DoubleTwist

CNET Editors' review

DoubleTwist is at its core a free music jukebox that offers content syncing to a variety of portable devices, including the BlackBerry, the PSP, and the iPod, as well as pretty much anything that can mount in Universal Mass Storage mode. One of the main draws of the program is that it can take your iTunes library and sync it to a variety of non-iPod players, an important feature for anyone who has ditched the ubiquitous device in favor of a music phone or other MP3 player.

In addition to acting as a music management app compatible with a variety of devices, the jukebox offers built-in support for Amazon MP3 Store purchases, which is in line with the company's goal to offer consumers choice when it comes to digital music management. Plus, the service includes a podcast aggregator for easily finding and subscribing to a variety of popular spoken-word content. More recently, DoubleTwist added an Android Market, which lets you browse apps and then use a bar code scanner to download them via your phone's camera. All of these features work incredibly well, though our praise for performance ends there.

We connected a variety of devices to DoubleTwist with varying results. It recognized our Sony Walkman effortlessly, though the time it took to sync just 150MB of content was excessive during testing. The program would not recognize our Motorola Droid as anything more than a generic USB device, and as such, we were unable to sync any media to the phone. Our other gripe has to do with music importing: the software imported multiple duplicates of nearly every song in our library, despite the fact they currently only live in one folder. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it does make the jukebox look unnecessarily cluttered.

DoubleTwist also incorporates automatic video transcoding for a lot of the supported devices, which is the feature that initially drew us to the software. However, the functionality is not without its pitfalls, such as the fact that the video transcoding--done during the syncing process--takes forever. Conversion speed was roughly two times the normal speed, so a 90-minute movie took 50 minutes or so to encode and transfer. Still, considering DoubleTwist offers this feature for free and integrates it so simply, we're willing to forgive the sluggishness.

Gripes aside, DoubleTwist delivers as advertised, and it certainly will be a useful solution for a lot of people. It offers a seamless connection with iTunes and lets users easily transfer that content to non-iPod devices. It also successfully converts video to a variety of formats suitable for whatever device is connected, and the process is invisible to the user, which makes it extremely straightforward--a lovely thing, considering the pain that is digital video formatting. Plus, the app includes integrated buttons for automatically publishing photos and videos to Flickr and YouTube.

DoubleTwist isn't without some flaws, but it gets the job done and it does it for free, so it's definitely worth checking out.

Publisher's Description

More Products to Consider

  • JetAudio Basic
    Play video and audio files, convert to other file formats, burn...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Virtual DJ
    Mix, scratch, and remix MP3 or music videos live.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free M4a to MP3 Con...
    Convert M4A/AAC into MP3/WAV format.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • FreeRip
    Convert CDs to MP3, WMA, WAV, OGG, FLAC formats, convert audio ...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Miro
    Manage music, videos, playlists, and iTunes library, and sync t...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Ashampoo Burning St...
    Burn the files and images on CD and DVD discs.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • iDVD Ripper
    Convert DVD movies to all the popular video or audio formats wi...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Windows Media Playe...
    Get fast and flexible digital-media playback with access to sma...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free MP3 Cutter
    Cut desired parts from your MP3 files.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free FLAC to MP3 Co...
    Convert FLAC audio files to MP3.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • EZ CD Audio Convert...
    Rip CDs, convert audio files, and burn discs easily.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • ISO Workshop
    Create and burn various types of CD, DVD, or Blu-ray Disc image...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Voxengo SPAN Plus (...
    Analyze your audio spectrum with fast Fourier transform.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Virtual Drive
    Emulate up to 18 DVD/BD drives.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Splashtop Streamer
    Access and control your Windows PC from a tablet or a phone.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • U2B to MP3 Converte...
    Extract audio from YouTube clips.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Notpod
    Enable MP3 players to be synchronize to an iTunes playlist.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • PowerISO
    Create, edit, burn, mount, and encrypt CD, DVD, and BD image fi...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Voxengo SPAN Plus
    Analyze your audio spectrum with fast Fourier transform.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Splashtop Remote St...
    Access and control your Windows PC from a tablet or a phone.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • joseplayer
    Play and view all your multimedia files.
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Salling Media Sync
    Synchronize playlists, music, podcasts, and photos onto mobile ...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Stoik Capturer
    Capture video form DV camcorders, TV tuners, video cards, or We...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
  • Free Sound Recorder
    Record your own voice, music or any other internal & external s...
    Download

    Installed

    Smart Install
All User Reviews

Results 1-10 of 46

  • 3.0 stars

    "Okay program, sneaky installation process..."

