Microsoft unveils streaming media software

Microsoft plans to release software for encoding and distributing web-based audio and video files, which it claims will improve their quality and make them more economical to transmit.

The software giant also released a beta version of Windows Media 8 that allows users to encode audio and video files in a new compression format that Microsoft says is capable of delivering DVD-quality video at 500Kbps.

Speaking at Streaming Media West 2000 in California this week, Microsoft president Steve Ballmer said the latest software can store high-quality audio recordings in about a third of the file space that is typically used by the MP3 format, and can be downloaded 30 per cent faster.

Ballmer demonstrated streaming media with wireless partner NTT DoCoMo. The so-called Eggy device, available only in Japan, uses Windows Media to deliver streamed audio and video to mobile phones.

Ballmer also previewed the new-generation Windows operating system, codenamed Whistler, which includes integrated support for DVD playback, easy video transfer to portable devices and new ways of viewing the My Music folder.

Microsoft unveiled Windows Media Player 7 for the Pocket PC, which offersCasio, Compaq and Hewlett Packard Pocket PC users the ability to download and play Windows Media video as well as music content.

Rival RealNetworks dismissed Microsoft's latest streaming media announcements as a "futile effort" to catch up with RealAudio 8 and RealVideo 8. "This is a classic example of Microsoft trying to match the quality of service that RealNetworks has been delivering for months," claimed a RealNetworks spokesman.

See also:

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Microsoft is re-branding the next versions of its Windows operating system and Office personal productivity applications in an attempt to signal its adoption of a more web-centric strategy.  05 Feb 2001

Intel launches MP3 player

Intel will launch a portable MP3 music player in the US next month as part of a drive by the chip giant into the consumer market.  02 Jan 2001

Microsoft shuns streaming media alliance

Microsoft and RealNetworks are conspicuous by their absence from a group formed to introduce open standards into the streaming media sector.  14 Dec 2000

Microsoft tackles the digital piracy issue

Microsoft hopes to steal a march in the digital document management and right control software market with version 7 of its Windows Media client and content creation tools.  08 Nov 2000

MP3: making sweet music on the net

The music industry has been shaken up by the emergence of MP3-based music websites such as Napster. Critics accuse them of facilitating piracy while advocates say they make it easier for unsigned musicians to have their music heard. We look at what all the fuss is about.  08 Aug 2000

Microsoft releases Windows Media Player 7

Microsoft released Windows Media Player 7 today, which includes technology that lets media companies time-limit downloaded music.  18 Jul 2000

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