Apple has been amazingly successful at winning over PC users and infiltrating their machines via iTunes, but with Windows Media Player 11, Microsoft says, “No more.”
The new release, launched today as a beta download, beats Apple iTunes in many aspects. It acts as a repository and player for all your music, video and images, unlike Apples popular player.
And while WMP 11 doesnt integrate with the iTunes Music Store, it also doesnt lock you in to one purchasing source.
In fact, it integrates numerous stores, including Napster, Audible.com, Movielink and MTVs new Urge service.
This release represents a major departure from the feel and navigation styles of WMP 10 and iTunes.
With many other media players, you scroll through a list of files; WMP 11 lets you browse your library by cover.
Some other players, like Yahoo Music include the capability, but none do it as well.
Bringing art to navigation makes the process much more appealing visually—your music collection no longer looks like a spreadsheet.