Friday, April 27. 2007Amarok2 builds on Windows
Hooray,
today's a big day in Amarok's history: For the first time Amarok2 (the current development version) compiled natively on Windows. Everyone likes screenshots, so here goes:  Credits go to my fellow Amarok developer Dan Meltzer, who spent the last two days tweaking the source to get this running. The amazing part here is that it only took two days. Basically most of Amarok was already so portable that it compiled without changes. I really expected it to be much more work. Shows that it pays off to use an excellent cross-platform toolkit like Qt in the first place. Trackbacks
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Yep, the only thing that didn't compile was the collection scanner. But we knew this anyway, since the scanner uses some Posix calls for performance reasons. It's scheduled for code refactoring, and then everything should compile nicely.
Which leaves only the question of the decoder backend to use for the engine. Currently xine doesn't work on Windows. We expect that eventually there'll be a Phonon backend using DirectShow for Windows, which would solve this problem too.
xine can work on windows according to the xine FAQ which tells you to read the doc/README.win32 for build instructions
http://xinehq.de/index.php/faq#WIN32BUILD one also wonders if helix is compatible across platforms my nephew which is windows bound (gamer) would really love a win32 amarok
This FAQ is inaccurate, the xine-lib win32 port has been unmaintained for some time.
Also, don't expect media device support, at least not anytime soon. Devices that Windows handles natively, like MTP, should be doable (down the road), but I'm not yet sure about iPods and the like -- those at least will likely require iTunes to already be installed
It's quite sad to see AmaroK becoming an ordinary Windows application
Making software support additional platforms doesn't make it "ordinary". It joins some excellent company, such as Mozilla Thunderbird, The Gimp, and OO.org. And there are many extraordinary Windows-only applications.
Now there is one less killer app on Linux. Yes, it is a big day for Amarok, but it's not a good day
No, amarok for window will show one time more that there is a wonderfull world beyond window. When people finds themselves using windows with firefox, openoffice and amarok will tend to give a try to other OS. Let microsoft to continue its way to ruin windows.
currently I have installed firefox, thunderbird, the gimp, pidgim(gaim), nvu,blender, rainlendar, workrave and more app's.
That means less adware,spyware, malware and in addition, to accept licenses although we do not agree obvious it is in the office, where I do not decide on my system bases. Amarok, welcome to my windows!
I totally disagree!
 The lack of a cross-platform media player has been one of the ONLY things keeping me from Linux lately. With Wine getting so good, I can run CS:S in Linux. Google's suite has basically taken the place of Outlook for me. I just downloaded The Gimp recently, so I could learn it instead of CS3. I've had Firefox since pre-1.0. I've been using Notepad++ as my editor, which is scintilla based, so I can find something at least similar in Linux. If not, there's always wine. I've just been waiting for something to replace iTunes on BOTH of my OSes, since the idea of keeping track of two different libraries sickens me. When I can get Amarok on both platforms, I'll start preparing for the transition to Linux!Of course, I'll still need XP for things like the hacking software for my Razr and any really kick-butt 3d games I'd like to play. Most of my stuff is going cross-platform, though! Thank you very much, developers. Tell me, how much do donations really help you guys?
Amarok was never a killer app for Linux. Don't get me wrong- it is absolutely the best media player in existence. But just being the best media player is not enough for that. People can muddle through with iTunes or WMP or whatever.
In the more general sense, there aren't killer apps anymore. Those days lay far in the past of Lotus 123 and the like. In this day and age it's the entire ecosystem of software that defines a platform. The best strategy open source can take today is to steal Windows customers out from under Microsoft's nose one application at a time. Once there exists an entire ecosystem of functional, polished, CROSS PLATFORM open source applications, when the user can go to whatever OS- which, really, is absolutely the least interesting part of your computer- he or she wants without abandoning any favorite applications, THAT'S when s/he'll start abandoning Windows.
Congratulations for all your achievement!
 Amarok is the only unique and extremely flexible music player that I've seen. Good to know that its on windows too. Now I can show my friends how Open Source works by installing amarok on their system.  Thanks a lot to amarok team!
Fantastic bit of hackery, but I have to agree with the earlier commenter on this issue in that I think Amarok was a huge differentiator in making the Linux/Free Software platform more attractive.
Most windows users will only see it as another piece of freeware and never be drawn into the FOSS universe and culture of sharing, contributing and banding together to create a stronger and more diverse culture through code and code through a collaborative culture. I do applaud the technical effort, but it saddens me that the unintended consequences of this may end up being the perpetuation of monopoly.
Sorry, but personally me had never liked music players like AmaroK (collection/album/whateverelse-oriented) but I prefer Winamp/XMMS-style players and console mplayer. As for me, AmaroK was not a factor that `addicted' me to Linux and AmaroK was not a `differentiator'. I tried AmaroK for one or two weeks and then switched back to XMMS, then to BMP, and then, after BMP team started developing AmaroK-like BMPx, switched to Audacious.
But anyway my congratulations to AmaroK team :–)
I am sorry, BUT THIS IS AMAZING NEWS. Finally, I am not restricted to only listening music on my old lappy (runs Kubuntu), I can also listen to music on my desktop that only runs Windows. This is an amazing day for all Windows and Linux users. What, just because its on Windows, its suddenly inferior? What is wrong with you? I use Gain, OpenOffice, TheGimp, and other applications on both Linux and Windows. Thank you Amarok, seriously. Secondly, why bag on Windows? I don't see people bagging on the Mac OS port? I am serious, Windows isn't crap, its just not as customizable as Linux. Or open-sourced.
