ItunesLibrary
Latest
iTunes 10.6 adds option to sync 192kbps, 256kbps audio
According to AppleInsider, Apple snuck in two new bitrate options into iTunes 10.6 for users who sync their iTunes library to their iPhone or iPad. Most audio tracks are encoded at 256 kbps if they're bought from the iTunes Store, and now you can keep that quality when you send your files to your iOS device. Starting with iTunes 10.6, users can choose to sync their tracks at 256 kbps, 192 kbps or 128 kbps. This new setting gives users the flexibility to select the right encoding to match the storage of their device and their preferred audio quality. Audiophiles with a 64 GB device won't have to sacrifice audio quality, while less discerning users with 16 GB of space can choose to sync a smaller, lower bitrate file.
Lyric fetchin' lovin': how to batch fetch lyrics with GimmeSomeTune and Needle Drop
One neat little thing about the iPod and iPhone family of devices is their ability to display lyrics -- supported by all iPod nanos as well as the iPhone/iPod touch, and iPod Classic 5th generation and higher. On the iPhone and iPod touch, lyrics show up when a song is loaded (and can be re-displayed by tapping on the screen while a song is playing); while on the iPod nano, pressing the center button several times while a song is playing will cycle you through to display lyrics. But the real issue isn't so much about displaying lyrics as much as it is obtaining them. PearLyrics was once my tried and true favorite way of getting lyrics, but it passed away some time ago.
Synching iTunes Libraries Take 2: Syncopation
After testing TuneRanger over the past few days and not getting very good results, yesterday I had a chance to test Sonzea's Syncopation, which was recommended by several TUAW readers. Like TuneRanger, Syncopation works by synchronizing multiple iTunes libraries. Unlike TuneRanger, Syncopation is a Universal Binary Mac-only product. Syncopation has a free 30-day demo which you can install on one computer. For access to all program features you must buy the full license for $24.95. This allows you to synchronize up to 5 Macs. The initial install was simple, and I had it up and running quickly -- until I discovered I was quickly running out of space on my Mac Mini. Normally, the mini uses an external drive for the iTunes library given that space on the core drive is limited. I wrote to the developer who responded quickly.
Take command of iTunes with PowerTunes
PowerTunes is iTunes management software from Fat Cat Software, the developers who produced the popular iPhoto Library Manager (we've written about iPhoto Library Manager before). Its purpose is to make somewhat pesky tasks easy.You can use PowerTunes to create multiple libraries. Perhaps you and your spouse have very different tastes in music, as well as separate iPods. Hey, I can relate. My wife's Paul Simon and 10,000 Maniacs collections keep butting heads with my Marilyn Manson tracks. Can't we all just get along?Perhaps you'd like to keep a library for different settings; one for home and one for work. PowerTunes makes it easy. That the main interface makes the iTunes quite a bit larger, so understand that it will consume a lot of screen space when running.Other spiffy features include an option to merge libraries, move your library off your main hard drive and cleanup orphaned tracks. It will cost you $19.95US for a single license. Sure, you can do all of these tasks manually (read: free), but the convenience of "click and it's done" is nice. Plus, many users (not the geeks like you and me) couldn't be bothered with the manual method. If that's you, check this out. It's a nice piece of software.
World's Largest iTunes Library?
Glen Wolsey has an interview up with Will Friedwald, the self-proclaimed owner of the world's largest iTunes collection, which he has even given a name: "The Matrix." Friedwald is apparently a music writer for the New York Sun, and his main library contains over 170,000 tracks (849GB). He also has a couple of "sub-libraries," which, if all added together, would bring the total to around 1200GB. The two iTunes database files on the main library are themselves each over 250MB. Unsurprisingly, Friedwald claims that iTunes is very slow when running his 800GB library on a single processor Power Mac G5, taking up to three or four minutes to bring the "Get Info" window up on a selected track. So this got me wondering. What kind of iTunes library do you have, dear TUAW reader? Can you challenge Mr. Friedwald?(My main library is a measly 21.5GB). [Via macitt]Update: Clearly Will Friedwald has nothing on TUAW readers. Several of them, in the comments below, seem to have larger libraries than Friedwald.
