WINAMP CODE OPENED FOR JOINT DEVELOPMENT

Developers of the multimedia player Winamp have announced their decision to open the project code and transition to a joint development model, allowing anyone to participate in the development process. The publication of the code is set for September 24, 2024. Unofficial reports suggest that this move towards open development was prompted by financial challenges, leading the company to dismiss the core development team responsible for maintaining the classic Windows application of Winamp, in favor of focusing on the development of their streaming web service and mobile applications.

Since its inception in 1997, the Winamp project has been a longstanding multimedia player that has continuously evolved. In April, they launched mobile versions of Winamp for Android and iOS platforms. With a user base of approximately 83 million, Winamp remains popular among Windows users for its unique interface customization through skins. Its impact can be seen in the development of open-source clones for Linux systems, including xmms, xmms2, beep media Player, audacious, and qmmp.