To Amarok developers, when the Amarok2.0 version is released, would Windows users be able to compile the latest and greatest Amarok from SVN as I do on Linux? Thanks, you guys keep up GREAT JOB!
Yes, in fact you will be able to use Amarok on windows sooner if you build it from source, as I don't know when I'll get to an installer
Thats amazing! Just set up the required dependencies, and off and away on Windows. Keeps on getting better and better!
Great work, but sad moment. Another Linux killer-app won't be 'killing' any more and another one less reason to switch.
It looks like Windows always gets the best software. Sooner or later. This is one-way road: give them everything and receive nothing. That is really sad, but your work is really impressing.
Oh please, if its Open-Sourced, in my opinion, it should be cross-platform so ALL users can benefit from a quality FREE, constantly improved application. Im tired of Linux fanboys, I run Kubuntu and Windows, and have used Mac at school, and quite frankly, the differences are the looks and usability. NOTHING more. So please, stop with the OS bashing. I think its great, I back Amarok developers 100% on this decision, and cannot wait to run the next version and squash out the bugs.
Truestory!
It's not really negative that Free software gets a bigger portion of the market, even if it means running on a proprietary platform. This opens up Amarok to a lot of people who otherwise wouldn't bother, and shows everyone how good Free software can be. Who knows. Perhaps more people will check out other GPL software when they see how wonderful Amarok is.
See, this is the thing. If people can go from Windows to Linux and suddenly, boom*, all their applications are the same, this lowers the barriers to entry.
You switch, and you still have Firefox, and GIMP, and OO.o, and Thunderbird, and Scribus, and Pidgin, and now Amarok, the only difference is that the operating system looks different (*better with Beryl/Compiz), and is more secure. So yeah, this is big news, this is good news, and I'm damn excited.
Hey! It's not like this. Linux will not beat Windows. It's open source and free software! Our strength will change the bussiness model in a way that Microsoft (and not only Windows) can't achieve, so we will change it, not by destroying it, but by conquer (I hope that).
Thank you, amarok guys! Great job!
If the only reason you were using linux is for a media player then you should be considdering it a good thing that it runs on windows.
If only they could get the entire KDE desktop, and replace the Windows desktop. Kinda of like a "blend" of the two. That, would be the greatest feat. The world of Windows gaming mixed with the world of open source. Hey, us users have big dreams too. XD
You know... I get a shiver down my spine hearing amarok runs on windows....
IUPPIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!! THIS IS THE BEST PROJECT!
Linus is not that great anyway, lets just make more free software for Windows.
Looks as there are multiple typos within that comment and I guess you mixed at least two independent sentences. Maybe what you mean is;
"for Windows Linux is not that great anyway." probably true at least for the company that ships Windows while for the users alternates are imho a good thing and at the end fair competition can't harm. But while that's an interesting topic, I guess it's somewhat offtopic for this blog. "Lets just make more free software" yeah!
How could you muster a comment like that? Linus engineered a kernel that sparked the beginning of an opensource era. The ability to move in a world without walls. Such software is available to the masses by having it bound to the GNU GPL, created by Richard Stallman. The fact you can mention that Linus isn't that great, clearly indicates you've been terribly misinformed. Amarok being built on Windows hints how well opensource software can cater to the needs of any platform without encountering licensing issues and the latter lawsuits. Do read up on the Free Software Foundation and Linus Torvalds generation since the Linux kernel.
yay !! great work ! so when can we expect to be able to download the sources? It would be really nice if you post the visual studio project file.
regards and thanks, another_gradstudent
The visual studio file is autogenerated by cmake. You could go to http://www.kdelibs.com and setup a windows KDE build environment if you want a head start.
Dan is cleaning up and committing his changes bit by bit.
Sometimes I think all these fearmongers don't bother to think. The first step to converting someone from windows to linux is to get them running all the same apps (openoffice, firefox, thunderbird etc) that they can run under linux...once they are comfortable with them the transition to linux is relatively painless....since linux still has no spyware, virus etc to worry about and it's uptime is measured in weeks, not days it's still the big winner for stability.
first step? i wish people knew what they were talking about before posting rubbish.
there is no windows cleansing going on, there is no mission to convert windows users. also, if the first step is familiarizing people with open source apps on windows before "converting" them how were there ever any people using linux to begin with? that's right... you should think.
I'm not a tek but use GNU/Linux almost exclusively on a dual boot, Windows only for "emergencies". I take the side of the people who have said that FOSS on Windows is a good thing - if the users know it's FOSS. So while I'm happy that Amarok will run on Windows, the developers should not forget to put a button someplace that leads to a page explaining where Amarok came from and what FOSS stands for. In the windows version of Amarok, this button should not be intrusive but also not too hidden. Just short like "This is FOSS software" sort of.
I couldn't agree more. Except I would just want a plug for the status bar that says "Ported to Windows from Linux by <Amarok Team and Community>".
(Regarding the whole comment discussion: I hope the "Oh, pity. Nuther wonderful application fer Winders..." philosophy will be drowned out (in time) by the, "Remember when I had to worry about an OS to figure out how to work and play on a computer?", when everything will be so universal that the only decision will be a) Do I want to pay for an Operating System? or b) Do I want to run everything I need for free? I think it's best we have *laisse fair*, economically speaking, so there will always be room for Open Source / "Freeware" and paid programs. I run Ubuntu on my new/fast computer and Winders Expee Pro on my slow computer. I use the latter for work stuff (all-Microsoft shop) and the former, faster computer, for virtual machines, media, AND development. I'm a huge fan of the Mono Project. Sun will vanquish Microsoft!!! (?) )
Yey - now I can use the same software on all the machines I need to use, home (linux) and work (windows).
