.WAX File Extension
Windows Media Audio Redirect
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Audio Files |
| Format | .WAX |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an WAX file?
.WAX (Windows Media Audio Redirect) files are associated with Microsoft’s Windows Media Player. They serve as pointers or redirection files used to stream Windows Media Audio (WMA) content over the internet.
Instead of containing actual audio data, .WAX files contain URLs or network paths to the location of the WMA audio file.
When opened in a compatible media player, the .WAX file directs the player to stream the corresponding audio content from the specified location.
More Information.
The .WAX file format was created to enable seamless streaming of Windows Media Audio content over the internet. It was initially introduced alongside Windows Media Player to support the distribution of audio files through online platforms and streaming services.
Origin Of This File.
.WAX files were developed by Microsoft as part of its Windows Media technology stack. They were introduced to facilitate the streaming of Windows Media Audio files over the internet, providing a means to redirect media players to the appropriate streaming source.
File Structure Technical Specification.
.WAX files are simple text files encoded in XML format. They typically contain a single URL or network path pointing to the location of the corresponding Windows Media Audio file. The structure of a .WAX file is straightforward, consisting of tags identifying the URL or path information.
How to Convert the File?
Windows:
- Use a screen recording software like OBS Studio or Camtasia.
- Play the .WAX file in Windows Media Player or another compatible media player.
- Start the screen recording software and set it to capture the audio output.
- Play the .WAX file, allowing the software to record the audio as it plays.
- Save the recording in the desired audio format, such as MP3 or WAV.
Linux:
- Install a screen recording tool like SimpleScreenRecorder or OBS Studio from your package manager.
- Open the .WAX file in VLC Media Player or another compatible player.
- Begin recording your screen while the .WAX file is playing, capturing the audio output.
- Save the recording and use a video/audio converter tool like FFmpeg to extract the audio into the desired format.
Mac:
- Install a screen recording application like QuickTime Player or OBS Studio.
- Open the .WAX file using VLC Media Player or another compatible player.
- Start recording your screen while playing the .WAX file to capture the audio output.
- Save the recording and utilize a video/audio conversion tool like FFmpeg to extract the audio into the preferred format.
Android:
- Install a screen recording app from the Google Play Store, such as AZ Screen Recorder or Mobizen.
- Open the .WAX file in a media player app like VLC for Android.
- Start recording your screen while the .WAX file is playing to capture the audio.
- Once recorded, use a file manager app to locate the recording and transfer it to your computer if necessary.
- Use audio conversion software on your computer to convert the recorded audio to the desired format.
iOS:
- Use a screen recording app from the App Store, such as Screen Recorder+ or Record it! Screen Recorder.
- Open the .WAX file in a compatible media player app on your iOS device.
- Start recording your screen while playing the .WAX file to capture the audio.
- Once recorded, use a file-sharing method (e.g., AirDrop, email) to transfer the recording to a computer.
- Convert the recorded audio to the desired format using audio conversion software on your computer.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Enables efficient streaming of Windows Media Audio content over the internet.
- Provides a lightweight solution for distributing audio files without hosting the actual content.
- Compatible with various media players that support Windows Media formats.
Disadvantages:
- Limited to streaming Windows Media Audio files.
- Requires an active internet connection to stream the audio content.
- Vulnerable to broken links or changes in the streaming source URL.
How to Open WAX?
Open In Windows
WAX files can be opened using Windows Media Player or any other media player compatible with Windows Media Audio formats.
Open In Linux
VLC Media Player and some other media players on Linux may support opening .WAX files, but compatibility can vary.
Open In MAC
VLC Media Player or Flip4Mac may be used to open .WAX files on macOS.
Open In Android
VLC for Android or other media player apps that support WMA streaming may be capable of opening .WAX files.
Open In IOS
Due to limitations on iOS, opening .WAX files directly might be challenging. However, streaming services compatible with iOS may handle .WAX redirection internally.
Open in Others
Some web browsers may be capable of handling .WAX files if clicked on a compatible link, redirecting the streaming through the browser’s media capabilities. Additionally, specialized media player applications on various platforms may offer support for .WAX files.
