Winamp5

[Kid Afrika]

I liked the interface and never had a problem with Winamp to this point. However, I ask you all to join me in a boycotting Winamp5 because solely because of the invasive AOL for Broadband advertising that is built in.

Don't get me wrong, I have no problem with them putting a shortcut on the desktop, or in my favorites. But, they not only did both of those, but also put a link in my Links folder in my favorites and a link in my start menu.

I understand that they need some advertising to keep the program free, but now they're charging for a premiere type service. WTF?!?!?

Winamp has remained to this point the only freeware without any ads or other crap, and that's one thing that made it great.

I'm sticking with Winamp2 for some streams that don't support WMP, but only for that. I agree that WMP's DRM sucks monkey nuts, but at least you can disable it or deny it when it comes up. Installing that many shortcuts to a horrible service is simply deplorable.

Thanks to AOL, Winamp has now become LOSERAmp, IMHO.

FIGHT THE POWER!!!

[Flock of Moosen]

Wasn't even aware 5 was out yet. I tried 3 when it first came out and totally hated it so I went back to 2.91 and have been using it since.
Guess I won't be upgrading anytime soon after hearing this. Thanks for the update Kid.

[Lush]

I don't use winamp anymore. I really enjoy Itunes. I have about 900 songs so I forget what I have but they have a browse button so I can look it up. Pretty Cool.

[Kid Afrika]

iTunes is ass for it's DRM features, as is WMP. But at least with WMP you can disable the DRM features. Maybe you can with iTunes, but I hate iTunes because it's part of the package to install quicktime.

Bottom line, when I install software, I don't want any extra shit. Just give me what I downloaded without any adware, invasive shortcuts or other shit that I never wanted.

Winamp5 is not officially released but the beta version is available.

The program itself may not be bad, but the affiliation with AOL can only bring bad thing, IMO.

[BITENY]

This is why I stick w/the Windows Media Player. Although I do kinda miss Winamp and after what you've said Kid -- I don't need all those bullshit extra shortcuts anywhere on my computer.

[Kid Afrika]

Much to my chagrin, they do allow you to opt out of the shortcuts. So, I think I'll be withdrawing my boycott. However, I still think that forcing shit like this is a shady way to market any product. Isn't it enough that we have to watch product placement in our TV shows?

So in the end, if you install Winamp5, make sure to uncheck the option for AOL shortcuts and also tell it that you have no internet connection.

I'm an ass. 'nuff said.

[Flock of Moosen]

Any estimates about when the final version is due out?

[Kid Afrika]

I heard Monday, but who knows if that's true...