Open-Source Windows Media for All Platforms
According to CNET, RealNetworks will release open-source software at the end of this year to allow non-Windows software to play Windows Media files (WMV and WMA.) All made possible by
the antitrust settlement between Real and Microsoft last October. The code will be released as part of the Helix project that RealNetworks runs. Helix is a collaborative effort between RealNetworks, independent developers, and various companies that employs the GNU Public License. More about Helix licensing. If similarly licensed, this work will be great for Linux developers and users!
Also of note, the article mentions "RealNetworks also is evaluating adding support for the AAC compressionformat, an audio compression format used by Apple Computer's iTunes"
See more at: Real to plug Windows media support into Linux | CNET News.com
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Since this ambitious plan won't include the DRM extensions necessary to play legally purchased content, don't forget to deprotect on a windows platform so the fresh clean WMA/WMV files can be played back under this new software
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?t=114916
The free version of Flip4Mac allows Macs to play Windows Media files. Purchased versions let you create Windows Media as well.
Also in the news: Novell will distribute RealNetworks' RealPlayer, including the Windows Media codecs, with SUSE Linux this December. No exclusivity mentioned in this news release, but I expect only the GPL licensed Helix™ Banshee™ music player will be available to other Linux distributions, and not RealPlayer. Anyone know?