So, I've still been using iTunes. Given that there is now integration of Windows Media Player with MSN Messenger (it'll show what you're playing) I've got even less reason to keep "giving it a chance."

However, I just recently discovered a feature I happen to really like. At work, we don't particularly approve of streaming music. This isn't to say it doesn't happen. However, it's not supposed to. So, what I've gotten to doing (although I haven't done it in quite a while) is recording some of my favorite streams using WinAmp. I've done this with classical, 80s, techno, and other things. The quality isn't quite what it is when I find and rip a CD, but it's usually more of a "best of" list anyway. However, there has always been a really annoying problem. The break in the songs isn't detected very well. That means that many of my songs both start about 30 seconds in as well as end with a station sweeper and a few seconds of the next song.

iTunes, however, solves this problem. Each song has a field for when in the song to play and when to stop playing. Using this, I can get rid of the ending part without editing the file (which would further reduce the quality since many are already relatively low bit rate).

Now that's a feature I'll be looking for in my other players.

Posted by Shane on June 15, 2005 8:48 AM | Permalink