Hi Everyone Gazmaz from the UK here.
I realized that there is one product that, although I got it in a Mac software bundler, I pretty much use all the time. Now I think there are other solutions out there, but I do like the interface and options that this application gives me. So what on earth am I talking about? CoverSutra.
You heard right CoverSutra. This little app links into your iTunes app and can be used as a controller from wherever you currently are to control your tunes. The application can also use a neat little CD cover case that floats on your desktop and displays the art work for your currently playing Podcast or Album artwork if it’s Music that you’re listening to.
I use the shortcut options that are very easy to set up in the CoverSutra to show or hide iTunes but the application also has a pop up menu that allows easy control of your music as it’s being played. You can adjust the volume in iTunes, you can turn on shuffle all, the sort of stuff you’d expect, but what I also like are the shortcuts that you set up to search music and especially to set up user ratings which is something that I really need because when I moved across to the Mac all of my rating from iTunes on Windows were lost, yeah I know, it was my fault.
So CoverSutra uses the power of spotlight for you when you search for music from within iTunes, and it is just a quick keyboard combination away, plus it’s very quick.
The Case which you can have on your desktop has a choice of three types. A couple of CD type cases or maybe you want to go vinyl. The controls that you can set up can be used to control iTunes from where ever you are on your machine, and you can set up almost any customizable keyboard combination, but of course if you have one of the new flat keyboards you can still use the play options that Apple gave you.
Now I don’t use Last.FM, although I hear a lot about it, but CoverSutra does have the possibility to link up with the Last.FM service.
Now the developer is based in Germany and the current version costs €14.95 and with the current deviating exchange rates I’d prefer not to guess the Dollar or GBP price. The website is http://coversutra.com and there are plenty of screenshots there for you to take a peek at.
Would I have paid for this app on it’s own if it wasn’t in the Mac bundle? Well I don’t think I would have, would I pay for the app now that I’ve used it and seen what it can do for me? Well yes I think I would.
no comment untill now