Microsoft plugin makes it possible to view .wmv files on a Mac

Microsoft has launched a new mini plugin that finally allows Apple Mac users to view .wmv files as well as listen to .wma files in Quicktime they find on the Internet

12 January 2006 0:11 GMT / By Stuart Miles

Microsoft has launched a new mini plugin that finally allows Apple Mac users to view .wmv files as well as listen to .wma files in Quicktime they find on the Internet.

Called Flip4Mac, the plugin links directly into Apple's QuickTime Player and means that viewing Windows Media content that you get send on those round robin emails, or on the Internet using a web browser is now possible.

Windows Media Components for QuickTime has been optimized for Power Mac G4 and G5 computers and supports playback of high-definition Windows Media video files.

Surprisingly, Windows Media playback is provided free of charge from Microsoft. However the company does offer you the chance to upgrade so you can import Windows Media files for editing and create Windows Media files for distribution - currently the plugin only allows you to view.

The catch? You must have Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later and QuickTime version 6.5 or later.