    May 3, 2013  |   By aradachi

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    Successfully transfers over music between your computer and phone without much issue.

    Cons

    A couple of people have mentioned that the software is addled with adware. Here are some things you should do to avoid this:

    1. Do NOT "Express Install": When installing, Doubletwist will give you an option for express installation (it will already be selected). However, if you automatically click install, it will add a toolbar that changes your default search engine and homepage. Rather, you should choose the advanced option and deselect the toolbar installation.

    2. When opening Doubletwist, it will ask for permission to open your Registry Editor. Do NOT do this! It will make changes to your registry that will add an Adware to your system called "OpenCandy." It is not a virus, but it is very difficult to uninstall once it gets on your computer, this making it adware (its sneaky, because it installs itself without prompting you...tread carefully).

    3. Only use Doubletwist to sync new music to your Android device. In any other case, just use iTunes to listen to music on your computer.

    Summary

    It does its job, but the program is too sneaky w/ its installation process. Overall, it's fine if used sparingly.

    If they ever offered a clean installation, I'd download it in a heartbeat. But for now, right after I sync my device, I'm better off uninstalling it.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "MAL-WARE ASSOCIATED WITH DOWNLOAD"

    April 23, 2013  |   By elmernahum

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    NONE. VIRUS ATTACHED TO RECENT DOWNLOAD. THIS WAS NOT PRESENT A FEW MONTHS AGO.

    Cons

    Do not express install. Malware now on my PC. It is called search conduit and adds another ad laden tab to all of my internet browsers and slows down my PC. I will need to format my hard drive and use my recovery disc. This is a very tenacious virus. Each time I think I have removed it, it appears a day or two later. adwcleaner finds parts of the virus. Mcaffee, trendmicro, antimalware bytes do not find the virus.

    Summary

    VERY DANGEROUS TO YOUR SYSTEM. DO NOT USE.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "It is GREAT. (Have a Samsung Note II)"

    December 27, 2012  |   By jjooliver

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    1. Full version allows for air sync, no cords.
    2. Took all playlist from iTunes and music.
    3. Sound quality is great.
    4. Works well with bluetooth devices.

    Cons

    1. Amazon market seem to have problems.

    Summary

    I really like this software. I purchased the full version and I haven't used my iPod since. The only draw back is that I still have to purchase from iTunes and then sync it over and songs from iTunes not in the iTunes plus format has to be upgraded to be synced. I still need to watch videos and pictures but so far it is a great product.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Will Not Use Again"

    December 19, 2012  |   By RJPCtech

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    None that I could see.

    Cons

    Installed Mal-ware along with program. Coupon and Snap-It toolbar.

    Summary

    Could not get it to work. Had better results with ripping music to WMP and syncing my android phone to WMP.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Wasted several hours trying to get this to work"

    December 19, 2012  |   By oaxacaone

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    The interface looks great but the program doesn't work.

    Cons

    Won't sink with my iTouch. Maybe I should by their wifi version of this FREE? software.

    Summary

    iTunes is absolutely the most useless program which I have ever used to I was excited to try this program (recommend by Kim Komando). The interface looked good but I found numerous versions of each song and spent hours cleaning out the dupes. As someone mentioned here, doubletwist makes numerous copies. I finished then tried to sync to no avail. I'm using a USB Apple cable. My iTouch shows up in Windows Explorer but never in double. Don't waste your time. I'll keep lookiing for an iTunes replacement.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Does what it says it will"

    October 30, 2012  |   By pryorsmith

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    Easiest way to download from iTunes to Andoid

    Cons

    Need wi-fi ($5.00) to complete easily.

    Summary

    Worth the money

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Simply refuses to sync with my iTunes"

    October 19, 2012  |   By bacchuswino

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    None. Software doesn't work as advertised.

    Cons

    Will not sync my PC iTunes library with my Samsung Galaxy Note unless I pay for another app.

    Summary

    I've spent the last hour attempting to get this app to sync the iTunes on my PC with my Samnsung Galaxy Note. It has not worked, I've followed directions on their website, and it still has not worked.

