There are a hundred and one apps trying to serve as music players, starting with the default Windows player and going up to the famous iTunes. However, serious users often find themselves looking for a third party option that would otherwise go unnoticed. Doing its best to be seen in the crowd is the simply titled Media Player by Digital Cloud Technologies Global, a free Windows store app with a lot of useful features and a great aesthetic. 
 

Key Media Player features

Below are the key features that Media Player users will enjoy:

• Media Player stands out with its ability to handle a wide array of video formats, including but not limited to WMV, MKV, OGM, 3GP, FLV, and MOV. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for users who frequently encounter a diverse range of video content. The software's robust format support ensures that users rarely, if ever, need to switch to another player for different file types, enhancing its utility as a comprehensive media player.
• The app excels in offering a high degree of customization. Users can tailor their viewing experience by adjusting various settings, syncing audio, and manipulating playback controls like skip and repeat. Additionally, Media Player provides a range of filters to enhance video quality, catering to the specific preferences of each user. This level of customization allows for a more personalized and satisfying media consumption experience.
• Media Player goes beyond basic playback functionalities, offering advanced image processing options. Users can adjust playback speed for a faster or more detailed viewing, reduce noise levels for clearer audio, and even schedule their computer to shut down automatically after video playback, adding a layer of convenience and automation to the experience.

Listen in style and ease

Media Player is a good program for balancing features and appearance. Naturally, first and foremost it can play media files stored locally on your machine. However, that’s just the tip of the iceberg and it also covers other bases, making it a kind of one-stop program, great if you listed to several sources regularly. For example, the super search function lets you search for tunes and audio on Soundcloud, making it easy to set up your own streaming radio feed and find new music. The same function can be used to browse for videos on YouTube, so you don’t have to open a browser every time you want to see your favorite content. This program supports playlists and has hotkeys for quick skip, rewind, pause etc. Couple this with a sleek design and smart interface and it could easily replace your default player. The player also has useful Last.fm integration. 

Powerful but not entirely free

Under the hood, Media Player has support for all the main windows video codes among many more, plus all the usual music files from mp3 to flac, but sadly not ogg. The default list of codecs can be expanded with in-app purchases which expands to cover non-standard formats like mkv. It is up to users to decide if this is worth paying more for. Some other features which are locked behind paygates are access to cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, an equalizer and wider DVD compatibility beyond Windows license limitations. When it comes to usability, the app is very simple and arranged in a logical manner, with playlists down the right and controls on the left. All the text and images match the appearance of Windows Metro, so this app will fit right in. Playlists are supported in a wide range of formats and can be edited with ease, plus the application itself has a lot of customable settings which should prove useful. Last but not least, it can respond to multimedia keys on your keyboard, which is essential for casual listening. 

Media Player alternatives

Media Player for Windows faces competition from other multimedia players like KMPlayer, CyberLink Power Media Player, Windows Media Player and SMPlayer, which also offer extensive functionality. The choice between these programs depends on the user's technical proficiency and customization requirements. 

For those who prefer a more straightforward and user-friendly experience, VLC Media Player is a viable alternative. However, if you are comfortable with your technical skills, you should not pass up this free tool.

Final remarks

Media Player’s strength lies in its extensive support for various video formats. Its adeptness in decoding a broad spectrum of codecs marks it as a top choice for media enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The program’s ability to fine-tune settings, apply specific filters, and schedule convenient functionalities like automatic shutdown post-playback, highlight its versatility. However, these advanced features may require a certain level of technical knowledge, making the tool more suitable for users with some experience in media software.

Media Player delivers a smooth and stable playback experience across a variety of file formats, including high-definition content, without major performance issues. However, users might find the in-program advertisements a bit intrusive, as they can disrupt the viewing experience. This is particularly noticeable when not in full-screen mode, though opting for full-screen can mitigate this distraction. Despite this minor drawback, Media Player remains a solid choice for those seeking a robust, feature-rich multimedia player.