I get tired of stupid fanboys who go on about "they get everything wah wah wahh"... it's childish. I can easily name 10 things I can do on Windows XP that I can't with Linux... and vice versa. This announcement just goes to show that silly "closed minded" people cannot stifle open source. Great work Amarok... keep up the good work!!
Stay with XP, why bother with this silly and closed minded Linux? You're so cool and smart guy with broad horizons so even Vista would fit your needs. You deserve better than fanboy-like software!
Don't stop on 10 things you can do with XP, count to 100 and Linux will be useless.
Who said Linux was closed minded? I am talkin about the fanboys! lol
I can't ditch either, Im a software engineer and so need to use both.. besides, I prefer Linux - and since that's free I think Windows would be the one being dropped!
How do I get my hands on a copy of Amarok for Windows????????? I want it, I want it, I want it now!!!!!!!
If Firefox and Openoffice are the best examples for cross platform applications, I'm all against cross platform apps. Just look at this apps printing dialog on linux to see there very bad integration into the whole desktop. If amarok becomes such an "Lowest common denominator across platforms" app it's really a bad day for linux.
This is really good...
I agree that having an multi platform application reduces the problems with switching..
Hi boss... I dunno want to create any problem but I would humbly ask for a binary download ^_^
Thanks, thanks, thanks and good Kharma to you. jv
I wonder whether all audio codecs will work out of the box by installing amarok for windows or by installing them seperatly
I'ts a great work. I wanted months ago to be able to run in my other computer under XP.
But the great question is: When and where we'll be able to download it? Thanks. A spanish boy loving PC's.
It would be GREAT if you can make an installation program for it and distribute it under Windows.
Personally, I don't think I could handle converting it but I would LOVE using it. So PLEASE make the Windows version available as a binary package
Do you think a portable version will be possible, like on apps on portablefreeware.com?
My friend uses Windows but likes to use these style apps off a usb drive.
A portable version would really rock -- it would also make it possible to try out development/alpha/beta builds quickly and easily on whatever windows box I happen to be near when I have some spare time to listen to music or a podcast.
Wireshark produces a portable build with every regular build; this makes it a lot easier to test and provide feedback. Thanks for an excellent product!
Any chance to get a binary? I know that audio-output isn't working atm (or this is how i understood it), but nevertheless: it's AMAROOOK! ;D.
And I really cba setting up a KDE4-environment on Windows...
Hey Guy!
you are my hero Amarok is the future! i don't no music player, which is so easy to use or has so nice functions. THX to the hole Amarok-Team for develop Amarok!Cheers Jo
About the backend:
What's up with NMM, it should have a Phonon backend and does also work on Windows, right? Would that be possible?
Sad day for Linux (since it will lose more of its appeal) but great day for Amarok team. Hopefully the work will pay off and you will conquer Windows platform
I know i should be punched for my impatience, but is it possible to make a little howto for compiling amaroK with Visual C++ on your own? I would like to play with it a bit.
see kdelibs.com for generic instructions. Amarok will not be able to compile "out of the box" currently.
well, I would like to see a mac port much more than a windows one. how about that, guys?
why not a decent app for windows but always a copy of *nix application .....
I work on Windows (I have to, too long to explain) and enjoy with Linux. Thank you very much, Amarok team. An something else: I think this will do easier for people to migrate to Linux: they will find there the same free great application they already know! I will install it on my mother and brother's computers
Everyone will migrate. It's a cuestion of time. Let's help a little.
Awesome boys!!!
This is great news. I'm a huge Linux-supporter and try to show all my freinds how wonderful this OS is. This will make it even easier to convert people. If they all use Firefox, Thunderbird, OpenOffice and finally Amarok ... so why bother not to switch to Linux? The most distributions bring these software packages out of the box. This will only help to get rid of the monopolists (also speaking about the iTunes front). Juergen
Well congratulations!
But I must admit I feel sad today. Amarok is definitely the application that addicted me to linux. More! When people saw Amarok on my pc they wanted it on their. And I even converted people to linux thanks to amarok. Even Windows user told me that it was cool it wasn't available on windows! To stop the monopoly. Well I hope amarok not to be free on windows, a bit like XChat. I think it's a good compromise.
Remember that Amarok is released under the terms of the GNU GPL which forbids any derivative to be distributed under other terms. It also heavily relies on other GPLed libraries such as the kdelibs and Qt. In contrast, XChat only uses LGPL libraries which allow that.
The only possibility (even though I wouldn't like that) is not to provide windows binaries and only the source, but then someone else would just provide one legally.
well, that's how it work's for Xchat, too...
(there even is one quite popular, free build :>)
Hell, no offense, but I'll probably be the one compiling and distributing. Amarok is to good to keep it to myself, im already telling my "itunes" addicted friend about it. What you Linux fanboys do not see, that you just want to be jealous and keep Amarok only on one platform, but think about it. Doesn't a great music and soon to be video player deserve to be multi-platform? Isn't that what makes Mozilla and OpenOffice so popular? Because no matter what OS your running, you can run the program? Please people, share the love! Amarok team, keep it up, liking the news, cannot wait for even more!
Well I don't think this is jealousy. I was thinking of this in order to promote linux.
But after reading your comment I realized that windows users may be able to have amarok too. In fact they should be able to install every linux application. In order to see that they can do the switch and don't loose any killer applications. The only thing they won't have anymore if they come to linux is Viruses/Virii, Windows update+reboots, Windows Media player, IE and all the other crapy stuff they can get on windows. So it may contribute in a way to motivate them to switch. So long live to amaroK 2 and to the windows builds!
