Remember Winamp? The media player that defined music listening for many in the early 2000s? Well, get ready for a potential resurgence! Winamp recently announced they’ll be opening the source code for their Windows application on September 24, 2024.
This move comes under a new moniker, FreeLlama, and focuses on reviving the Windows app while allowing developers to contribute. Their core focus however remains on developing new mobile players for various platforms, with a new one launching in July.
“This decision will excite millions of users worldwide,” said Winamp CEO Alexandre Saboundjian. “We’re still committed to our Windows users, but this opens the door for exciting possibilities with the help of talented developers.” While Winamp retains ownership and final say on official versions, the open-source nature allows for innovation and potentially even Winamp-like music players for Linux!
Winamp’s journey has been interesting. Originally developed by Nullsoft, it was acquired by AOL in 1999 and then Radionomy (now the Llama Group) in subsequent years. Some argue these ownership changes dulled the software’s charm and passionate user base.
While online streaming services like Spotify dominate today, there’s a certain nostalgia for the music experience Winamp offered. Thankfully, the open-sourcing opens doors for potential comebacks and exciting new possibilities.
The announcement itself is a bit curious. The blog post is dated December 16, 2023, suggesting a possible delay in the original announcement. There’s also a developer sign-up form for those interested in contributing.
One thing’s for sure: September will be an interesting month for Winamp and its potential return to the spotlight.
