More useful software
Small programs that grew up alongside Zoo Star.
Sometimes you run into something no good program exists for, especially when you use a screen reader. Then we build it ourselves. Whatever might help others too, we put here as a free download.
For Windows, version 0.5.5.
Winamp Cast
Winamp Cast sends the music from Winamp to a Google speaker or a speaker group in your home. Only Winamp’s music goes there. The rest of your computer, including your screen reader, stays in your headphones or on your own speakers. So the music fills the room while you still hear NVDA in your ear.
You keep Winamp the way you know it: the classic skin, your playlists, the equalizer and the option to right-click a folder and play it in Winamp. Winamp Cast adds just one menu, built from standard Windows menu items that NVDA reads out well.
How it works
- Play music in Winamp as you always do.
- Press Alt+C in Winamp.
- Use the arrow keys to choose Local, a Google speaker or a speaker group.
- Press Enter to switch. Escape closes the menu.
Next, previous and seeking keep working. Because a Google speaker buffers sound, you hear a change after a few seconds. Every time you start Winamp, it starts on Local again.
Installing
- Download the installer below and close Winamp.
- Open the downloaded file and follow the wizard. Allow the request for administrator rights; it is needed to put the plug-in in the Winamp folder.
- No Winamp yet? The wizard can download the official Winamp installer for you.
- Start Winamp. If Alt+C shows no speakers yet, wait a moment and open the menu again.
Your playlist, skin and other Winamp settings are kept. To uninstall, go to Settings, Apps, Winamp Cast; Winamp itself and your music stay where they are.
What you need
- Windows 10 or 11, 64-bit.
- Winamp 5 (32-bit). Tested with Winamp 5.6.1 and 5.9.2.
- A Google speaker, Nest speaker or speaker group on the same home network as your computer.
Network and privacy
The music travels straight over your own home network to the speaker, without a detour through the internet. The installer adds a Windows Firewall rule only for the part of Winamp Cast that talks to the speakers, and only for your local network. Installation reports stay on your own computer, in the WinampCast folder in your local app data. Nothing is sent to us. If something does not work, feel free to send us that folder.
Windows may warn that the publisher is unknown. If so, choose More info and then Run anyway.
SHA-256 checksum of the installer:
ba7c7fb209ef66d6543860a3fce38ee018c01928a60dfb525a430188fed8714d
Questions, or something not working? Email support@partyvaibz.com.
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