Winamp releases source code for those who want to replace the classic player

Fulfilling the promise made by the program owners in May this year Winamp released its source code on Tuesday (24)reveals details about how the classic MP3 player works. Llama Group also invited fans and developers to collaborate on improving the app.

It was released by Nullsoft in 1997. The audio playback program was a big hit in the pre-music streaming eraIts debut coincided with the popularization of the MP3 format, which led to the software becoming one of the favorites for playing tracks downloaded from the internet.

The iconic music player remained popular even in the early 21st century thanks to the wide range of audio formats supported and extra features such as the overlay system and the ability to broadcast web radio. However, Platforms offering access to online music are starting to lose ground.

It was stopped in 2013, Winamp was taken over by a new owner the following yearIt has tried to bring the player back to its glory days, but the growth of streaming services like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music has disrupted the company’s plans.

Code available, but with limitations

According to the player’s owner, Winamp’s source code is available on GitHub for developers from around the world who want to contribute to the progress of the project. The content refers to: Windows version of the playerHowever, there are some limitations regarding the use of the material.

To: Changes to the audio player code should be limited to the developer himselffor personal use. In other words, anyone who uses the material to create a modified version of the program will not be able to share it with other people, which limits the collaborative process.

“Winamp will continue to own the software and Will decide on the innovations to be made in the official version“, explained the program’s CEO, Alexandre Saboundjian, in a post on the company’s website in May.