• Windows Media Player vs Apple's QuickTime: Microsoft's Windows Media Player is not as long-lived as Apple's QuickTime. Microsoft has been striving to make it the dominant media player.
• Versions of Windows Media Player: Version 7 (2000) was the first with "bells and whistles" like CD ripping and visualizations. Version 8 with Windows XP (a year later), Version 9 (2003), and Version 10 with XP SP1.
• Release of WMP 11: Microsoft released Beta 2 of WMP 11, available for US customers (international versions later), requiring Windows XP (Home, Pro, Tablet, or Media Center Edition) and Service Pack 2 (Update Rollup 2 for Media Center 2005). Not available for Vista beta or Release Candidate users as Vista comes with WMP 11 by default.
• Design changes in WMP 11: Designed with user feedback from previous versions in mind. Extraneous curvy user interface elements are gone, and various tools are arranged in tabbed sections at the top like Now Playing, Library, Rip, Burn, Sync, and the online music store URGE.
• Competing with iTunes Music Store: Microsoft is pushing WMP 11's download service as a rival to Apple's iTunes. The store developed with MTV lacks polish and had a slow and confusing user interface initially. Most songs are $0.99, and Microsoft claims WMP 11 Beta 2 supports more online stores than earlier versions, but they are not easy to find.
• Other changes in WMP 11: Menu options can be accessed from anywhere on the toolbar. Regular menu bars seem out of favor in many new applications and Vista. A slimline version is available. Visualizations are improved but cost 30% CPU usage on a 2.4 GHz Pentium 4.
• Regarding removal: On Microsoft's FAQ page, it is stated that WMP is an integral part of the operating system and cannot be removed, but earlier versions can be rolled back if desired. It also caters to the European Union by working with all versions of Windows XP Service Pack 2 including Windows XP Home Edition N and Windows XP Professional N. The default look of WMP 11 is a slick shiny black for the toolbar and elements (Vista version inherits Vista's default look), and the player controls are arranged nicely and large enough.