Switch from iTunes

mikeym

mikeym

mikeym

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What are the main recommendations if switching from iTunes? This would be for both desktop and phone and possible integration with PS4 (that has Spotify app)

My first smartphone was an iPhone and, probably like a lot of others, got trapped in the iTunes 'ecosystem'.

Initially this involved many days of ripping my CD collection to iTunes and I have also bought a fair amount of music over the years from the iTunes store.

I am now an Android user and am unlikely to ever move back to iPhone.

I currently use DoubleTwist to sync my music to a 128GB SD card on my phone but am now considering making a switch away from iTunes and wondered what recommendations there would be, e.g. Google Play, PowerAmp, streaming service (with ability for local downloads and import of iTunes playlists), etc? I also listen to music on my laptop / desktop computer and also in the lounge through my PS4 and music system.

I see that there is the function to export / import playlists, songs, etc. from iTunes to other platforms but how successful is this and am I likely to lose a lot of music due to DRM? Is it worth a temporary subscription from iTunes as I think I remember seeing something about being able to download DRM free versions of bought tracks.

Any help or advice appreciated!

Thanks :cool:
 
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Depends how much you have invested in to Itunes to be honest.

I personally had no issue getting my self an NUS card, and getting half price spotify. Haven't looked back since.
 
Well, I'm tempted to go the Spotify route.

In my iTunes library there are 'Purchased AAC audio file' entries but no 'Protected AAC audio file' entries. I think I recall doing a free trial of iTunes Match which replaced the protected files with non DRM files.

Hopefully this means I shouldn't have any problems with songs not being available locally or when syncing with other devices.

Think I will have to do some more research to see what the in car experience on my Android phone will be. I spend 3+ hours in the car most days due to work commute so want to be sure I'm not going to be missing songs/playlists, etc.

I'll also have to check general availability for artists that I listen to. I don't listen to too much mainstream popular music but I think Spotify is relatively decent for covering most labels / artists?
 
Squeezed in a bit more research, including downloading Spotify (free) to my PC, adding iTunes playlists and installing to my phone. Seems quite a few songs are missing even from just one of my larger playlists.

Now swaying more towards Google Play Music or another service that will allow me to upload my own music collection and make it available for streaming and local download.

About to try uploading my music collection and playlists to Google Play Music (free version again!)...
 
All music now uploaded to Google Play Music.

Tried it with Android Auto app in the car and appears that I may not be getting all playlists visible. The main Google Play Music app seems to be OK though.

Seems you have to do a workaround to get everything downloaded onto a phone - create a playlist on the PC with every song from your music collection and then download that playlist on the phone. Not too much of a hassle I guess...
 
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