Simplify for iTunes makes it easy to share.
Matt (thekassette) pointed me to Simplify Media a while back: a free program that lets you share your iTunes library with friends over the Web. Now, you can stream music to your pals in Austin and Chicago—or vice versa.
Interestingly, the software leverages capabilities iTunes has had all along. When iTunes 4.0 was first released, the included Bonjour software (then called Rendezvous) allowed users to share their libraries with friends over the Internet as long as they were connected to the Web. Unfortunately, Apple crippled the feature shortly after release when they discovered people were actually using it. Since 4.0.1, only people on a shared network have been able to share libraries. A number of software developers released plug-ins and programs that got around this restriction, but they’ve always skirted the edge of legality.
Now, Simplify has restored the lost capability and done so in a way they claim is completely legal. You can invite up to 30 of your closest friends and share your iTunes library, no matter where you are. My guess is that the 30-invite limit is part of what keeps Simplify on the kosher side of copyright law.
User limit notwithstanding, being able to check out tracks on your pal’s computer is pretty swell. As soon as your friends come online, they show up in the iTunes interface. Then, you can click on their name in the left-hand menu, and browse their library just like your own. Oh, and you know what’s really cool/scary? Your friends don’t even have to be running iTunes in order for you to see their songs. I found this out the other day:
Matt: someone should throw a band together to cover “transaction de novo” from beginning to end and do it at like the rothko or something
me: i don’t know what or who that is.
Matt: oh sorry, awesome bedhead album. i’m listening to it from yr machine right now!
me: oh! is that the new one?
Matt: no, it’s super old
me: ah. i’ve not hit it in quite a while. i downloaded that a while back and haven’t given it a shot. i love most everything by them, though. i’ve been really digging the new one a lot.
now i remember it’s called 23. easily their most poppy record.
me: wait, i’m not even running itunes, i didn’t know you could access my library.
Matt: that’s the beauty of simplify, as long as it’s pointed at yr music folder and running, i can use it
me: okay. THAT is cool.
Anyway, I’ve been using the software, and it works pretty much as advertised. If you fancy sharing music beyond your home network, I highly recommend it. If you’re not an iTunes user, the Simplify Web site promises they’re working on versions for Windows Media Player and Winamp.
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