Microsoft released a Public Beta of Windows Media Player 10 today, asking for help in testing out the new media player and its added functionality. Windows Media Player 10 will come bundled with the Windows XP Service Pack 2 due out later this year (not sure if it will be a separate option, or part of the 'certain to be massive' download). From the Microsoft website:
Windows Media Player 10 is being refined to provide a great experience for discovering, playing, and taking your digital media anywhere. We are still in the early stages, but this technical beta lays the groundwork for the great end-to-end digital media experience coming with the final release for Windows XP.
New features include a redesigned interface with horizontally-oriented navigation at the top of the player, built-in "Digital Media Mall" online storefront connectivity, enhanced portable and desktop device support (via Microsoft Multimedia Transport Protocol [MTP] technology), and better/faster music file organization and playback. Currently, WMP 10 can connect to Napster, MusicNow and CinemaNow.com online music stores - all of which are tightly integrated into the application interface.
Download the BETA Release