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Autoplay
A function that has annoyed millions
Summary
Autoplay (also known as &autoplay=1) is a function that enables a file/program (such as an audio file or a YouTube video) to play automatically. Autoplay is used everywhere on the internet from blogs, to social networking sites and even YouTube user pages. Autoplay was very popular on MySpace during its glory days as many would add the function to their profiles. Autoplay was frequently abused on EDF to the point that it became the norm for embedded video.
Although autoplay may be enjoyed by those who use it, it can be a very huge annoyance to many others (everyone). In some cases, autoplay can easily be used to troll others. Very often, pages with auto play often result in people doing either:
- clicking the back button
- mute the volume
- pausing the video
Methods of Disabling Autoplay
Usually, the easiest method of disabling autoplay is through the pause button. There are, however, times when one will troll you with a page where there are no way to stop the function from happening. There are some cases where one is interested in a particular page but cannot stand the autoplay. You can always mute the volume, but you might not want your music that is playing muted as well. There are, however, more convenient methods of disabling it.
The main technique for you to disable autoplay is to download an extension for browsers such as Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox.
Origins
Autoplay was initially a feature created for Windows with the introduction of Windows XP. It was used for examining newly discovered removable media files (i.e. pictures, music or videos) and devices and would launch those files automatically. Autoplay is a descendant of AutoRun, another Windows counterpart feature that would enable media files and devices to launch programs by the use of commands listed in the particular file. AutoRun was introduced earlier when it first made its appearance on Windows 95.
Current status
Still actively used throughout the internet.
Facts
- It was the one of the most prominent features of MySpace profiles.
Images
 Autoplay found being used on Windows 7 |
 Just one of the many things that made MySpace profiles really annoying |
Related Pages
External Links
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