New features in Winamp include support for classic Winamp skins and Winamp 3 (Modern) skins; a fancy new Modern skin; the same classic skin for people who want the Winamp 2 feel; a vastly more powerful media library; CD-ripping support (AAC@2x in the Free version, MP3 at unlimited speeds in the Pro version); CD-burning support (limited to 8x in the free version); advanced title-formatting logic for file types that support it; huge AVS updates; support for playback of AAC and VP6 in NSV files/streams; global hot-key support; a new Signal Processing Studio DSP plug-in; options for disabling plug-in exception-handling for developers; a new Winamp icon; and the addition of XP manifest.xml to winamp.exe. Version 5.1 adds CodingTechnologies AACPlus encoder, Grand Prize Winner of the Internet Surround Music Project, SHOUTcast Wire - A Media RSS Browser and Subscription Service, and Predixis Smart Playlist Generator. Download Mp3PRO decoder for hi-quality sound.

Windows Media Player is designed to make it easy for you to discover, download, organize, and play your digital media, from music to video, pictures, and recorded TV. Browse the first Digital Media Mall to find, sample, and download music from a choice of leading online stores and services. The Player provides faster access to top activities, such as ripping, burning, and syncing. You also can fine-tune the layout and choose from a range of online music and video stores and services. This is the multimedia software developed by Microsoft to provide users with the ability to view multimedia content, both from the Internet and from their hard drive. Windows Media Player gives you more music and more choices, and for the first time makes it possible to sync high-quality music, video, and photos to the latest portable devices.

The free Real Player is the first product that integrates Real's revolutionary new Harmony technology. RealPlayer enables consumers to buy and download music that plays on more than 100 portable devices, including the Apple iPod. RealPlayer is the only digital-media player you need for finding and downloading new music, playing and managing audio and video clips, and taking your digital entertainment with you. RealPlayer offers a streamlined interface that allows you to keep your media library close at hand. Keep all your digital-media clips organized in one place; save CD tracks with one click; pause and rewind live streams; transfer music to CDs and portable devices effortlessly; and enjoy clear, smooth video playback and multichannel, surround-sound support.