Microsoft Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean (GEM) has announced that the final version of Microsoft Windows Media Player 7 in Arabic is available for download worldwide.

The latest release adds even more functionality to the fastest growing and complete all-in-one media player, integrating new audio-CD creation technology from Adaptec Inc. and a wide array of new skins and visualisations, including a new "Digital DJ" skin that automates and customises playback of digital audio and video based on user preferences.

Windows Media Player 7 Arabic brings digital media to the mainstream for millions of Arabic speaking users in the Middle East and North Africa and around the world, by offering the easiest-to-use application for their digital media needs, says Assem Hijazi, Arab region program manager at Microsoft.

Microsoft GEM is also offering a limited-time promotional price of $59.95 for the Windows Millennium Edition (Windows Me) operating system. The special price is available for Microsoft-Windows 98 or Windows 98 Second Edition customers who wish to upgrade their system to the forthcoming Windows Me, the latest operating system designed specifically for the home user.

The promotionally priced product, which will be available in retail stores from September 14 through January 31, 2001, will make it more affordable for Windows 98 and Windows 98 Second Edition users to update their systems with the most recent consumer operating system enhancements.