Winamp Is Relaunching Its Iconic Music Player for the Streaming Era
Winamp is preparing for another comeback, this time with help from Deezer.The iconic media player has partnered with the Parisian streaming service to launch a new premium music subscription service as part of a redesigned Winamp Player, which is scheduled to arrive in the first half of 2027.
Under the agreement, Deezer will provide its white-label streaming technology and global licensed music catalog while Winamp develops the consumer-facing product.The subscription service will operate under the Winamp brand and be integrated directly into the new player, according to a press release.
Winamp Group is positioning the platform as more than a conventional streaming app.The company says its new player will combine premium streaming with local music libraries, internet radio, podcasts, personal cloud collections and other audio sources.
It also plans to introduce a highly customizable interface, social features and new tools for music discovery.The approach builds on Winamp’s legacy as one of the defining desktop music players of the MP3 era while adapting the brand to a market now dominated by services like Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube Music.
Winamp says its legacy desktop player remains in active use by more than 40 million people worldwide.Following the launch of the new platform, the desktop software is also expected to gain access to the Deezer-powered subscription service.
“Winamp has always been about giving users the freedom to experience music their own way,” said Winamp Group CEO Alexandre Saboundjian.“25 years ago we changed the way people listened to digital music, and we believe the time has come to challenge the listening experience once again.
This partnership with Deezer gives us access to world-class streaming technology and one of the richest music catalogues in the world, allowing us to focus on what matters most: building a unique Winamp product that brings together everything users want to listen to in one place.�...