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Five super-secret features in Windows 7
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 There's no disputing that iTunes boasts an excellent feature set right out of the installation package. However, if you really plan to stretch its powers to the max, you may want to think about downloading a few third-party applications. As you might expect, the number of Mac iTunes add-ons far outweighs the number of available Windows offerings. Still, we've managed to scrape up a few quality applications we think PC users will appreciate. |
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Volume Logic Volume Logic, developed by Berkeley, Calif.,-based Octiv, is one of the few audio-centric plug-ins we've seen for the Windows version of iTunes. In short, this application enhances iTunes' sound quality by giving you around 20 preset effects that digitally remaster audio on the fly. Whether Volume Logic actually makes your tunes sound better is highly subjective, and opinions are likely to vary among listeners. What no one will argue, however, is that this program makes music loud. If you plan to have iTunes DJ your next shindig, Volume Logic will give your wimpy little PC speakers a much-needed boost. |
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G-Force iTunes' built-in, tweakable visualizations are pretty nifty in their own right, but variety is the spice of life. That's why we suggest G-Force, a visualization plug-in that integrates tightly into the iTunes interface and puts on a jolly good show. Despite the occasional nag screens, G-Force is well worth downloading, and the registration fee for the full version is totally reasonable. |
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EvilLyrics We've evaluated a few programs that automatically grab song lyrics from the Web, and none is perfect. That said, EvilLyrics' low-maintenance operation and fine performance make it a good set-it-and-forget-it pick for those folks who insist on singing along. Of course, the program couldn't locate every lyric we tested, but unless your entire collection is composed of Scandinavian heavy metal or obscure Appalachian folk tunes, we think you'll be able to put EvilLyrics to some use. Also, as the application is completely free, there's no harm in at least taking it for a spin. |
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FoxyTunes Simplicity can be a beautiful thing, and anyone who has ever used FoxyTunes can tell you this firsthand. This no-frills application simply places a small audio control panel at the bottom of your Firefox browser, letting you perform such actions as playing a song, rewinding, and adjusting the volume without accessing the main iTunes client. Although it's a narrowly focused program, FoxyTunes can help you access your stash of sonic delights with fewer clicks, an arrangement we're happy to agree to--especially for free. |
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EyeJamz Boasting a handsome design scheme and speedy performance, EyeJamz takes the pain out of finding cover art and adding it to iTunes. Housed in an interface that's strikingly similar to the jukebox itself, this program will start locating album artwork with the click of a mouse. With another click, EyeJamz will automatically add the cover art it's located to your music library. The trial version only allows you to retrieve about 40 covers, but the registration fee is quite low. |
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