Review: Songbird
Humm, I would like to thank my friend, dead etiquette, for referring to Songbird. This is a pretty cool browser and I have had fun using it. However, it is still in a development stage so I think it would be wise to ask a few things of the developers before making the release final.
First off, tabs. I know they are coming but why not implement them soon? There are some instances in which you NEED tabs. Like if you want to flip back to your library while writing a blog post or uploading some pics to Flickr. Tabbed browsing is a very important thing and it should be an integrated feature in all Mozilla-based browsers. Just some food for thought.
Second, can Songbird do more? I have Flock, Opera, Firefox and Safari on my computer. I would like to see a built in RSS reader placed into my browser, along with extra features. Maybe integrated MySpace support? I am not sure but I would love to see more integration between Songbird and other existing services.
Third, can Songbird import my bookmarks and my music libraries in the new install process? It would be cool if it used a service such as del.icio.us to manage the bookmarks but we can’t always get what we want. I would love to see this feature implemented.
Songbird is a very capable media player and it doesn’t do too badly with web browsing either. However, unless you can’t build better browsing features into your app, you may go the same route that Flock is going. It has some strong points but there are lots of things that should be improved on. I know this is just the opinion of a by-stander but some of these issue resonate with other users as well. Just a few thoughts.
Also, I just notice while writing this post that certain features to edit your blog are disabled because you can’t seem to open a new window in the browser. What’s up with that? Maybe Songbird should take a page out of Opera’s usability guide and steal it’s Window management idea.
December 11th, 2006 at 5:37 pm
Songbird can scan your system for media files. This option is presented when you first run Songbird, and you can manually initiate media scanning from the File menu.
Songbird can also import iTunes libraries using the iTunes library extension.
Songbird’s primary focus is on being a media player that integrates with the media web. It’s not intended to replace your web browser. Tabs will eventually be added, but probably not before CD support, equalizer, and other media player features.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:10 pm
Ah, okay. I wonder if it can play tracks purchased off of the iTunes Music Store…
December 12th, 2006 at 6:40 am
Unfortunately, it cannot play iTunes store tracks due to the DRM:(
December 12th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
Ah, that really sucks ass.