Microsoft has created a new media player app for Windows 11 to replace the Windows Media Player and Groove Music apps, which have not changed since 2009. Windows insiders can now start testing the creatively named media player on Windows 11.
The app can play both music and video. If you've been using the Groove Music app to manage your Music library, even after Microsoft axed the Groove Music service in 2017, you can update it to a new media player. Your libraries and playlists will migrate automatically, Gizmodo notes.
Microsoft says users will be able to quickly browse through their music library, find the music they want to listen to, and create and manage playlists. During playback, you will see album art and "rich artist images" in full screen and Mini player modes. The app also adds files from your computer's music and video folders. With Settings, the user can tell the media player to look elsewhere for things to bring to the library.
There are also ease-of-use-focused options in the application. Microsoft says this includes "improved keyboard shortcuts and access key support for keyboard users, as well as other assistive technologies."
Microsoft noted that the media player currently has several issues, including affecting playback from certain network locations, editing album metadata, and library content with accented characters. You can still access older versions of Windows Media Player through Windows Tools.
Of course, the media player's design reflects the clean aesthetics of Windows 11. The app looks good, and it's the icing on the cake for the long-awaited Overhaul of Windows Media Player. It's a shame That Microsoft has given the new app such a boring name, but at least users won't be confused about its features.
