WavPac_Player

Nowadays there are various ways to share files with friends, from instant messaging apps that support such a feature, to cloud solutions. WavPac_Player offers an alternative solution to those who want to easily share several WAV audio files, providing a tool that can store such data type inside a WavPac container.

The WPF (WavPacFile) container created by WavPac_Player is somewhat similar to a playlist, while also having storage properties, just like a compressed archive. The utmost advantage of this compression method is that the stored files are digitally identical to the original ones. In other words, no information is discarded during compression.

Working with the application should not be difficult, as long as you take the time to skim the help file, which contains information about all the buttons and how to use WavPac_Player.

You must start by creating a new WPF file and export it, then load it in WavPac_Player. Then and only then will you be able to add new WAV files to the list. Please note that on Windows 8 and 10, all the exported files are located in the virtual store instead of the application's setup folder. You can access the virtual store by typing "%localappdata%\virtualstore" in the Run window.

The application comes with an integrated audio player that can load both entries inside a WPF container, and individual WAV files on the host computer. However, don't expect the standard playback controls and the waveform viewer you usually find in regular music players. This particular player only allows the navigation throughout the contents of the WPF file, and there is no playlist viewer and no song names to browse.

The idea behind WavPac_Player is to be able to store WAV files in a container, which is easier to share. WPF archives can losslessly compress and store hundreds of entries, so they are easier to send.

While the idea is good, the implementation seems a bit clumsy. The interface looks outdated, and all the buttons are placed in what seems a random order. It would be much easier to have a wizard-based tool or, at least, built-in popup usage instructions. If not for the minimal documentation, many would have difficulties understanding how they should start using the application.