14 DAY TRIAL // The first collection of codecs for Windows 8 is already available for download. Win8codecs is a free package that contains all the decoders you need for video playback on the upcoming operating system from Microsoft.
The features of this “Shark pack” (Shark is the developer’s web handle) are no different from what the developer made available for the Windows 7 package. So you will still get full color thumbnails (FLV and 10-bit MKV included) or support for Xbox360 as an Extender in order to play MKV files.
However, the configuration options are pretty much changed. Everything has become easier to handle, although advanced users will still have a field day going through all the settings. The goal of the application has not been altered, so it still aims at offering the possibility to watch your video without having to download separate codecs for different file formats.