Among old computer users, Winamp is remembered as an MP3-based music player that faithfully accompanies when using a computer. Many of them have many memories with Winamp. In December 2013, one of the oldest and most important things in the history of digital music was turned off and no longer available for download.
But now the latest news Winamp will be revived with a new look that is fresher and more modern. Starting from the new logo, the interface, to access that can now be operated online such as music streaming services such as Spotify and Apple Music.
Well, before that, here are some interesting Winamp facts that you might not know.
1. Winamp First Launched 1997
Winamp was first released in 1997 by the duo Justin Frankel and Dmitry Boldyrev. Both were students at the University of Utah.
The minimalistic version of Winamp 0.20 was released on April 21, 1997 as freeware. That is, it can be downloaded for free. At that time, Winamp's appearance was still very simple. Continued later with Winamp 0.92 which is better in appearance.
When Winamp 2 was released in 1998, its popularity grew even more. Even then, Winamp became one of the most downloaded software from the internet.
2. Founded Nullsoft
The founders of Winamp then founded Nullsoft as a platform. Given its increasing popularity. As a way to generate profits, Winamp also has a paid version. In 1998, the number of downloads Winamp has reached 3 million times.
At that time, Nullsoft had several lawsuits. But everything worked out fine.
Because of his fame, Winamp was in demand by big companies. Finally in 1999. Nullsoft always the owner of Winamp bought AOL worth USD 80 million. In June 2000, there were about 25 million Winamp users.
3. Interesting Features in Winamp
One of the most exciting features in Winamp is perhaps the ability to change the appearance. The term is changing skin.
Skins are bitmap files that change Winamp's graphical user interface. Winamp users can publish their design skins on Winamp.com.
Some time later, many versions of Winamp skins were created. In 2000, there were more than 3000 Winamp skins born.
Skin themes can also vary. From the themed sports, racing, to pictures of beautiful women.
4. Winamp's Popularity Declines
Winamp's popularity is fading. Many competitors have sprung up with better features to be one of the reasons. Apart from that, there are no more new innovations brought to Winamp by its new owner, AOL. As if Winamp is running in place.
Indeed, there was Winamp for the Android platform. However, the number of users is not as expected.
Especially with the widespread popularity of mobile devices, Winamp's role is increasingly marginalized. To listen to music, many feel enough to use the built-in music player on their device.
5. Winamp is Disabled
Having existed for more than 15 years since its release, Winamp was shut down by its owner, AOL. It is certain that fans will no longer be able to download Winamp after December 20, 2013.
Many at that time regretted the death of Winamp. Moreover, it has the potential to continue to be popular with a large fan base.
"There's no reason Winamp couldn't be where iTunes is today, if it wasn't for the mismanagement of multiple layers that AOL has put in place since the acquisition," said Winamp General Manager, Rob Lord.
6. Online Radio Giant Gazes At Winamp
In 2014, after AOL decided to shut down Winamp. But the big name of the music player seems to have attracted Radionomy, one of the largest online radio aggregator services in Belgium.
Radionomy is quite famous there. On their website, they write that they already have about 6,000 radio stations that can be listened to via the internet. But Radionomy was not only lured by Winamp, they also took Shoutcast out of AOL's hands.
Prior to Radionomy, it was widely reported that Winamp was being offered to Microsoft. But it seems that an agreement was never reached between AOL and Microsoft.
7. 2021 Winamp Rise from the 'Grave'
According to AudioValley's announcement, the owners and their parent company of Winamp are looking to bring the Winamp music player back to life.
Like rising from the grave, the company will make Winamp for the next generation. Not only updated, Winamp version "rises from the grave" is promised to actually be a remaster alias total change.
The latest Winamp will be accessible online, with a new logo, new interface so that creators can earn from the platform.
