Winamp 5.5 launches, echoes iTunes

AOL's sub divsion Nullsoft today announced the official launch of WinAmp 5.5, the tenth anniversary edition of the company's pioneering music software. The new update is the first to chase iTunes users and includes a new skin, nicknamed "Bento," which gives users an Apple-like view with playback controls, a media browser view, and a source list all in a single pane. Nullsoft's player is further aware of iPods without requiring a plugin and will display album art in playback or when browsing. Tracks can be streamed over a network and an enhanced podcast directory helps find new listening material.

Version 5.5 is much more aware of the context behind music than its rivals, Nullsoft says. An expanded Now Playing view will show not just essential track data but available information about the artist, a back catalog, and reviews. Similar to previous editions, a web browser is built-in and can integrate with WinAmp to launch radio stations or other content.

Nullsoft is continuing its past practices and will deliver WinAmp Full for free as well as a stripped-down WinAmp Lite with a smaller footprint. Full offers limited CD burning and ripping, according to the company. A paid version, WinAmp Pro, unlocks these features for an extra $20. As suggested by its name, the player is currently available only for Windows systems.