The Matrix Online has taken some unique steps in providing direct methods for accessing the "real" world while playing within The Matrix. In addition to being able to chat directly with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) users who aren't even jacked-in, the MxO client has a built-in Radio Player to allow easy access to your music library or online streaming radio broadcasts. This guide will give you a brief overview of how to use MxO Radio, as well as provide some tips for building-up a favorites list of radio sites to listen to during your time as a Red Pill.

(NOTE: According to Monolith, you must have Windows Media Player 10 installed for MxO Radio to work. However, I've had it working with no problems using version 9. But if you have issues, you should upgrade.)

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OPENING MxO RADIO

To get the Radio active, simply select the "Radio" option from your control menu in the lower-right corner of your screen.

If you've never established a Favorites list for your MxO Radio, the radio will open up blank.

(If you have established a Favorites list, the radio will immediately start playing the first entry on your list.)

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PLAYING MUSIC FILES

To play your MP3s or WMAs, you use the  /radio play  slash command, followed by the actual path and filename of the file you wish to play. However, if you're using a standard Windows setup (with your music files buried deep within your hard drive), that could be a bit tedious:

So, if you intend on using this method frequently, you may wish to move or copy your favorite Matrix-playing tunes to an easier location:

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PLAYING PLAYLISTS

If your favorite characters were Tank or Link, then maybe you would enjoy all that typing. However, even if your music files are easy to get to, manually playing each song will get a bit old. So a better method is to create a Playlist file with all of the desired songs and have MxO Radio use that to automatically queue-up your favorite tracks.

If you're unfamiliar with making a Playlist, the process will vary depending on your favorite music player. I personally use WinAmp and find it easy to save-off Playlists in M3U format. Windows Media Player will also save playlists in a variety of formats (although I've had the most success using the M3U playlist format). For Windows Media Player, you'll need to get your playlist actively playing so it shows the "Now Playing List"; you can then select "Save Now Playing List" from the File menu and choose to save it as an M3U file.