Witnesses in the MP3 uprising recognize Winamp fondly. The autonomous media player and library, released initially in the late 90s, was the go-to option for anyone who didn’t want more heavily marketed choices like Windows Media Player or iTunes. Unfortunately, the license to Winamp was passed around a bit before landing at its present owner. The last stable release of the Winamp was way back in 2013, but the latest Winamp 5.999 is now available as a release contender after four years of further development.
You can download and install the new version from the official Winamp forum, and you might feel tele-transported back to the 2000s. However, the media player still seems like an outdated media library manager. Yes, the installation still begins with a shock jock–style declaration of “It really whips the llama’s ass!”
Transformations to the player are almost entirely under the hood, with a code base updated from Visual Studio 2008 to VS2019. Unfortunately, that means you’ll require Windows 7 or later to use it.
Time hasn’t been easygoing for the brave little player. When I installed it on Windows 11 PC, the rigid segmentation of the tools appeared like something that belongs in a museum gallery. The tool’s iconic but out-of-date “skins” mean menus and icons look incredibly tiny on my 1440p monitor.
“The groundwork has now been laid,” said the creators, “and now we can concentrate more on features.” The shift to current designs hasn’t been seamless. A lengthy checklist of general issues is included in the blog post, and there’s no sign of when version 5.9.0 will come. Once a conclusive version of that release is done, the developers will start adding native support for more advanced audio formats, replacing outdated tools like Gracenote, and many more.
If you’re a productivity professional, then you’re likely already familiar with Logitech’s MX Master computer mice series. They’ve created a place for themselves as the navigation product of preference for users who want good quality, tons of features, and many customization choices. The MX Master 3S aims to continue this practice by building on the hit of the MX Master 3 with silent buttons, a brand new higher DPI sensor, and Logitech’s latest Bolt dongle, which can be utilized across a range of the company’s new wireless products.
The promising news is that, by building on such a solid foundation, this stays the finest productivity mouse in the market. This is a highly comfy mouse to have in hand for extended stretches, it feels built to last, and Logitech’s Flow application lets you switch seamlessly between devices and apps. This functionality makes it highly efficient for programmers, video editors, or office workers looking to get work done quickly. Of course, you’re spending close to $100 for that added productivity, but for those who are serious about their job, that’s easily a fee worth spending.
Image credit: logitech.com
So what makes this mouse so good? Foremost, it’s just so well assembled, with a luxuriously rubberized finish that’s comfortable to hold for an extended duration and sturdy, made-to-last construction. It’s not a small mouse, so it is best suited for someone with medium-to-large hands. Remember that the scoop designed to relax your thumb implies this mouse will only serve right-handed individuals.
Controversially, the most significant change to this model is that the primary click buttons have been changed from ‘clicky’ types to quieter models that Logitech claims are 90 percent quieter. This is excellent for office workers who admire their co-workers’ sanity but less for home workers who might have liked the tactile feeling. On the flip side, the buttons feel like they need less force, which should help relieve finger pressure over time.
Image credit: logitech.com
The additional buttons and wheels on the mouse all feel incredible, as they did on the previous model. The electromagnetic scroll wheel can be arranged to freewheel or go tactile. Also, there’s a thumbwheel for zooming, horizontal scrolling, and several other customizable possibilities. The significant shift in this model is the sensor, which can go from 200dpi up to 8,000dpi—twice the 4,000dpi boundary of its predecessor. This tells the mouse is a better fit for people with multi-monitor arrangements, as you can navigate around with smaller movements. The sensor also gets extra points for operating across any surface, including glass.
Specifications
Wireless range
10m
Supported Operating Systems
macOS 10.15 or later, Windows 10, 11 or Later, Linux, Chrome OS
The MVP of the MX Master 3S is the Logi Options+ app. If you’re working across multiple PCs, it lets you flow between them with ease. For instance, I spend most of my time on a desktop PC, but I consistently have my work notebook next to me. So I had the mouse attached to my desktop using the Bolt receiver and also paired to the laptop over Bluetooth, and I could move between the two effortlessly, including copying and pasting text.
Image credit: logitech.com
There’s a little catch for users using non-Windows/Mac operating systems such as Linux, where you must manually switch between connected machines using a button on the bottom of the device. This approach is somewhat fiddly and clunky.
Battery life is ideal, rated at 70 days, meaning you only have to remember to plug in once every three months. The good news is that you can also charge while using it or give it one minute of supply, which will be sufficient for a few hours. We’d have loved Qi wireless charging support, but we’re pleased it employs the newer USB-C standard.
Working from home over the past few years got us all considering more about ergonomics, convenience, and even a tiny amenity in our working arrangement. If that’s you, this Logitech MX Master 3S mouse is worth the price.
