Winamp, an advanced media player for Microsoft Windows, became popular at the beginning of the century. The software had over 25 million registered users, but after version 5.6 the developers dicontinued the software. In 2018, a leaked version of Winamp 5.8 spread over the internet. A revised version makes it clear, Winamp is back from the dead.
Back in the late 90s, Winamp was one of the first media players on Windows to support a wide range of audio codecs. Winamp supports music playback using MP3, MIDI, MOD, MPEG, AAC, M4A, FLAC, WAV and WMA.
The support for different audio codecs made the Winamp software a helpful tool, but the application became popular due to its support for plug-ins and custom skins. These skins are files used to alter the design of the graphical user interface and can add additional features with scripts.
Leaked version of Winamp
After the Winamp 5.7 beta program, the developers discontinued the software in 2013. The official website winamp.com would be shut down and the software no longer available for download, nor supported by the developers.
In 2018, it was reported that Winamp 5.8 has been leaked. As a result of this leaked version of Winamp, the publisher Radionomy decided to release a revised version of Winamp to the public. They even recommend you to download this version rather than any other leaked version to keep users safe.
This latest version of Winamp, known as Winamp 5.8, includes support for both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The software also replaced features of Winamp Pro with free alternatives. A contribution to the community of users, seen the advanced media player still has an estimated 100 million users.
Manage your local libraries with an audio player and playlist editor
Atthe time of installation, Winamp scans the system for media files to add to the media database. This database contains the file location and metadata of the audio.
Winamp 5.8 comes with a couple of skins or themes to change its default design. In the standard user interface, you will be able to use an audio player, a built-in playlist editor and a tool to browse your local libraries. There is even a built-in tool to help you import existing playlist from other software.
Limited support for physical media
Winamp 5.8 even offers support for physical media. The software makes it possible to play audio from physical discs as if it were the 1990s. Previous versions of the software had a built-in tool to help you burn individual tracks, folders or playlists on a physical disc. This feature is not available in Winamp 5.8.
Physical media may not be as widespread as in the past, but you never know when you need to burn audio files to a physical disc to listen to music on an older audio. This feature will be missed by some users in this release.
A revised version for Windows 8.1 and Windows 10
The interface of Winamp 5.8 remains unchanged from previous version, but shows its age. Therefore, the revised version of the audio player offers bug fixes to further optimise the audio software. And, it delivers.
Winamp 5.8 runs perfect on both Windows 8.1 and Windows 10. The lama introduced in the launch sequence of Winamp remains the icon of the software and is inspired by the lyrics of Wesley Willis. “Winamp, it really whips the llama’s ass!” and the software still does.
Other more advanced alternatives
Winamp may not offer as many tools and fratures as some other free and even more advanced media players, but is still a great program. If you are looking for a stable audio player, Winamp may be the best tool for you.
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Disclaimer. This post contains copyrighted images from Winamp, a media player developed and produced by Radionomy. The fair use of copyrighted works for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting or research is not considered as an infringement of copyright.
