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Digital Slob
Curt Brandao
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MP3 Web app keeps it simple and Thoreau
"Simplify, simplify, simplify!"
That's a quote from Henry David Thoreau that I still remember from high school English -- a class I almost failed. Why?
It's complicated.
Still, every would-be software developer should first read the complete works of Thoreau, because his philosophy is sorely lacking throughout the Web.
I recently tripped across one tool, however, that seems heavily influenced by the 18th-century transcendentalist.
Simplify Media (simplifymedia.com) is a cool, free application that allows you to share your MP3 library with friends across the Internet via computers or iPhones. Fi-nal-ly.
As a rule, Web-based music-related applications are either good or legal but not both.
Yet its developers say Simplify Media is the exception because it lets a maximum of 30 friends "stream" your songs -- rather than let 30 gazillion strangers download them and keep them while no doubt poking their heads out their windows, looking up to the sky and sticking out their tongues at the Recording Industry Association of America's imaginary all-seeing infringement-seeking satellite.
Still, I fear it's just a matter of time before the RIAA introduces Simplify Media to the term "cease and desist."
But if/when/until then the application, which works on Windows, Macs and Linux systems, is perpetually free for computers, and at-the-moment free for the first 100,000 iPhones through iTunes -- after that the iPhone version will cost $3.99.
How does it stand up to the Thoreau test? Well, it works as simply as anything like this can work in the burgeoning Digital Age (easier than brain surgery, harder than a squeeze bottle of ketchup).
First, you download the app, and a box pops up allowing you to "invite" your friends via e-mail to access the music in your iTunes (or Winamp or Rhythmbox) player. This e-mail will then invite them to install the same app, through which they accept your invitation.
Once they do, they will see a "shared" folder on the left library panel of their iTunes player with your screen name. When they click that, they will see all your iTunes MP3s (you can limit what you make available in your preferences menu).
Why is this great? Well, Digital Slobs love sharing, especially with ourselves.
I can now peruse my home computer's iTunes library (including podcasts) while at my work cubicle, which means I won't be forced to be productive all day just because I forgot my iPod on the kitchen table.
Those with iPhones no longer need to fill up their limited storage space with a select sample of music, since Simplify Media lets them stream their computer's entire library wirelessly.
On the not-quite-upside, the streaming causes a five-second or so lag when you skip ahead or switch songs. It requires your home computer to be on, with iTunes running. And the app doesn't yet work with video.
But I think Thoreau, who wrote that you should "keep your accounts on your thumb nail," would approve.
Nah, who am I kidding? He'd hate all this. How would I know, anyway?
I barely got out of that class.