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Microsoft updates the long-running Windows Media Player

Microsoft showcases the new Media Player's mini player mode, which displays vibrant album art. (Image: Microsoft)
Microsoft showcases the new Media Player's mini player mode, which displays vibrant album art. (Image: Microsoft)
Microsoft has announced that the Groove Media app will be replaced by a new Media Player developed for Windows 11. The new software will allow playback of both music and video files in a well-organised library. Windows Insiders can test the new program from the Dev Channel.

Microsoft has announced that a new Media Player for Windows 11 will be released to all Windows Insiders. The software is designed to play both audio and video files and features an interface that is consistent with Windows 11.

Media Player will showcase vibrant album art and artist pictures during playback in full screen and mini player modes. The program permits users to generate and manage their playlists in a well-ordered music library and thus, they can efficiently peruse and listen to music.

The Groove Music app will be phased out in favour of the new Media Player. However, the user’s music library and playlists will automatically transfer from Groove Music to the new program.

Microsoft pitched the new Media Player as a comprehensive multimedia software as it will also have full support for watching, browsing and organising local videos. The player will automatically add multimedia content to the user’s library. The user can, however, select which folders will be searched for content. Furthermore, Microsoft has updated the accessibility and keyboard functions of the software.

Development of the app is still ongoing and hence, Insiders may encounter bugs such as interface conflicts, sorting issues and playback problems. Microsoft reassured Windows 11 users that the legacy Windows Media Player will remain available in Windows Tools. Windows Insiders can access the new Media Player from the Dev Channel and submit their feedback in the Feedback Hub.

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The new Media Player features vivid and colourful artist imagery. (Image: Microsoft)
The new Media Player features vivid and colourful artist imagery. (Image: Microsoft)
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2021 11 > Microsoft updates the long-running Windows Media Player
Aleem Ali, 2021-11-18 (Update: 2021-11-18)