| Version | 3.2 |
|---|---|
| Publisher | FastStone Soft |
| Release date | Nov 7, 2008 |
| Date added | Dec 22, 2004 |
| Os requirements | Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows Me, Windows, Windows XP |
| Requirements | Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/2003 Server |
| Total downloads | 205,576 |
| Downloads per week | 5 |
| Price | Free |
Description
FastStone Player is a free multimedia player that lets users play all common media files (MP3, DivX, XviD, MPEG, Windows Media, and RealMedia) within one program, with high flexibility and simplicity. It employs a Windows-Resource-Explorer user interface to allow ease of media-file access. Special but lovable features, such as Slow-Motion, Frame-Step, and Zoom-In, are nicely supported. The track bar controls adjust volume, balance, and clip position, with mouse-wheel support. Version 3.2 fixes some bugs.
Review
This free program delivers the basics for playing back audio and video files, but we wish it were both more flexible and more feature-rich. FastStone Player's main window turns out to be a mixed bag. On one hand, we appreciate its attractive, skinnable design and large viewing window for watching video files. However, we don't like its system for queueing up tracks or clips, as it can only play files within a folder you browse to. This means you can't simply create a playlist from different artists unless all your media is located in one folder. You can choose to play files at random within a folder, and you'll find an interesting tool for watching videos in slow motion. Still, we missed features such as an equalizer, visualizations, and the ability to play or rip CDs. FastStone Player might make a decent pick for greenhorns who don't want to be distracted by numerous features, but we don't think others will find much to get excited about.