Maybe not every Linux application should be easy to install on Windows and vice versa, but all free software should be multiplatform, because free software is free and open, so everyone on every platform should be able to run it (and redistribute to people with other system
), in name of freedom of choice.I'm happy that next free application is becoming system independent. PS sorry for my terrible English and eventual mistakes. I hope my post'll be understood .
I think your wrong - having killer apps on operating systems isn't the draw for the common person, it is up to business to convince them. Open Source operating systems and the software that runs on them are great, and can do alot - but when it comes down to it you have these choices:
1 - Macs, fancy advertisements, lots of money into marketing and word of mouth bring people to this platform. Yeah, it's great that it can run office, but if you are buying a mac for that then you are crazy - there are cheaper ways!! 2 - Windows, most "average" business' force people to use it, most of the paripherals up until recently demanded it, and it's familiar because of this. Add to that money making PC manufacturer's install it and BOOM - your in everyones house within 20 years!! 3 - Linux, originally the choice for geeks and sysadmins... lots of basic app's, free, lots of fun hacking around to work (for geeks... again!). Now has matured into a very competitive product, includes every imaginable application needed in most distro's these days.. and a breeze to install. Already contains most drivers for most common hardware, and just rules the pants off Vista!! Wheres the problem here? The problem is business isn't pushing it.. yet... we need business to do their part, and push for Linux systems at cheaper prices as their Windowz counterparts! E.g. Have a row of linux machines in PC World (god awful place that it is) demonstrating how great it is, they already do it for mac's (thanks for their marketing I might add). Give people price benefits, real life demonstrations of "whole" systems using tools like Beryl, Open Office... even MS Office!), thereby showing it's better, and it isn't a geeks tool anymore, and the people they stupidly put their trust into (PC World again) have given it the thumbs up officially. Then it will rule the world!! Dell are supposedly doing their part with Ubuntu (yet to see that happen though)... but if they pull it off, it might just be the push we linux fans need!! Lecture over... and thanks again Amarok guys - you rule!! PS - sorry for the spelling mistakes... im tired! lol
Along with your post, I'd also like to point out that if a business bought 30 computers that all came with Vista, that's 30 * $250.00 at least. That's over $7500 that a business could save by switching to linux (which has an option of tech support) plus increased security.
I'm all in favour of it, but most businesses and managers are 'used' to windows so it's going to take more effort to get people to switch. On a related note, good work AmaroK team. Both sides bring up good points about the port, but I'm mostly in favour of your porting it. Anything is better than iTunes. Please allow for a good database backend for collection building. Thanks
I hate the idea of amarok running on Windows or Mac OS X, this is one of the best OpenSource Applications, and it should be only for OpenSource Enviroments (Linux, OpenSolaris, *BSD), maybe you could make some sample version, whit some features, but not all of them, make Windows and Mac users see how good it is, but let them know that it's better under Linux or other Open Operating Systems.
Just my opinion. (Sorry for my poor english) By the way, I LOVE AMAROK! Later.
free software... free as in speech and free as in beer. so amarok for windows would still not cost users a dime, so there's the free as in beer part. and users can still get the source and modify it so there's the free as in speech part... i guess i don't see how amarok for win32 would be a bad thing for open source.
it's like saying it would be detrimental to the cause of free speech to encourage free speech in china because their government doesn't support it. so what that M$ is a restrictive close minded OS? if we blur the lines between operating systems and linux keeps getting better as windows gets worse, it won't matter if the same killer apps are available for both. choose linux cause it's better, not cause it has amarok.
i'm at your side... when is amarok windows build going out? every day i check will be soon? in two years? i will help in everithing i can
we should not try to put apps from a good OS like linux to a silly OS like windows. users should decide for a certain OS to use a certain software.
Why all this hatred for the port? I think it is great news
If you want to act arrogant about how great your OS is and how l33t you are ... you need to get a life. WE SHOULD BE PROMOTING FREE SOFTWARE WHENEVER WE CAN, AND WHEREVER WE CAN
I think porting Linux apps to Windows is actually a great way to bring Windows users to Linux. So many Windows users still think "I can't run this program" instead of "I can open this file" so if we get more Windows users using open source software like Amarok, Firefox, Gaim, Gimp, etc. then the switch to Linux will seem less painful.
I agree, while Linux and it's apps have gotten way easier to learn, the truth is most people don't want to. Making cross-platform apps that rock and become peoples choice software is the easiest way to make change feasible and and desirable to everyday users.
I found Amarok running Myah 2.3. I've got a Creative Zen Nano Plus mp3 player. I couldn't get Windows XP to recognize it. But, Amarok will not only recognize it but it will copy the my mp3s to it. I don't have to convert them to a wma file first.
Pues tardarias 2 dias en compilarlo para windows, pero han pasado 3 semanas y sigo sin ver el instalable por ningun sitio.
¿Alguien sabe de donde bajarlo? Si no fuera porque esto es el blog del propio amarok, me pareceria un bulo.
Totalmente de acuerdo contigo guaje,si no fuese la página del amarok yo me reía....
Sería muy bueno que pudiésemos disfrutar de amarok en windows,ya que tenemos que usar windows,poder hacerlo más ameno,no?
A sad day for linux indeed.
Look at those who denounce the MS monopoly and its proprietary software, who also desire a linux monopoly with proprietary software... You will become the thing you fear.
Your gonna have to explain that to me... because I dont understand your argument. How would Amarok on XP become proprietary software?
