CNet reports that Adobe has rolled out a new version of Adobe Media Player. Despite the modest .1 increment in the version number (Adobe Media Player 1.0 users are offered the update the next time they start the player), Adobe Media Player 1.1 has undergone substantial changes in this new release, with improvements in speed, user interface, and content.

AMP 1.1 Adds a Better, Faster User Interface

AMP 1.1 takes full advantage of widescreen displays, moving Quick Picks and Featured Networks to the right side of the display. It's also uncluttered the user interface, adding quick tab-based access to the most popular categories (My New Episodes, Comedy, Drama, News, Lifestyle, and Nature). To access all genres and all content, click the Catalog link.

The Catalog page displays networks, genres, and recent shows in a widescreen format, and genres are now color-coded to indicate the number of programs:

Ghostbusters and More - Movies, that Is

Adobe has now partnered with Sony Pictures, making movies like Ghostbusters, Jerry Maguire, and Men in Black available in AMP 1.1. Keep in mind that movies are not found in a separate genre listing, but are placed in appropriate genre listings - consequently, you might be better off using the Search tool to find your favorites. Movies are divided into parts and include commercials, so the experience (in my view) is a bit like watching a movie on AMC.

Playback speed on a Wireless-G network seems faster than with the original 1.0 version of AMP.

More TV, Too

AMP 1.1 also adds more TV shows, including favorites like 48 Hours, The (original) Love Boat, and Beverly Hills 90201.

Better Access to More Content

RSS feeds and favorites make it easier for you to access more than 600 series and movies (over 25,000 episodes).

Thumbs Up? Thumbs Down? Feedback Wanted!

If you've already tried Adobe Media Player, what do you think about the new improvements? If you're a newcomer, do you think you'll keep checking in for new content? Let us know.