Despite the lack of newer features, users with older systems or those who favor familiar controls will find that the free Windows Media Player 9 fits like an old, sequined glove. The Internet radio player searches station listings by genre or location. Windows Media Player 7.0 introduced skin technology. Microsoft suggests that existing code that uses the legacy APIs be rewritten to use the new APIs if possible.
Microsoft strongly recommends that new code use MediaPlayer instead of Windows Media Player SDK, when possible. Copying to and copying from CDs works, but don't expect most options available from current players. MediaPlayer has been optimized for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Controls, for the most part, are easy to access, though some skins stretch the concept of user-friendly. Video playback in any of the included skins is adequate. The large varieties of visualizations are easy to implement and are sure to amuse those who remember the 1960s. The graphic equalizer features 22 preset options, and the usual slider bar will be familiar to 1970s rock fans. Standard audio playback functions are easy to access. The interface is familiar with a simple menu of commands, a central playback window, and an information bar. This version-9-is getting up in age and is best used for older systems. The de facto standard for Windows media playback is Windows Media Player.
