In an attempt to increase the use of both WinXP and mediaplayer, microsoft is requiring consumers who want the latest media player to upgrade to the new Windows XP.
 Windows Media Player 8 will be bundled with the forthcoming Windows XP--the upgrade to Windows 95, 98, Me and 2000. A similar "tying" of Internet Explorer with the OS in 1996 is credited with helping Microsoft win the browser war against Netscape's Navigator and has been a key issue in the antitrust case that is awaiting a decision by a federal Court of Appeals. |
However, with Windows Media Player 8, Microsoft is going one step further than it did with Internet Explorer: the newest version of the application will only be available to consumers who upgrade to Windows XP. The older version of Media Player, version 7.0, will continue to be available as a free, separate download.
Well don't think this move is that smart. Because for example I probably don't upgrade to WinXP for a long time... my windows 2000 is running good (with dual proc ). It's nice that they bundle the mediaplayer with the OS, but they have to do it with every OS. But microsoft says that some features can only be delivered by Windows XP. BTW: I'm probably the only one, but I think it's great that MS bundles his Internet Explorer with windows... nice and easy.
Source: ZDNet
