iPod shuffle Database Builder lets you avoid iTunes

Want to use the iPod shuffle like a regular drag-and-drop flash-based MP3 player? You know, like just be able to copy songs onto it without having to always use iTunes? You're in luck. Martin Fiedler took advantage of the shuffle's comparatively simpler file structure to create a little 8k app called iPod shuffle Database Builder that makes it possible to drag-and-drop MP3s onto the player without having to use iTunes or any other software interface (you can still use iTunes if you want to, the app shouldn't interfere with that). iPod shuffle Database Builder also makes it easier to use the iPod shuffle with multiple computers and if you're big on this sort of thing, will also let you create whatever sort of directory or filename structure you want.

P.S - Yes, we know you can use the iPod shuffle as a regular flash drive, but normally you can't actually listen to MP3s that are dragged-and-dropped onto it, you have to use iTunes.

[Via Gen Kanai]

[Jason @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

You can do this with Anapod from www.redchairsoftware.com too. I can't stand iTunes and Anapod works great.

[All @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

how much closer does this make multiple playlists reality?

[iPod @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

one company can not please everyone. good to see that someone was able to modify. maybe a few more shuffles will sell.

[Julian Bond @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

"normally you can't actually listen to MP3s that are dragged-and-dropped onto it, you have to use iTunes."

Why not?

So can you run Database Builder from the file storage area of the Shuffle?

[Joshua Ochs @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Well, unless there's some way to change the active database on the fly (unlikely), I don't think this will allow changeable playlists. Which is a shame, as I can see loading several albums and wanting to switch between them.

[mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

multiple playlists?? eh? an ipod mini costs 200 bucks.. this thing costs 100..

can you not afford a mini??

[Usman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

is there any way to use iTunes with a non-ipod player. i want to transfer songs from iTunes...preferably from one of their smart playlists onto a normal flash based player. i know there is something out there for Pocket PCs etc...but not seen anything for normal flash based players.

[Bruce @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

"but normally you can�t actually listen to MP3s that are dragged-and-dropped onto it, you have to use iTunes."

What? Is that insane or what!!! Steve does have you people brain washed doesn't he.

[Gabe @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

let's give the guy some credit...it's easy and it works!

[All @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

"can you not afford a mini??"

its for working out sessions primarily, unfortunately i'm not stupid enough to buy an ipod for each aspect of my life.

let me beat you by one..."but your stupid enough to buy a shuffle"

yes i am.

[Opspin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Haven't you guys heard about Foo_pod? it's great, you just put Foobar on your iPod (any iPod will work) with the foopod plugin. Then you can use Foobar to put songs on the iPod from any computer, without installing iTunes. It's really neat.

[JJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

I like iTunes but this is pretty cool. Thanks!

Oh, and #5: I'm not the poster you're replying to but I own a Shuffle, a Mini and a regular iPod Photo. I use the Shuffle when I'm running because I've already had two HDD-based MP3 players die on me. I bought the Mini before the Shuffle came out, and still use it when I'm just walking somewhere (yes, I do have a car and yes, I do live in the city). I use my regular iPod when I'm commuting or traveling.

Works for me. But, hey, different strokes for different folks.

[Krioni @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Usman:
"is there any way to use iTunes with a non-ipod player. i want to transfer songs from iTunes...preferably from one of their smart playlists onto a normal flash based player."

Well, on a Mac you could easily write an AppleScript to do this. I understand that iTunes for Windows can be scripted using COM programming, but I'm not familiar with what that enables.

A site with MANY AppleScripts for iTunes is:
http://www.dougscripts.com/itunes/
Basically, the main thing you'd need to get file references is something like:
location of every track of playlist "Some Cool Songs"
Then you'd need to copy each item to your player.

[Simon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Is there anything like this for a big ipod?

[Simon @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

Is there anything like this for a big ipod?

[Michael Fierro @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

I've thought of using something besides iTunes. Especially since my main PC runs Debian, and gtkpod now supports the Shuffle. But there is simply no easier way to use the Shuffle than to use iTunes's Autofill option. I have a couple of good Smart Playlist's set up, and use Autofill randomply from one of those Smart Playlists. It would take me two-three times as long to choose 100 songs for the Shuffle than it takes iTunes to choose songs and transfer them to the Shuffle.

THAT is cool.

[Ashley @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

so where or how do i get my shuffel to be abel to downlowed regular mp3 stuff of other webs in stade of itunes?

[adam @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

"is there any way to use iTunes with a non-ipod player. i want to transfer songs from iTunes...preferably from one of their smart playlists onto a normal flash based player. i know there is something out there for Pocket PCs etc...but not seen anything for normal flash based players."

I figured out how to do this in windows itunes. If you make your playlist (I use the party shuffle) and select the files you want to copy to your non-ipod player, right click and select "copy". Open a folder where you would like to copy your mp3s to, and "paste" in that folder. The files will copy over. Alternatively, you can just drag and drop the mp3s from itunes to the appropriate folder.

[Jeff Todd @ Dec 19th 2005 12:12AM]

I am obviously naive when it comes to mp3 technology but I am really ticked with Apple. I just bought a shuffle for my son and now realize that Steve Jobs has a cash grab going on with his itunes. As of today the shuffle is going back to the store and we are shopping for another mp3. Does anyone with experience have any recommendations?

Thanks to all for the "free" advice.