Microsoft today announced Windows Media Player 7, company's hit into jukebox software markets. MP7 will be able to play regular audio formats (MP3, WMA, WAV, etc..), video formats (with various codec, about anything - MPEG1, MPEG2, MPEG4, ASF, ...), streaming audio, streaming video, etc.. New additions are that finally Microsoft steps into audio encoding business in big way - MP7 is also CD ripper, audio encoder, multimedia manager and much more.
This is an obvious try to crush Real's dominant position in consumer multimedia markets. Interesting thing is to see how MusicMatch Jukebox will fit into this picture...
Anyway, product will be released to the public in next summer, so Real and co have a little bit time to plan their defense.
Anyway, product will be released to the public in next summer, so Real and co have a little bit time to plan their defense.
