Although it may be of little interest to those with better programs, it may be worth noting that Microsoft has stated that the final release of Windows 8 will not include even the previous Media Player, in any default versions.

The justification for the omission is that Microsoft has to pay royalties for use of the codex files that need to be included, and they're "unable to bear the cost."

Since Win 8 is still "in beta" there have been few appearances of anything resembling clear statements of what is meant, and slightly conflicting interpretations have appeared. Apparently "a player" has been included in beta versions, but they intend to "disappear" it.

The most thorough note I've seen indicated that the player probably will be a free download from Microsoft for the top (highest cost) version of Win8, and that users of the middle range version will be able to purcha$e the download "if they want it."

The conflicting notices imply that users of the "Basic" versions may not be able to install it at all, although some think the meaning is only that you'd have to get it from someone other than Microsoft.

Of course they may change their minds, or at least tell their story from the other face, by the time Win8 is actually released in final version.

John