One of Neowins visitors, Stuart sent us a mail about the release of the Windows Media Player Bonus pack for XP.
I Couldn't sleep a wink so I decided to surf the net for a bit. I ran across this on WindowsMedia.com. Microsoft has released the Windows Media Player Bonus Pack for XP. Included is the Plus! MP3 Audio Converter LE, Windows Media Player for Windows XP PowerToys, Windows Media Player for Windows XP Visualizations, Windows Media Player Skins, Windows Movie Maker Creativity Kit and Special Offers from services such as Intertainer, CinemaNow, and IFILM. The tray player shipped with the Windows Media Player Bonus Pack for XP is NOT the same as the original taskbar player. This utility resides in your tray notification area and right-clicking the icon brings up a menu that allows you to perform a few media player related tasks (play/pause a track, etc.) For those expecting this to be the utility dropped from the Windows XP Power Toys, you're going to be sadly disappointed, as was I.
Microsoft really dropped the ball here. Drop them a line at https://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/wish/wish.asp and let them know you're not happy about the loss of the great shell player utility.
News source: WindowsMedia.com
Download: Windows Media Player for XP Bonus Pack (18.2mb) Full Install
Download: Windows Media Player for XP Bonus Pack (172kb) Net Install
View Press Release: Windows Media Bonus Pack delivers special holiday gift to users of Windows XP