Just days after AOL announced that it was killing the neglected but historically significant Winamp Media Player, TechCrunch reports that Microsoft is in talks to purchase the software, along with AOL’s Internet radio service SHOUTcast.
Almost all Internet users of a certain age are familiar with Winamp. Released in 1997, the software grew alongside the popularity of the disruptive MP3 audio format, and became the de facto media player of millions of users with legal and pirated music libraries alike. At the peak of its popularity, Winamp’s parent company, Nullsoft, was purchased by AOL for $80 million. As legal options for digital music, such as Apple’s iTunes, began to appear, Winamp’s influence slowly faded, although a dedicated fan base still use the application to this day.
But with a shrinking user base and the continued rise of competing software and services, AOL decided it was time to close the door on Winamp, and posted a message on Wednesday stating that the service would no longer be available after December 20, 2013. According to TechCrunch, however, Winamp may live on by joining the family in Redmond. Sources indicate that Microsoft is still in talks with AOL to acquire Winamp and SHOUTcast, although it was stressed that a deal is far from finalized.
Perhaps most puzzling is Microsoft’s desire for either service. Although not nearly as popular as rival iTunes, Microsoft’s Xbox Music initiative is off to a good start, with integration on Windows 8 PCs and devices, Windows Phone devices, and the just-launched Xbox One console. Xbox Music operates as a subscription service, allowing users to stream an unlimited number songs on-demand for a set monthly price. It’s unclear how Winamp or SHOUTcast could enhance the services Microsoft already has in place.
Unsurprisingly, neither Microsoft nor AOL have offered any public comment on the situation, so we’ll have to wait and see how it plays out. Like many of you, we haven’t used Winamp in years, but it’s such an important part of digital history that we hope it will get a chance to live on in some fashion.
