Windows 7 tunes into remote music library access

Update 4:15 p.m. PDT: Two clarifications. First, Remote Media Streaming is not limited to music--you can also stream video and pictures. I focused on music because that's the main topic of this blog. Second, you are required to associate a Windows Live ID (which used to be called Passport) with each computer whose library you want to share, and each computer you want to be able to access that library. I assume Microsoft took this step to avoid complaints or possible litigation from content owners.

Apparently, Microsoft still has a few surprises left regarding digital audio in Windows 7.

In the announcement of the impending release of Windows 7 RC (basically the final beta), Microsoft on Wednesday confirmed a rumor that I first saw reported by Zack Whitaker of ZDNet last month: a new feature called Remote Media Streaming will let you access the music library on your home PC from another computer over the Web.

(Credit: Renai LeMay/ZDNet Australia)

It's like Slingbox, only instead of accessing the cable box or DVR sitting in your home, you're accessing the music files stored on your home PC.

It could get really interesting, if combined with Windows Live ID--simply associate a Live ID with your home machine, and you could get immediate automatic access to your music library whenever you log on with that ID on another machine (though you might need the Windows Media Player 12 on that accessing machine).

This is the first exciting new digital-media feature I've seen in Windows 7, but it seems to be at cross-purposes with other Microsoft efforts. For instance, one selling point of Windows Home Server is the ability to access files remotely, and while I suppose that some families might use that feature to access their financial records or homework, it seems like digital media would be the most interesting use. Offering that feature in Windows 7 takes some of the steam out of Home Server.

Then there's the whole Zune factor--for the last two years, the Media Player has languished untouched while the Zune PC software has been updated several times. Now, just when I had finally abandoned the Media Player, it looks like I'll have a reason to re-employ it.

From Microsoft's perspective, does it really make sense to have two product teams working on different digital-media clients for the PC? I don't think so, and eventually, Microsoft may have to pick a winner. I thought that Zune had the inside track, but now I'm not so sure.

Images: A peek at Windows 7 release candidate

[TheForestFloor]

Hrm. Apple had a feature that was exactly like this in iTunes 6 or 7 a few years ago, but the Mu$ic Industry complained and they had to remove the feature. Hopefully Microsoft will get this feature to stick around and Apple and everyone else can allow authentication based streaming from home to work again too. Kudos.

[cpfort]

So it's like Orb only it doesn't stream video...

[Save_Me_from_my_Govt]

Since WinAmp Remote has been around for a couple of years, (and in my mind WinAmp is a much superior--and intuitive--product to use), it's good to see Microsoft finally jump on the "me too" bandwagon.

[rapier1]

People have been doing this for almost two decades now. Its not like fine people at Nullsoft just had this idea.

[forbol]

There is very little new under the sun, no matter what new feature is added there will always be those, right or wrong, that will clam that they or someone else thought of it first. This matters not at all. What does matter is, will it work well, will it work in a way that makes me want to utilize this "new" feature, perhaps in some innovative way.

[Angmarr]

I must e one of the few people who doesn't care much about music! = )

[wholycrapbatman]

dooh ... where are the donuts ... i like eating dohunts while listening to apple fan boys b.itch about windows getting better

[megustansalchichas]

ridiculous. the internet has been around for 10 years now and they're just now making an application that will let me access my music files? they allow me to load MSoffice on two computers but if I want to do that with zune one computer is 'guest' and the other is main, and I can't manage the music loaded on the zune with the main computer when I'm on the guest computer? what are they thinking over there? is it so hard to make software that deals with music?

[B-Ri]

The problem, and this is for MS and Apple, is that they have to deal with the Music and Movie industries. Technologically this could easily be implemented but restrictions on the content is what is keeping these features out. Bottom line trumps innovation every time, unfortunately.

[Dalkorian]

Another security hole, one in which M$ can track your activities through. All to do what you've been able to do for years now, but with more restrictions enforceable with an iron fist. I can't wait until you apologists get wind of the fact that fista sp 3 will come with a graphical desktop!

ROFLMAO@U! ;-)