CNET Editors' review
WinAmp 5.3 took some long-needed steps to improve the old-school media player, with support for AAC encoding, CD burning, and a robust file-management system. WinAmp 5.56 ups the ante with strong support for portable devices, including iPods, the ability to sync non-DRMed files to your PC from your device, an optional new interface layout and a built-in browser for media discovery.
We liked that clicking on an artist's name will get you related headlines and Web sites in a separate pane. There's also Podcast support, device synchronization that lets you tweak the sync list while in progress, and continued support for AOL's excellent Shoutcast. The new Bento layout is worth mentioning, too, because it gets the venerable llama away from the old modular format. The joined panes for the browser, media player, artist list, album list and more make WinAmp instantly more visually appealing. There's also an Auto-Tag feature, which will download metatags from the Gracenote database, and Winamp's proprietary music scrobler called Orgler, with links back to AOL Music.
If you want MP3 encoding and full-speed CD burning, you have to shell out $19.95 for the Pro version. However, there are other problems. Automatic album art download support is spotty at best. More importantly, there are some stability issues when playing videos, and occasional program crashes were far more common than they should be.
WinAmp 5.56 is no iTunes killer--not yet. It has become, however, a strong alternative and should be of interest to those looking for something with more meat on its bones. Llama meat, that is.
Publisher's Description
From Nullsoft:
Winamp is a free multimedia player made by Nullsoft. It supports numerous audio and video formats. It also plays streamed video and audio content, both live and recorded, authored worldwide. It has an extremely customizable media library, and allows you to rip and burn your favorite music CDs. Winamp has thousands of skins and plug-ins that allow you to change the look-and-feel of the player, as well as add new features. The player also has access to thousands of free songs, videos and online radio stations from SHOUTcast Radio and AOL Radio with XM.
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All versions:
3.9 starsout of 1,476 votes
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Current version:
3.7 starsout of 6 votes
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My rating:
Write review
Results 1-6 of 6
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"Not bad, but could be better"
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
A free nice looking media, but to improve.
Cons
Could be more user-friendly.
The equalizer is not really giving a full satisfaction, it could be improved.
A bit of a fight finding the different options when you don't have the will or the time -
"did not like it because it was not very intuitive"
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
Can not think of one good reason why this unit is so popular
Cons
Winamp basically blows. It does not present itself as a very understandable means by which to organize a music archive.
Summary
Could not stand it shouting out something about "kicking the lama's ass" every time I logged on.
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"Gaining and loosing is part of new winanp"
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
lots o add-ins new and old refurbished, excellent!
Cons
well, you can't have the cake and eat-it, so forget the freebee, and purchase the one that's for sale.
Summary
new tech comes with a price tag. tears for the freebee.
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"Still the standard for everything streaming"
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
Since it's incarnation. Most of the updates have been to tweek the performace with sysgtems and prevent from crashes and confilicts. This update is no surprise to the lot and still delevers a great package.
Cons
Nuances of controls and some features, but not a big negative.
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"Great for MP3 files and listening to internet radio."
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
Easy to download file into.
Cons
Internnet radio cuts out once in a while.
Summary
Overall a great program to play MP3 files and internat radio.
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"Excellent player."
Version: Winamp 5.623
Pros
Easy to sync, rate songs and sort. The related videos feature is interesting.
Cons
The controls are a little small.
Summary
Excellent.
Results 1-6 of 6
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