    Apparently I have to actually pay to download another app in order to get it to work via wireless connection.

    Not only that, but while downloading it from Doubletwists website I somehow accidentally got some kind of false Web Security software on my computer that slowed everything down. It was easy enough to uninstall, so at least there's that. But I can't say anything good about my experience with this software so far.

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 4.0 stars

    "Works great, but occasionally crashes"

    October 14, 2012  |   By lincolnhyde

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    1) Syncs with Itunes 2) Allows playlist control 3) Allows equalizer controls (pro version)

    Cons

    1) Crashes occasionally 2) Not sure how to re-sync with Itunes after replacing Ttunes songs with Itunes Plus songs (removing DRM)

    Summary

    Recommend

    Reply to this review

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 1.0 stars

    "Creates endless copies of my music"

    August 16, 2012  |   By sandmana10

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    Yes, it moved my music files from iTunes to my phone, over and over and over.

    Cons

    Worked on it a long time, setup was never right, I only got more copies of my files each time I synced. Reminded me of Medusa - the more heads I chopped off, twice as many grew back. Developer not very helpful. Went to iSyncr and now I'm happy. It works.

    Summary

    Yes, it copied music files from iTunes to my Android phone. And then it created duplicates, triplicates, etc. Couldn't eliminate the duplicates. Finally admitted defeat and went to iSyncr. Now everything works.

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

  • 2.0 stars

    "Complicated and not totally FREE!"

    August 13, 2012  |   By Touchmarket

    Version: DoubleTwist 3.2.1.14961

    Pros

    It works once correctly configured

    Cons

    Hard to understand and configure and need to pay for Wireless support...

    Summary

    As I only have a PC but several Android devices
    I've switched to myDesktop Companion software
    It's free and it's simple

    Note that I was not looking for a playlist sync app (more likely music files and albums transfer) but Avanquest Mobile Technologies said they will support iTunes and Windows Media Player playlists in future versions...

    This Support USB and Wi-Fi (with same PC and mobile app)
    AND I GET MORE THAN EXPECTED as it allows me to manage, edit, sync, backup everything from both my Samsung smartphone and my Acer tablet.

    It's worth definitively a try!

    Reply to this review Read reply (1)

    Was this review helpful? (0) (0)

Results 1-10 of 46

Add Your Review

or Log in or create an account to post a review.
You are logged in as . Please submit your review for DoubleTwist 3.2.2.17028
Add Your Review

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

Submit your reply

Submit

The posting of advertisements, profanity, or personal attacks is prohibited.
Click here to review our site terms of use.

cancel

E-mail this review

Submit cancel

Report offensive content

If you believe this comment is offensive or violates the CNET's Site Terms of Use, you can report it below (this will not automatically remove the comment). Once reported, our staff will be notified and the comment will be reviewed.

Select type of offense:

Offensive: Sexually explicit or offensive language
Spam: Advertisements or commercial links
Disruptive posting: Flaming or offending other users
Illegal activities: Promote cracked software, or other illegal content
Submit cancel

See more CNET content tagged:

Previous Versions:

Error

close

ERROR MESSAGE

If you think this is an error, please contact CNET TechTracker Support for further assistance.

Ok

Running Request

close

loading

Smart Install Software

close

CNET TechTracker will now automatically install software without requiring further action by you. (Note: This feature automatically accepts associated EULAs and third party applications on your behalf.)

You have selected the following software to Smart Install:

CNET TechTracker will attempt to install this software without interrupting you again. If an application requires manual installation, CNET TechTracker will download the installer and prompt you to take further action.

Proceed with Smart Install?

Confirm Standard Install Cancel

Submit a problem report for DoubleTwist

close

Please describe the problem you have with this software. This information will be sent to our editors for review.

Problem:

The CNET Installer isn't working as expected

The download link does not work

The software has a newer version

The software contains malware

Other

Description:

Please select a feedback type.

Please enter a description.

Submit Problem Report

Problem Report submitted

close

Thank you for submitting a problem report! The Download team is committed to providing you with accurate software information.

OK

Installed

Smart Install

About CNET Installer

The CNET Download.com Installer is a tiny ad-supported stub installer or "download manager" that helps securely deliver your downloads from Download.com's servers. We also include offers for carefully screened software that complies with Download.com Software Policies as part of our Installer process. Learn more

DoubleTwist