AOL has just released Winamp for Android 1.2 (free, Android Market), which brings with it Mac support, albeit in beta. It allows syncing with Macs with WinAmp for Mac Sync Beta, letting users import their iTunes libraries]. There is also wireless syncing between desktop and phone.
AOL today launched Winamp for Android with a pair of new features and commentary on why it has no iOS plans. The final release now adds Wi-Fi syncing and will update an Android phone's library from a Windows instance of Winamp. Listeners can also now tune into Shoutcast MP3 radio streams without needing a separate app.
WinAmp, Nullsoft's longstanding media player app, is now available as a beta for Android. The downloadable app lets smartphone owners sync their phones with their desktop WinAmp libraries, either via a USB connection or wirelessly over Wi-Fi, though the latter requires the WinAmp 5.59 beta for the desktop. Users can also access Last.fm right from inside the app and scrobble their listening habits.
Thomson announced on Thursday the release of a newly developed, backwards-compatible, lossless MP3HD format. Thomson had a hand in developing the digital MP3 audio format, but unlike MP3, the MP3HD format is lossless, meaning none of the audio information is lost though the files will naturally be slightly larger in size. The MP3HD format is backwards compatible with the original MP3 format, which is compatible with lossless audio codecs including FLAC, HD-AAC and Windows Media lossless.
AOL today revealed a significant update to WinAmp that gives the software its first access to online music stores. The 5.54 upgrade puts in a commerce foundation that allows buying songs directly from the jukebox; it also permits buying ringtones, tickets, and physical CDs. The company hasn't named any stores that will integrate with the service but is likely to focus on stores selling MP3s and other unprotected music.
Two new software-as-a-service media-sharing products are currently in development for iPhone and iPod touch users, MoboVivo and Orb. MoboVivo is a commercial service that has recently finalized iPhone and iPod touch support, allowing users to "Buy and Sync" television shows directly to their device. The service offers multiple channels, such as MoboDiva, MoboDocs, UrbanVivo, and various lifestyle and entertainment channels. The service is also available to a number of different players and gaming consoles from companies like Archos, Microsoft, and Sony. Episodes are available from the service for $2, and the company says that it is the first to make paid TV downloads available to Canadians.
