Why is Windows Media Player STILL alive?

Seriously, why?

One of the really cool apps in Windows 8, and one which has gotten a lot better in Windows 8.1 Preview, is the Xbox Music app.

The interface is, as is with most of Microsoft’s own Windows 8 Metro apps, very intuitive, as well as welcoming, and easy to use.

Music discovery is almost automatic, and the included music matching service brings further, and Zune-like. The added Xbox Radio component of the app is easy-peasy to use.

As long as you use Windows 8 Metro.

<phonograph needle screeches to a halt>

<Arnold asks, “Whatcha’ talking about, Willis?” >

Yes, People of Terra, Xbox Music is NOT available for Windows 8 desktop!

For that, you have to use Windows Media Player, with all of that player’s groundbreaking UI!

<drippin’ sarcasm…>

To mollify users, there’s supposedly a web-based Xbox Music app in the works.

But, is that enough?

Why isn’t there a Windows desktop/legacy/whatever-it-is-called version of the Xbox Music App, with all of the attendant goodies?

Why?

Right now, Windows 8 has a miniscule overall market share, while all other version of Windows combined have, what, 80% or more.

Why not release a Windows desktop version of Xbox Music acquires the user’s permission to replace Windows Media Player with itself?

Wouldn’t that take a page from the playbook that Apple used to make that steaming of kaka called iTunes the market leader it is today?

In fact, I confidently proclaim that if Microsoft desires any traction for Xbox Music, making it ubiquitous is the only way to go.

I knew someone else thinks the same way, and going into the Wayback Machine, I was able to retrieve the following tweet.

Last evening, I tried to listen to music on my system from the desktop, and was jarringly greeted by Windows Media Player.

Not good, people. Not good!

Come on, Microsoft.

Do the right thing by Xbox Music!

© 2002 – 2013, John Obeto for Blackground Media Unlimited

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