- Legendary Windows music player Winamp has added support for music NFTs
- Winamp considers the move as a step into the Web 3.0 space
- The integration is part of a new upgrade that also touches on the app’s security and memory usage
The classic Windows music player Winamp has mounted a rebirth by adding support for music NFTs, a move that also doubles as its entry into Web 3.0. Winamp, which was the go-to Windows desktop music player in the 1990s, will allow NFT lovers to play music embedded in their collectibles by connecting their Metamask wallet to the app. The integration was among an upgrade that also touched on the app’s memory usage and security among other improvements.
From Metamask to Winamp via Firefox, Chrome and Brave
Currently, Winamp supports video and audio NFTs minted on the Ethereum and Polygon blockchains, with the connection between Metamask and the music player done through popular web browsers Firefox, Chrome and Brave. The app supports NFT music files created using Ethereum’s ERC-1155 and ERC-721 standards.
We are proud to announce a new version (5.9.1) for our Desktop player. This new version reduces Winamp’s memory footprint and upgrades security among many other improvements, it also allows you to play your music NFTs. New version available now.
— Winamp (@winamp) December 6, 2022
According to Winamp, the NFT integration is part of an extensive vision to improve the listening experience on the app as the world shifts from mp3s to the next “leading edge” of how we consume music. Winamp’s CEO Alexandre Saboundjian revealed that the decision to bring NFTs to the music player was influenced by “more artists” embracing blockchain-powered products, including music payments.
Scattered Music Experiences Unified
Major music groups like Warner Music Group and Universal Music have already made strides in the Web 3.0 world, while popular musicians like Justin Beiber and Snoop Dogg are spending millions of dollars on digital collectibles.
Apart from NFTs, the legendary Windows music player is working on other upgrades meant to “bring together music fans’ scattered experiences into a single, great-sounding place.” Some of these improvements will introduce a “cross-platform” feature that links artists and fans. Winamps’ reincarnation as a go-to music player for conventional and NFT-based music files confirms the growing appetite for NFTs and Web 3.0 products.
