doubleTwist Player (Android)

RATING:
1 out of 5

PRICE:
Free

TASTY:
Acts as an iTunes video and music player for your DROID.

BUMMER:
Mac/Windows client only; not usable under Linux. Tough to make playlists, freezes when dragging more than four files at a time, drops meta data when converting from M4A (native iTunes) to MP3.

COOL:
Contains a built-in link to the Amazon MP3 store. Can set music tracks to be your ringtone.

REVIEW:
After months of waiting, we finally have an alternative to Apple’s iTunes experience for the DROID. Snag the DoubleTwist Desktop media sync program before installing the free Android player application.

Then, buyer beware, you’re in for a bumpy ride.

Once the desktop client is up and running, the program will scan your drive(s) for media files – both music and video. Creating playlists involves dragging and dropping files; grab more than four at a time and you’ll be giving your machine the three-fingered salute to start over again. When you have your playlists created, sync with your phone. Syncing a second time results in some files and playlists being copied twice?

Converting native iTunes albums into MP3 format seemed to work just fine, until I discovered that the meta data (song title, album, etc.) didn’t come along for the ride. Ouch. Deleting files was problematic (didn’t work) plus you’ll need to download your video podcasts to your desktop client and then sync them to your phone. There’s no functionality for grabbing your ‘casts directly to your phone using the Player.

You can set specific tracks to be your ringtone, and the app does directly link to the Amazon MP3 store to let you purchase and play back purchases.

Still, the final straw for me occurred when the app seemed to randomly play music even when my phone was locked. Odd, to say the least.

Until the developer works out the kinks, stay far away from the doubleTwist player. Trust me.