Among my many computer projects I have been looking for a media player that sorts songs by album cover. I have tried at least 6 Apps and I don’t like any of them. Itunes looks good. But I am deeply suspicious of free commercial software.
I couldn’t figure out how to use Foobar. Amarok looks perfect. But even if Amarok is perfect, I am not about to switch operating systems and abandon all of my carefully chosen software. I have programs that do all kinds of business and media tasks. By restricting open source software to free operating systems, you are loosing the chance to get many more users trying open source software. One program is not worth it. 5 programs are not worth it. Most commercial companies will do anything to get you to do an install. Do you really think that being elitist and exclusive is going to help the cause? Would a hundred thousand Window users help? There should be an Amarok Windows XP version. More users equals more voices and more political power. Who is going to fight your battles? Are you going to wait for Microsoft Lawyers to pick you off one by one at the organization level? If I was a Amarok user, I would gladly pay some money to a group to defend open source. But as it is, there is no Amarok XP, and I move on by simply closing this page.
I think you should made it clear in the post that there isn't yet a usable port for windows (decoder backend?) and that we should just wait (if you could tell us how long I would be grateful).
I mean, you made me drool for nothing... And for all of you who think this is a bad thing: GROW UP! I recently dumped Windows for Ubuntu at home, but I don't have this luxury at work. Can you tell me why shouldn't I be able to use my favourite media player at work? Anyone?
Because you should be working at work, not wasting your time listening to stupid music.
I have an old crusty Red Hat 7.3 box at home. My main PC is a Windows XP box, both at home and at work. I can't not listen to music at work. I don't have the luxury, as MisterE said, to switch operating systems at work, especially not for a damn media player. iTunes gets me by, but it's a resource whore anyway. It seems as though the majority of the 'fanboys' on this board don't understand that sometimes, OS choice isn't an option - do any of the fanboys have jobs at which they use a computer?
I'm a Software Developer - a Windows Software Developer - mainly ASP.net and such - and so, obviously, my development environment is Windows. However, solely because I use Windows doesn't make me a freakin' advocate of all things closed-source - I love using free software, and I think Amarok is one of the best free applications available. If all of these damn fanboys really want typical home users to start using Linux instead of Windows, why don't you start by fixing up the package managers (I will say that Yum and YaST do a damn good job) so that installing software isn't a 'find dependencies - compile - install' type process like it is now. Not to bash on the assorted package managers and such, because they work quite well...but honestly, imagine a typical home computer user trying to download some source, compile it and run it? That might work if the fanboys were answering the help desk... Linux is a great operating system, and it fills a need, the same way OS X, Windows and AS\400s fill a need. At the same time, Linux still has the 'geek' stigma to it, and until more and more daily-use, typical-user type applications (like OpenOffice, Amarok, Gaim) start to come out cross-platform, that stigma is poised to stay. Until average users realize that they're common applications and files can open in a familiar environment, they're going to stay where it's comfortable - Windows.
I agree with it. Is not a bad thing to have amarok in windows, but if the operating systems still complex (in several cases, command-line based) the user will choose the aplications but not the operating systems.
In the end: We love amarok because it is very intuitive, beautiful, light and useful; then, can we do the same with the operating systems?
I find it absurd how some people would not want great Linux applications to work on different platforms. One would think Linux is a religion, listening to these people.
Get Windows people addicted to Firefox, OpenOffice and now AmaroK - then ask them the question: Why do you still use Windows?
Excellent point.
When everyone use software which runs on both platforms there will be no excuse to swith, on the contrary. Because, you know.. for the non-tech end users applications are what really matters
SDL... or if you want "privative" software: SwiftShader from transgaming.
Last one It's far better than DirectX 9 and maybe equal than DirectX10 but only by software IMHO Linux native soft should remain only at Linux systems, if windows users want them, they should try linux, It's a favor we give to them
I love GPL, not because it is free, but open minded.
I like them because they are not so often dependent on OS core. I think that Amarok must be ported on Windows and I am eager to install it or beta test it! I'm Windows professional developer, but I tend to use Linux more. Any app ported to Windows makes the user less dependent on Windows and I think it is a gain for Linux... I use Mandriva and the latest version takes 15 minutes to install fully (softwares, drivers, basic configuration etc.). It takes hours to install all the stuff on Windows... Please note I don't hate Windows...
I've always loved Amarok. My only wish was for it to become available in Windows so that I could do away with iTunes for my iPod. I agree with those who said that if Amarok were made available for Windows, then we'd be one step closer to having a whole slew of Open Source Applications for Windows users. Look at the stuff that's already available in Windows. The Gimp, Firefox, VLC, Audacity...the list is endless. Anyway, looks like my wish will soon be granted. Cheers.
I use multiple OS, Win32 at work, Linux at home as well as Win32, I'd love to be able to use Amarok on every machine I use.
This is my suggestion: The amarok for windows could have a message each time you start it that warn the windows users that they're using free software, and a little description about what it is and a link to a related wikipedia article (or even to gnu.org).
Why? Because, as lot of people have already said on previous comments, a lot of windows users will use it as a "Cool new Bill Gates application", like they're using Firefox, eMule, vlc, ... Before using a free software application, the people should know which is the first target of the free software. Apologizes for my english  . Congratulations for your nice work, from Barcelona, Catalonia. Hugs!
I think people that have no linux/gpl culture haven't heard of Amarok even...
great :D, i hope that on downloads section of amarok site will have a link to a .exe, not only the source code
I think most of you are missing the point..
