Windows Media Player 11

Microsoft has released Windows Media Player 11 final gold version on 30th Oct to the public. WMP 11 is available for Windows XP to download and of course to the upcoming Windows Vista. Windows Media Player (WMP) 11 features are built-in support for Urge, which is a subscription music service co-developed with MTV, streamlined and simplified interface, fast access to shortcuts and settings, universal back and forward button, revamped playback controls, faster CD ripping, Reverse Sync from portable device to PC, improved searching, and supports new formats for ripping and playing music, namely Windows Media Audio Professional and WAV Lossless. WMP 11 is designed with a whole new look to the digital entertainment. "When designing Windows Media Player 11, we looked at the needs of a wide range of users—from people who are just getting started with digital media to discriminating audiophiles with very large collections on their PCs. By incorporating this feedback into the design process, we made some significant changes to the Player to deliver a simpler, more visual way to navigate music, video, and other digital media and further improve the overall experience."
For me, WMP 11 looks rocks with the new design and its is one of the main thing which made it a success. Its not only me who says this, this new design has won praise from many reviewers.
Click here to learn more, click here for readme and here are some screenshots (sc1, sc2).

WMP 11 can be downloaded from the Windows Media Home or Windows Media Player 11 page which directs to the Windows Media Player download page without WGA validation. WMP 11 can also be downloaded from the Microsoft Download page, but from there, WGA validation is required to download. However, WGA validation is required when installing. So Windows which are not Genuine need s crack/hack to install WMP 11. I've posted a entry for bypassing WGA and also here is an article which may help you with this. Enjoy ;)

Btw, Mircosoft has announced that Windows Vista will be broadly available as a stand-alone product or pre-installed on new PCs on January 30, 2007 and Windows Vista was released to manufacturing (RTM) on 8th Nov.