FileSpice

CNET Editors' review

by: CNET Staff on February 27, 2009

As with any spice, you must be careful it doesn't overwhelm your dish, a genuine concern with this Java-based utility. FileSpice's interface is a study in minimalism. The program opens with a black screen that gives little direction. Most users will figure out the three-step process through trial and error.

In a nutshell, FileSpice grafts a media file onto any other file and packages the duo into a Java file. Open the new file and your media loads. Click a button to display your original data file. The advantage of the Java-based file is that it can run on any machine with the proper Java libraries. Unfortunately, you can't set your media file to run or display at normal size. FileSpice forces each media file to display at full screen with a text ad for the product. You can't stack media files onto a data file by running a file twice through the process. FileSpice displays the first media file then simply closes when you click for the original FileSpice .jar file.

Some users may find FileSpice just the ingredient needed to pep up boring documents. Others may find the idea of pictures of bunnies grafted onto business reports cloying. FileSpice is easy to use, performs its task well, and does create crossplatform Java files--more than enough for many users to give the demo a taste test.