Yes, open source software is free.. but do we really decide what software we run based on how much it costs? (yeah I know, sometimes it does happen). As far as I'm concerned, I choose my software primarily based on function and ease of use. I ran slackware WAY back in the day, when most linux distributions supported almost no hardware, other than what the coders used. Getting my video card to work sucked, just to run a version of X that looked worse than windows 3.1. I'm glad that Amarok will be able to be compiled on Windows. Taking away a killer app from linux? what nonsense. Amarok will always run on linux, the same as I will always support opensource, but will always be required to work with (and run, on at least one machine) windows. Do everyone a favor, quit complaining about which OS's amarok works on, and start giving the proper respect and props to the amarok devs, they work hard to provide you with, imo, the finest media player available. To the devs and the testers..Great job, keep up the good work, and whatever happens, happens. if it works on windows or OSX, fine, if not, that will never change the fact that amarok is 'the one to beat'.
It's all well and good that this turns into a Windows vs Linux debate but come on guys - where are the binaries?!?!
I use Amarok because it is an excellent media player, regardless of the OS underneath. I need to dual boot Win/Lin. This isn't a choice, so half the time I can't use the best media player around. This isn't true for my browser, email client IM client and graphics app (among others). So if you won't do it for me, and everyone else in these comments who have asked for it - then do it for the kids. For the love of God is anyone thinking of the children?!?!
okay. as an interim solution. if you have a couple of GB spare hdd space,
Then Go Get andLinux. ( google is your friend). sorta like a VM, but not. you could just install amarok via that, and have it stream the sound via esd. it's the only current option.
Hi,
I already have Mandriva Spring! At work I like to listen some ambient music. There I have to use Windows. I'd like to have my favorite multimedia apps there too...
You guys are getting really butt-hurt over something that once avaiable, could destroy Winamp and Windows Media Player.
Any prebuilt binaries for Windows available for download?
Heya, great Job!!!
All i still miss is a download link for the best Mediaplayer i ever see. So i have a Laptop, that not compatible with Linux, i miss my favorite mediaplayer . So can you Guys, and also the Ladys, tell me were ic can download amarok2 for windows? I search by google and dosn´t found. is there anywere a location i can found a setup file? Sry for my terrible english. Thank you.
Hi,
Amarok will be released at once with KDE 4.0 I guess. That's planned in December (earliest) as I've read.
So glad to hear you are succeeding in your Windows Amarok project. I triple boot (Vista, XP and Ubuntu) and see this as a great equaliser. It took me a while to find Amarok and although I only use XP to game with (Vista is just a look see...not nice once you look past the eye candy so far tho') it will mean one more familiar name to many Windows users who wont try *nix until 'x' application has an equivalent. They are mostly talking Media Player or 3D games tho' and I know once they try Amarok they won't look back. Good job and good luck! It is appreciated
I'm runing a singleboot on my pc and i use Amarok every day but hope that when the new versions of KDE and Reactos come out i could dual-boot Archlinux with KDE and/Reactos with KDE apps, i personaly dislike Windows, and i think Unix-like os are better technicly superior but Amarok is free and should'nt be limited, the same reason i support Reactos
GREAT!-Now, where and when can a windows user download a complied version for XP?
where can I find the link for amarok2.exe download.
i checked google, but i didnt get any site which gives the exe file. Thanks
GREAT
and a thing Windows® is CLOSED source and you pay for it to use; Linux apps and the OS itself is FREE and you dont pay for it becose it's OPEN source.The portability of open source is important to spread the word that code, programs and OS-es are pure knowledge and schould be shared with EVERYONE
Great work
now also windows user can see the power for amarok once this is worked fully out. Thanks dude!
Amarok is the best!
If Amarok gets ported to Windows hopefully the dev team will start getting more donations (because of the larger Amarok user base) and be able to spend more time developing Amarok further. Please don't release any features that are Windows only though because Amarok is definately one of the apps I love about my Linux the most.
I am sure, Amarok2 running on Windows will boost Linux installations since people using it KNOW that there is a good media player in Linux. Someone using Windows with Firefox, Thunderbird, VLC, Openoffice and Amarok will rather switch to Linux than someone who does not know that Amarok exists..
I am want to get my hands on the beta for my mate and myself, because i use windows and open suse 10.3 and went i am use windows i can not listen to last.fm with out put on lots of new software.
My mate and I would love to help beta test it. there should put the trunk build for download!!!! Go LINUX!
I think this is a terrific move by the Amarok devs. I use (K)Ubuntu as my desktop, and my Dad uses Windows on his work laptop. He's very anti-Linux/anti-Open Source at the moment, and this would be a great way to get him to get interested in Linux apps. My only concerns are:
1) That he'll be able to use it in conjunction with his iPod and 2) That some smart hacker will be able to write a plugin that connects with the iTunes music store, that way it would eliminate his need for the iTunes app. then I'll get him into OpenOffice, Firefox, GIMP, and some of the other apps out there. My only REALLY big complaint is that there still isn't a definitive open source video editor yet, but someday there will be. GO FREEDOM!
I think this cross platform software isn't killing open source, because they let know other software that many people don't know.
I think it's good for GNU, linux, and all other non profit organizations ... I prefer an Amarok killing linux rather tan a thinking person killing freedom.
Congrats! Well done! Amarok all around, this is a great move for linux as it has been said here before, when you give a user all of his/hers favorite apps and a free OS there gonna go with the free OS. So thanx for bringing Ammarok to Windows and bringing Linux that much closer to replacing it
Thanks so much devs. Amarok is, I'm serious now, the best app for Linux. I'm glad to see it being ported because, like many others, there are applications that I need that simply do not work with Wine yet, and there is nothing even close to Amarok for Windows.
