Microsoft previews Media Player

Microsoft has rolled out the preview release of Windows Media Player 7 which it claims will give consumers a full multimedia experience without having to deal with complex interfaces.

The company said Media Player 7 will enable consumers to juggle several multimedia applications such as internet radio, streaming and downloading audio and video, and digital music jukebox players with the single click of a button.

"Consumers have told us that they need an easier way to embrace the multiple forms of digital media on their PCs today," said David Weeks, Windows product manager at Microsoft. "Windows Media Player 7 is designed to bring these activities together into one unified place, and make digital audio and video an easy to use experience for PC users of all levels."

A built-in utility enables consumers to quickly and easily transfer music from a PC to next generation portable music devices, Palm PCs and Compact Flash readers in files half the size of MP3 files.

The Windows Media Player can automatically adjust video quality for all connection rates from 28.8 Kbps modem connections to near broadcast quality video over high speed broadband networks.

Content providers will be able to use the standards based "skins" or covers to customise the look of the player for their own brand. For example, they can create a player designed around a company or product logo, or the specific image of an artist.

The unified player is now available for technical evaluators and software developers. The final release is scheduled for later this year.