There's no disputing that iTunes boasts an
excellent feature set right out of the installation package.
However, if you really plan to stretch its powers to the max, you
may want to think about downloading a few third-party
applications.
As you might expect, the number of Mac
iTunes
add-ons far outweighs the number of available Windows offerings.
Still, we've managed to scrape up a few quality applications we
think PC users will appreciate.
Volume Logic
Developed by Berkeley, California-based Octiv,
Volume Logic is one of the few audio-centric plug-ins we've
seen for the Windows version of iTunes. In short, this
application enhances iTunes' sound quality by giving you
around 20 preset effects that digitally remaster audio on
the fly. Whether Volume Logic actually makes your tunes
sound better is highly subjective, and opinions are likely
to vary among listeners. What no one will argue, however,
is that this program makes music loud. If you plan
to have iTunes DJ your next shindig, Volume Logic will give
your wimpy little PC speakers a much-needed boost.
 Download Volume
Logic
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G-Force
iTunes' built-in, tweakable visualisations are pretty
nifty in their own right, but variety is the spice of
life. That's why we suggest G-Force, a visualisation
plug-in that integrates tightly into the iTunes
interface and puts on a jolly good show.
Despite the occasional nag screens, G-Force is well
worth downloading, and the registration fee for the
full version is totally reasonable.
Download
G-Force
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EvilLyrics
We've evaluated a few programs that
automatically grab song lyrics from the Web,
and none is perfect. That said, EvilLyrics'
low-maintenance operation and fine performance
make it a good set-it-and-forget-it pick for
those folks who insist on singing along.
Of course, the program couldn't locate every
lyric we tested, but unless your entire
collection is composed of Scandinavian heavy
metal or obscure Appalachian folk tunes, we
think you'll be able to put EvilLyrics to some
use. Also, as the application is completely
free, there's no harm in at least taking it for
a spin.
Download
EvilLyrics
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FoxyTunes
Simplicity can be a beautiful thing, and
anyone who has ever used FoxyTunes can
tell you this firsthand. This no-frills
application simply places a small audio
control panel at the bottom of your
Firefox browser, letting you perform such
actions as playing a song, rewinding, and
adjusting the volume without accessing
the main iTunes client. Although it's a
narrowly focused program, FoxyTunes can
help you access your stash of sonic
delights with fewer clicks, an
arrangement we're happy to agree to --
especially for free.
Download
FoxyTunes
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EyeJamz
Boasting a handsome design scheme
and speedy performance, EyeJamz
takes the pain out of finding cover
art and adding it to iTunes.
Housed in an interface that's
strikingly similar to the jukebox
itself, this program will start
locating album artwork with the
click of a mouse.
With another click, EyeJamz will
automatically add the cover art
it's located to your music
library.
The trial version only allows you
to retrieve about 40 covers, but
the registration fee is quite
low.
Download EyeJamz
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