Isn't it better for Windows users to get acquainted with great open source software than for somebody to come up with a closed-source clone that doesn't introduce them to OSS?
I´m just in the same position..windows dependent. But always running GNU/Linux somewhere cause it´s in the brain. Amarok is the best app for linux. And I really hope Amarok developpers are smart enough to keep their app just for .nix operating sytems.
Meanwhile I concentrate on Foobar2000. Maybe someday...
There seems to be a lot of fear here, people thinking that making Amarok (and other F/OSS software) would make Windows users less likely to switch to Linux. True, it may not make them switch OS now. But, once people switch apps, using Open Office instead of M$, Firefox instead of IE, Amarok instead of WMP, etc, etc, etc... when it comes time to upgrade the hardware and reinstall (or XP tanks totally)... that's when the migration to Linux will occur. By this time, there's little that the user is using that isn't cross-platform F/OSS (ie just the OS). So, the user, faced with the option of installing Linux, possibly using a distro with all their fave apps already built in, or having to dig deeply into their pocket for the latest Billware and dealing with the hassle of WPA, and having to reinstall all their apps, the decision should be a no-brainer. So, roll on Amarok for Windows!
The ridiculous, miserable, idiotic argument that "releasing the software on windows will encourage the windows monopoly to continue, so it shouldn't be done" just shows that the linux world has brainless followers too, just like the windows world. Hey, let's not release a software for platform x and hope that their users will switch to our platform! Who's using the monopoly mentality now? Isn't that the very way of thought that people blame microsoft for utilizing? (no, "we don't make profit" is not a counterargument.) The aim is to be altruistic as much as it is to attract followers. You want free software for everyone, not just your own people. I congratulate the amarok devs for this solid decision.
Actually, we're NOT saying "Don't use Macintosh, don't use Solaris, or any other OS." We're just saying, "Don't use Windows." Macintosh isn't Linux. Solaris isn't Linux. No, we never said not to use those, we merely said not to use Windows. So how are we trying to create a monopoly? We're not, we're merely trying to discourage the use of a monopoly. We want a non-monopolistic platform, and since there are plenty of those out there, we're trying to encourage people to use them.
But yes, you're right, I do agree that we want free software for everyone. I will be putting Amarok2 on my mother's Windoze computer as soon as the port is finished.
My fears are about Windows treating Third Party Apps as second-class citizens in their eco-system. It happened recently, that a Win patch prevented the installation of an application. Guess what? YESSS! It was OpenSource.
It's been the case ever since W95 that non-M$ apps have been problematic in loading.
I'm, I'm stunned. I'm so happy right now I could almost cry. I use Amarok under Kubuntu and used to use it under RedHat. I have been in love with it since the day I first used it. It's simple to use, the interface is great, the features are first rate. When I was in Windows, I used to look at my girlfriend's iTunes longing while I used WinMediaPlayer (which is so much better than Media Center). I actually don't mind WMP for as often as I'm in Windows anyway. But this is Wonderful news. When I'm forced to use Windows (think VISIO) for my work, I use Cygwin, GIMP and OpenOffice ... because that's what I use in Linux though I have Office and Photoshop (legal even) I'm just used to them. And now I can have my favorite music player too? Now if only Kaffeine would compile. (Grin)
You guys rock. I'm truly happy to be able to use Amarok when I'm in Windows.
What if there was no more windows, no more crosoft? I guess Linux wouldn't be the way to go, because there is a lot better and far more secure. Keep in mind people that Linux is an alternative and in the end also benefits from Windows (actually benefiting from lacks of windows).
Amarok on Windows is a great thing imho, it's another spot taken for open-source people,
I love it ... i wait so long time for this, i have to use windows sometimes and i miss amarok so much, if the first release comes i will be in heaven:D
i still waiting for this day, i'm not a programer, but i will now;) sorry for my english :$ d jt
Im waiting impatiently for this lol. I love amarok and getting it on windows would be the best thing to happen to windows in my opinion. winamp and media player can go out the window once its working.
i dunno why but i think amarok has a better UI compared to the others and i like the features like band info, lyrics, context, etc. and it seems to use less CPU than winamp. at least when i compare with linux and windows. please hurry lol.
Can't wait! Amarok crashes on my system all the time, so having it on Windows will be great. Now I can tell if the crashing/locking up is because Linux is crashing or Amarok.
Hi.
I have seen no posts since march. What is the status of the project? Are we going to have an installer soon? BTW. Great Job! and I'm eager to have it on my desktop at work. Best of luck!
Those of you who are complaining that the applications are what make Linux worth while are no better than the average Windows user.
How odd, all those people saying this is a sad moment. Isn't the whole goal of the Open Source ideology to make ones work available to every possibly potential user? And doesn't the largest portion of the PC market use Windows XP or Vista?
Personally, I run Ubuntu 8.04LTS and I've liked AmaroK as one of the best Mediaplayers in existance. However, it does not bind me to Linux, while, for example, the stability does - and the compatibility doesn't. I do not like the OS wars. All three main competitors have pros and cons. However, apps like AmaroK should be available everywhere to everyone. Long live AmaroK, long live Open Source!
Does anyone know when a stable version will be coming out?
Can't wait!
For the people who have arguments like "oh, it's good that Windows people can have these applications too (Gimp, OO, Firefox, Amarok), they will switch to Linux when they are confortable with them!": no, it doesn't work like that.
Windows, as a platform, will have only advantages when it comes to application availability. They will have all the best Windows applications as well as the best Linux or free applications. When you ask "then, why don't you switch to Linux?" they'll just answer: "why would I? I always have the best of both worlds if I stay in Windows". And they are right.
