This week, Llama Group open-sourced the Winamp player, shifting to a collaborative development model. The source code, written in C++ and C, is now available on GitHub under the Winamp Collaborative License Version 1.0. Currently, the desktop version relies on Visual Studio 2019 and Intel IPP v6.1.1.035 libraries.
Financial Reorganization Leads to Changes
The transition to an open-source model is attributed to a reorganization within Llama Group due to financial challenges. Last year, the company had to sell the Shoutcast project and dismiss the team responsible for maintaining the classic Windows version of Winamp. Despite these changes, the developers have continued to support the Winamp streaming service with subscription options for musicians, as well as mobile versions for Android and iOS devices, notes NIXsolutions. We’ll keep you updated on any further developments.
Winamp’s Evolution Over the Years
Winamp, first launched in 1997, is one of the longest-running media players still evolving. Its popularity even inspired Linux clones like XMMS, XMMS2, and Beep Media Player. In 2022, Radionomy Group, the then-owner of Winamp developer Nullsoft, sold its audio business to Azerion and rebranded as Llama Group. Subsequently, Llama Group announced the Winamp project’s relaunch as a music streaming service. The most recent version, Winamp Full 5.9.2.10042, remains available.