Mac App Gem: YouControl Tunes
I just wanted to highlight a new piece of software that I’ve stumbled across in the past few days. It’s called You Control: Tunes, and it is an iTunes controller (in the same vein as CoverSutra and GimmeSomeTune). These programs allow you to control iTunes from the keyboard (or menubar) without having to switch over to iTunes.
Of course, many people own keyboards with dedicated keys for controlling music. However, iTunes controllers allow you to do more — including rate songs, search for tunes, activate playlists, upload to Last.fm and more.
I had previously fallen in love with GimeSomeTune, but quit using it because the developer appears to have abandoned the project and it would result in semi-frequent crashes.
You Control: Tunes is fully functional and free to boot. It accomplishes its task succinctly without getting in your way. I can quickly bring up a popup menu to inform me of the currently playing song. (See graphic to left.)
Additionally, the menubar access allows you to quickly access other songs and albums by the currently playing artist, search your library, change to different albums and playlists — you name it. There is never a need to open iTunes again, other than to manage metadata. Give it a shot.
