Legendary MP3 player Winamp is coming back

Winamp, it would appear, is just indestructible. According to Pitchfork, the developers recently released the first update (5.9 RC1 Build 9999) in four years for Winamp. While it doesn't seem like there's much of a difference on the surface, the creators referred to it as the "culmination" of years of hard work from two teams and a pandemic-imposed hiatus. There are significant under-the-hood modifications, including a switch to a more recent development platform.

The program has a long history. Winamp became popular as the playback software of choice during the early days of music downloads, when it was the home to all of your (or perhaps your parents') MP3s from fledgling digital stores and peer-to-peer applications. It handled numerous popular formats and was well-known for its user-customizable interface skins and visualizers.

AOL (formerly Engadget's owner) stopped operations in 2013 after rivals apps and streaming services like Spotify became popular, however that was not the end. Radionomy bought Winamp in 2014 to help execute its online music plans. and the team has suggested a "totally remastered" experience with podcast and radio functions as well as a closer relationship with artists.

It's unlikely that Winamp's return will bring back the turn-of-the-century digital zeitgeist. Streaming is still big, and you may listen to music on your phone or smart speaker more often than on your PC. If the startup sound of a llama-themed company is burned into your memory for good, this could be a pleasant reminiscence.