Scan & Fix 50 registry issues FREECNET Editors' review
SizzlingKeys is a free background app that lets you control iTunes playback with hot keys, even when you're in another application.
SizzlingKeys lets you program nine global hot keys: play/pause, previous and next track, volume up and down, show/hide iTunes, show playlists, search, mute, and the ingenious "Almost Mute," with a customizable Almost-Mute level. The app also lets you assign hot keys for rating tracks, and it will display an optional, temporary floating window (with the track info and art). You can also set SizzlingKeys to automatically launch iTunes when you press your play/pause hot key.
This stable, unobtrusive app is a must-download for iTunes users who like using keyboard shortcuts. Upgrading to the Pro version for $4.95 also lets you use hot keys to skip forward and backward in tracks (by a user-defined amount), toggle shuffle and repeat, and control your system volume.
Publisher's Description
From Yellow Mug Software:
Control iTunes -- Whether it's to pause the player, adjust the volume, skip a track or rate a song, you can do all that and more with simple customizable keystrokes. That's not all. You can even search your iTunes Library or Playlists with a simple keystroke, all without switching to iTunes. See what's playing -- Why bring up iTunes just to see what's playing? SizzlingKeys features a floating window that shows you the current track info. Place it anywhere you wish on the screen by simply dragging it.
Easy setup -- Having all the features you can imagine is useless if the app is difficult and confusing to use. That's why we make ease-of-use our top priority. Customizing SizzlingKeys cannot be easier.
Extras -- SizzlingKeys is more than an iTunes controller. We figure since you are going to have a hot key app running in the background anyway, why not let it handle a few more functions? SizzlingKeys lets you optionally define hot keys for system functions like Sleep and Fast User Switching.
What's new in this version: - Fixed a bug where the main window would sometimes pop up unexpectedly.
- Fixed a bug where under some situations, the app would incorrectly prompt to the user to update the app.
- Signed with Developer ID for Mountain Lion Gatekeeper compatibility.
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All versions:
4.5 starsout of 2 votes
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Current version:
0 stars Be the first to review this product -
My rating:
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"makes iTunes light *& nimble - outstanding quality"
Version: SizzlingKeys 4.0.2
Pros
Stable. (I am on v4.x)
Key combinations control iTunes & work everywhere.
Can rate songs on the fly *easily*
Nice looking HUD showing the currently song, album, artist/band, and rating. Shows album artwork too. All looks very smooth and mac-like.Cons
I just can't think of anything wrong.
Just FYI, it installs as a preference pane, not an app. (not really a con)Summary
Virtually perfect.
Useful, stable, and fun. Nice Mac level quality & polish.
Candidly, I think the developer could charge for the free version.
Today, I paid for a family Pro license, even though the free features were all I needed. I enjoy this software so much, I decided I had to support this developer. -
"Probably not necessary but convenient and cool"
Version: SizzlingKeys 4.0.1
Pros
I don't use the control pane so much, but having the i.d. window pop up is nice, especially when you use shuffle and have a large library; you might not recognize every song off the top of your head. That the pop up displays album art is a cool plus
Cons
None, really, but again I have not used the control pane much.
Summary
Again, it's probably not really necessary, but it's a fun way to see what's playing while keeping iTunes minimized and buried. I've been using various versions for a few years and have always found this a fun addition to iTunes.
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"Very good at what it does!"
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.3.6
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
This is a great app! I work from home and listen to music. I use this app everyday to pause music, etc when taking calls and doing other work tasks. I definite must for me! I'm looking forward for the 64-bit version, buy in the mean time 3.3.6 works fine in Snow Leopard! -
"Great convenience!"
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.3.5
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I've been using SizzlingKeys for the last couple years and I although I love how it lets me control iTunes, I *really* like how it lets me activate the screen saver or put the computer to sleep with just a single key press. I dislike having to use the mouse to do either of those tasks, and I do them both often. SizzlingKeys is a lifesaver.
I often have difficulty upgrading SizzlingKeys at work, because of the system configuration, but once I get it working, I'm happy with its responsiveness, configurability, and user interface. -
"Unbelievably good."
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.3.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I used Synergy for a long time, and that was a fine app. SizzlingKeys is even better in terms of design and ease of use, has more features (the ability to search your iTunes library, locate individual tracks, and start playing them without ever leaving the application your working in is sheer genius), and decidedly more unobtrusive. Even if you pay for the pro version, you're still getting an incredible deal.
Since the developer invites feature requests, how about this: a hotkey to control the various Equalizer settings. Is that doable? -
"It's about time!!"
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.3.1
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
Let me tell you, I've gone through a number of itunes controllers over the years (Synergy, iMote, Youcontrol, Bowtie, Quicksilver to name a few). This is by far the best. The fact that it's a preference pane already had me excited. No more app launching, dock icon hiding, menubar displaying apps. Setting up hotkeys on the other apps is easy, but it's even simpler with SizzlingKeys. So I'm enjoying my configuring and exploring the application then BOOM! A hot key for listing your playlists!!!! (In a nice floating window by the way). Then BOOM! A hot key for searching your library!!! Are you friggin kidding me?? WHY AREN'T YOU CHARGING FOR THIS APP??
After testing this for a couple of days for memory leaks and stability, I will be upgrading to the pro version to support this developer.
Excellent!! -
"A truly great app..."
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.2.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
This is a wonderful application that does even more than I thought it would when I downloaded it. And itâ??s free! Highly recommended... -
"Excellent!"
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.2.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
iTunes controller is a question of feeling.
I've try them all and SK is the best for me. -
"Great!"
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.2.4
Summary
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
This is THE BEST piece of software I have ever found for my Mac!!!! I rate it 100%!!!!! -
"Excellent iTunes controller--replaces Spark for..."
Version: SizzlingKeys 3.2.4
Summary
...Leopard
This review was originally posted on VersionTracker.com.
I used to use Spark, an iTunes keyboard shortcut controller that worked in Tiger but sadly hasn't been updated for Leopard. I almost purchased TuneBar, which is a fine controller, but it has more than what I need and gives me onscreen displays I definitely don't want. SizzlingKeys is a total minimalist and is exactly what I've been looking for. Set your keyboard macros for iTunes in the System Prefs panel and forget about it. There's no standalone program to launch and your shortcuts work no matter what program you're in. I use control-command-space for pause/play and control-command-left or right arrow to skip or go back a song in my playlist. It's simple and perfect for listening while I'm working. LOVE IT!!! And it doesn't have a bunch of displays of cover art or a palette that comes up to get in the way of my work.
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