Linux Syncs Great With Droids - page 2

Just Plug it In

Competition frequently breeds better competitors, and that's certainly the case with Amarok. The latest release is version 2.3.1 and does not want to be outdone by the new features in Banshee. From a user interface perspective the two programs are very different. Amarok uses a three-pane approach with your media on the left, the current playing selection in the middle pane and playlist information on the right.

Amarok

The first time you connect your Android device to Amarok you will need to import any existing songs into the application and onto local storage. Amarok offers a couple of ways to accomplish this. The easiest is probably to find the Music folder on your device in the left pane like you would using a file manager. Amarok uses the mouse buttons extensively, and if you right-click on the Music folder on the phone you'll have the option to copy to collection at that point. Selecting that option will present you with a dialog box and a number of other options. Taking the defaults will import the music from your phone into the Music folder on your computer.

Another option is in the Configure tab under the Amarok settings menu. This option allows you to watch folders and check for changes. Selecting your Music folder on the phone will keep tabs and back up any new songs that you may have purchased on the phone to your local collection. Amarok allows you to add streaming music to your list of options by adding the URL of your favorite Internet radio station. If Amarok doesn't do something you need, there's probably a script to get it done. Browse the Amarok wiki if you want to see what's there.

Bottom Line

In the final analysis you won't find a better platform to sync your Android phone with than Linux. Both Banshee and Amarok have all the features you'd ever want in a music player and more. Now all you have to do is pick one.