Hello,
The only reason I keep Windows is that I develop apps for it (for my employer) so I need to test and learn. Unfortunately, people are not so open to do linux-based business here (in Romania, where a lot of people have OEM or pirated Windows). The biggest disadvantage in Linux is the uncomfortable installation of an app for regular user (not developer, not knowing to admin/compile and so on). Pitty.
I've been waiting for this for so long, work keeps my laptop a windows zone and I so miss Amarok when I'm away from my home computer, hope it comes soon
Hey, it only took 15 years for WINE to reach v1.0! Maybe we can get this one in 5 years or so.
IM DAMN FUKIN EXITED ICANT TA LK PROPERLY THIISS IS SO FUUUKKKIINNN GREAT!!!
Hi,
In response to all concerned people of porting any application to Windows (i.e. those having nightmares of Linux being assimilated and so...), I have a point of view that might not have been taken in account so far. Just have patience and read, please. I am, basically, a Windows software developer. I think MS made a good job for balancing the user productivity vs features. Their tools are pretty simple and basic and you could easily build using them. Also the documentation is ok. But they have a specific policy and the process of creating their software is closed for the end-users. I have started to use Linux since 1995, when I've bought some cds with Redhat, Slackware and other distros. At that time, they haven't even a GUI (like gnome or kde). Next, on my PC, was mainly Mandriva (and SuSe sometimes), Gentoo and Ubuntu. I liked some apps and I've come to build them on Windows, when possible. Lately I've got KDE and Gnome ported on Windows. Eventually, I've stared to ask myself why should I take the effort in building using msys/mingw and cygwin tools that come in binary form in any major Linux distro? So, I have moved as much as possible to Linux. Due to my professional activity, I have to keep Windows to study and keep up with Windows-bound technology, but, because I am not a gamer, Linux is my main OS now. This is not because it is free of charge, but free minded and the communities of 'free software' are the best you could find. It is really magical to see that an idea (even minor) it is taken in account and debated even by exclusive club as it is Mandriva (Mandriva Club is for the ones that support the developers with paid subscriptions, which is necessary nowadays if we need dedicated developers and not just hobbyists, isn't it?). I paid for Mandriva, just advertized to my friends. So, eventually, will come and it will surely take much less than expected, as long as free software is now really powerful, stable and divers. It is sad that not everybody could build an app, so we could think to make things easier for the simple users (I'm not saying dumb users). This is the main issue, I think, with many good free apps.
And i LOVE Open Source software, and the fact is that no one CAN forbid others to modify the code to be able to compile under Windows or they would be breaking the very basic ideals of Open Source (and probably some Licenses).
I would really HATE to see any kind of Open Source project rejecting (or not supporting/helping) a Developer (or his ideas) because they just want to port the application to another platform or Operating System. By the way... I HATE your way of thinking and of course LOVE Amarok =) But that's just me =P PD: sorry for my pathetic english skills.
I loved AmaroK on Linux, and I can't wait to compile this baby on Windows :]
I think it's a wonderful idea to get this working in windows. I primarily use Linux, but the one thing I miss when I'm on windows boxes is Amarok. No other program can handle my 30+ gigs of music so wonderfully without crashing. It would be amazing to have Amarok on any computer I use, no matter what OS it's running.
Ciao
pare sia possibile usare Amarok su Windows ma è necessario installarsi KDE e alla fine si occupa molto + spazio di quanto non usi il solo Amarok. This is the page dedicated to the 'KDE on Windows' project: http://techbase.kde.org/Projects/KDE_on_Windows/Installation with installation instructions bybb ;p
very nice to see this!
i'm thinking agout getting myself a laptop (which would have to have widnows, because i need it for school), and the only thing that really worried me was - the music player! Thanks!
Now this is really really great
I managed to get Amarok running with the instructions provided at http://techbase.kde.org/Projects/KDE_on_Windows/Installationand the additional fix given here: http://amarok.kde.org/forum/index.php?topic=16555.0 Now I can enjoy Amarok even at work! Couldn't be happier! grin
i used Amarok when i tried Ubuntu and defenetly was the best player i seen since Winamp... but best! thanks for developing it for Windows ill be an regular user xD
So, the most basic question... when will be Amarok aviliable for download and installation for such noobs as myself?
Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! For reasons beyond my control I am unable to use Linux on my PC (I used to have it on my Suselinux Machine). I loved AMAROK, I have tried all the rest on linux, fell in love with AMAROK the first day I laid my eyes on it.
I do not care what the Linux Fundamentalists are saying, if a person wants to try Linux they will, just spread the word!
I`ve been waiting and waiting for an Amarok build that runs natively on Windows. Unfortunately, even though I see that it has arrived (even if only in beta), the only downloads and instructions I can find still say I have to install KDE for Windows. This seems to put the lie to the phrase "runs natively on Windows". Even if I were to consider installing the KDE for Windows package (I am not), the instructions are vague. For example, "install required packages". Nothing states what packages are required to run Amarok. Indeed, Amarok isn't even listed in the packages. For that matter, what base packages are required in order to provide a base under which I could install Amarok?
Enough ranting. Can anyone tell me how to install ANY version of Amarok that is compiled to run natively on Windows?
It seems to me that you misunderstand the point entirely - Amarok does run natively on Windows. There is no emulation layer underneath it, you are not running some Linux thing under there. What you have is the KDE development libraries. This can for your purposes be compared to the .NET framework, whichout which you can't run half of the software Microsoft builds these days.
Enough ranting. Installing Amarok through the KDE for Windows installer is to run Amarok natively on Windows.
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