs.
- Improved Streaming: Enjoy smoother and more reliable streaming of online content.
- New Playback Modes: Customize your viewing experience with different playback options.
Consider upgrading to Windows Media Player 12 to take advantage of these advancements.
Discovering the Enhancements in Windows Media Player 12
Crafted with the needs of media enthusiasts in mind, Windows Media Player 12 – exclusive to Windows 7 – expands its capabilities to accommodate a wider range of music and video formats than ever before…
For those who appreciate Windows Media Player, the updates implemented in the newest iteration are certainly worth noting.
A primary improvement lies in the expanded media format support. Beyond compatibility with common formats like AVI, DivX, MOV, and Xvid, WMP 12 natively supports numerous popular audio and video codecs, including 3GP, AAC, AVCHD, MPEG-4, WMV, and WMA.
This broadened support eliminates the necessity for Windows 7 users to install additional codecs.
Beyond increased file type compatibility, content playback is now more versatile. Windows’ innovative "Play To" functionality enables streaming of music and video to other PCs operating on Windows 7, as well as other network-compatible devices within your home.
Initiating a "Play To" stream is simple. Right-click on the desired tracks within your library, or incorporate them into a WMP 12 playlist, and select Play To.
This feature streamlines the process of sharing music, videos, and photos from your computer to other PCs, televisions, or audio systems connected to your home network.
For instance, music can be streamed from your PC to a home entertainment system, or slideshows and videos can be displayed on your television.
Furthermore, Remote Media Streaming provides access to your WMP 12 library remotely, allowing you to enjoy your files even when away from home.
Utilizing Remote Media Streaming requires both computers to be running Windows 7. The setup process, guided by Windows Media Player, involves associating both PCs with a shared online identifier, such as a Windows Live email address.
Once configured, you can then connect to your media library from a distant location.
Additional noteworthy features include the redesigned Now Playing mode, offering a minimalist taskbar thumbnail with integrated playback controls. Improved DVD playback, 15-second song previews, and jump lists for quick access to preferred media are also included.
Final Thoughts
Should you still be utilizing an older version of Windows Media Player, the application can be obtained for download at this location. A video demonstration of many of these functionalities was previously available [No Longer Available].
It is hoped that this article has provided a comprehensive overview of the enhancements found within Windows Media Player 12. You are now equipped to resume enjoying films, music, downloading content from YouTube, and similar activities.
As a dedicated user, I remain enthusiastic about WMP 12 and will continue exploring its capabilities. Further updates will be shared as discoveries are made.
Which of the new features in WMP 12 do you find most appealing?
