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Although it hasn't exactly exploded into the mainstream music-listening population at large, the music-sharing application Simplify Media has a growing network of fans. When you install it, you must choose synchronization with with either Winamp or iTunes playlists, although you can change your preferred program after installation.
After setup and a restart of your music player, you'll see a "Simplify Media" selection in your left-hand navigation. Expand it, and you can browse all of the music available from you and your friends. A separately running Simplify Media application accessible via the Windows taskbar lets you add other friends with Simplify Media accounts and customize the program settings.
Claims of resource hogging and installation headaches are somewhat valid. Installing Simplify Media on Windows will likely require Apple Bonjour. It's included in the Simplify Media installation, but the slow download and subsequent install grated the nerves. Running Simplify Media, Winamp, and Simplify Media Peer, the process that streams media from your friends or remote computers, together uses more than a fair chunk of RAM.
Make no mistake with the minor quibbles: Simplify Media is an excellent and simple method of sharing music collections with friends or yourself in remote locations. We would like to see future versions become even more stable, as well as adding compatibility with other jukebox players.
Publisher's Description
From Simplify Media:
Simplify Media software lets you share your home library and connect with friends and family, right within iTunes and Winamp. It works with PCs and Macs and MP3, WMA, AAC and Apple Lossless files. Give it a try. It is simple, safe and free.
Note"Build 903 introduces support for Apple Lossless files, ID3v2.4 tags and, for the PC, the Winamp music player. Build 904 incorporate improvements related to external and network hard drives.
What's new in this version: Build 903 introduces support for Apple Lossless files, ID3v2.4 tags and, for the PC, the Winamp music player.
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All versions:
3.1 starsout of 18 votes
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Current version:
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"Not Available"
Version: Simplify Media 2.5 build 1433
Pros
CNet still supporting download. Is that a pro?
Cons
Unable to use it after downloading as no new users can be created as per Simply Media website. Under review... I wonder if Apple has a part in this..?
Summary
It would have been a great way to connect my laptop and work PC... maybe I should just stop using itunes instead!! -
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"works somewhat as advertised - poor support"
Version: Simplify Media 2.5 build 1433
Pros
Does what it says on the box.
Cons
But is unable to wake a pc from standby when remotely queried.
Summary
Support options are pretty poor. Apart from a FAQ there's not too much going on. Maybe a (p2p) forum or wiki would work better.
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"Still has bugs. Otherwise it's ok."
Version: Simplify Media 2.0
Pros
I like the proposed ability to access all of the music that's currently on my computer without regard to the capacity of my ipod.
Cons
Slow access between songs. Still skips sporadically.
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"Has limitations, but is a great way to share music"
Version: Simplify Media Build 1103
Pros
Links your friends music and playlists straight into iTunes
Syncs very fast
Using this on your iPod touch is great, it lets you access your entire music library no matter what storage space your iTouch has!
Very easy installation/setupCons
In most cases, you have to do some convincing to sign your friends up
Although the computer program is good, the iPhone application is a good idea but not greatly executed. See the summary for more detailsSummary
Although the limit is 30 friends, that is PLENTY for you to take advantage of this great music sharing program. It is great for rebuilding you music library, and the connection is very good.
It also is not a perfect application for your iPhone - When someone calls or you exit the program for whatever reason, it exits the program and does not save where you were in the middle of the song of the state of the program, so you have to start from scratch. This is pretty annoying but handy when you want to have decent, but handicapped, access to all of your music files without taking up storage on your phone.
Used best when you convince you friends (who hopefully have good music taste like yourself) to sign up with you. Also, it is nice to have a constant internet connection so you can always be sharing your music with them. -
"Does not work"
Version: Simplify Media beta build 1010
Pros
Good idea...
Cons
I have a very large music library, and Simplify just cannot work with it ...
Summary
Maybe good for small library.
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"loss of 12mb ."
Version: Simplify Media beta build 1010
Pros
loss
Cons
when i download it . it just only a file. which can't opened
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"good"
Version: Simplify Media Beta build 948
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"Nice program, but not what I needed"
Version: Simplify Media 1.0.0.92
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"Good"
Version: Simplify Media 1.0.0.92
Pros
Very simple, easy to use, and works well
Cons
Not many options
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"Brilliant"
Version: Simplify Media beta build 920
Pros
easy to use
Cons
its to easy to use
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