beaTunes News

Monday, November 11, 2013

beaTunes 3.5.17

beaTunes2 logoThis is a minor update that fixes a couple of small things and introduces the possibility to write SongAnalysisTask beaTlets.

You can get the updated version via the regular download page.

Java7 support on OS X

Just like for previous releases, I'd like to put a version out there that contains a bundled Java7 runtime environment. This version requires a 64bit OS X 10.7.3 or later. It does not explicitly support Retina displays.

You can get it here.

64bit support on Windows

Also I'd like to offer a 64bit version for Windows. This version requires Windows 7 or later. Because it does not use QuickTime anymore, some audio formats like Apple Lossless are not supported.

You can get it here.

Changes in 3.5.17

  • Updated Windows JRE
  • Fix for handling case changes in filenames on Windows.
  • Fixed tablecell-editor for genre and composer.
  • Better support for Task beaTlets.

Labels: , ,

Copying data to the comment field

beaTunes2 logoUnfortunately, iTunes does not support a number of fairly standard fields—most prominently probably musical key. To help solve this problem, there have always been beaTunes plugins that copy certain information to the comments or grouping field. Those plugins can be installed via the beaTunes preferences. However, it seems that many people want to have more control over what exactly is written to the comments field. Some prefer OK-Notation, others want musical keys, yet others want to come up with a completely new notation.

While it is possible to code up a new Java plugin for beaTunes that suits your personal needs, many people find this too much trouble. This is why I introduced beaTlets a while back. beaTlets allow you to script beaTunes plugins using Groovy, JRuby, or Jython. In other words, instead of installing, Java, Maven, an IDE etc. you just have to code a single class in whatever text editor you like (TextMate, JEdit or Notepadd++ come to mind), drop it into the beaTunes plugin directory and restart beaTunes.

But before beaTunes 3.5.17 it hasn't been possible to script a SongAnalysisTask. That's the kind of plugin that works like the KeyToComment plugin you might have installed via the beaTunes preferences. It shows up in the Analysis Options dialog, when you click on Analyze. So... if you're interested in controlling how the key field is copied to some other field, please check out the new sample code for Song Analysis Task beaTlets. When rolling your own, please keep in mind, that any error messages are dumped to the beaTunes log, the file name of your beaTles must reflect its class name, and that no two entities can have the same name (you might have to uninstall plugins with the same name).

Enjoy.

Labels: , , ,

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Eco Spinning

For all you DJs, this may be a little off topic. But I know for a fact that loads of people use beaTunes for creating spinning playlists. You know, those stationary bikes, installed in endless rows in the your gym. Bicyclists spinning away, generating lots of unused power...

Well, it does not have to be unused. Some small gyms like The Green Microgym actually let you generate real power. Yep, that's right! Your muscle power does not get wasted. And, if you like the idea, you can build a generator bike yourself. Time's Up has detailed plans for the generators they used during OWS on their website and The Green Microgym sells a kit on their site. But there are plenty more. Most likely you can find someone near you, who can help you set up a generator bike.

Wouldn't that be a great New Year's resolution: Never charge your iPhone through a regular outlet? ;-)

Happy spinning!

Labels: