Songbird 1.2 debuts new features

Browser and jukebox freeware mashup Songbird brings onstage four new features to help manage songs, communicate better with iTunes, customize volume, and expose more information from Last.fm.

Available for Windows, Mac, and Linux, Songbird 1.2's biggest new feature is the ability to automatically organize files across multiple folders according to each track's metadata. This can be especially useful both if your music is scattered across disparate folders, as well as forcing naming conventions on inconsistent files.

Songbird 1.2 debuts an equalizer and more Last.fm support, including fan photos and YouTube videos at the bottom of the program window.

(Credit: Screenshot by Seth Rosenblatt/CNET)

There's also the ability to introduce iTunes library tracks and playlists into Songbird, and export tracks from Songbird to iTunes. This is an imperfect but effective solution to getting new files synced to your iPhone or iPod Touch. Songbird has supported scrobbling into Last.fm for a while, but users can now access more artist, track, and tag information than before, including photos and music videos. This requires installing the Last.fm add-on, which will load by default but you can opt out of when you install the program.

Audiophiles will appreciate the 10-band equalizer that's now included with Songbird. CTRL+E will launch it, or going to Controls on the menu bar, but to activate it you must check off the On box and close the window before it will affect your sound output.

The full list of changes and known bugs can be read here.

Editors' note: Last.fm is owned by CNET's parent company, CBS.