DoubleTwist: Like iTunes for your cell phone

Yesterday, I blogged about how the forthcoming Droid won't be an iPhone killer because it lacks the simple sync interface provided by the iTunes desktop application. I neglected to mention an excellent application called DoubleTwist, which offers the easy sync experience of iTunes for a much wider variety of devices, including all the Android phones currently on the market, most BlackBerrys, Sony's PlayStation Portable, and a huge range of other non-Apple products--as well as the iPod and iPhone, if you're so inclined.

DoubleTwist has a large orange Sync button in exactly the same location as iTunes.

Created in part by Jon Lech Johansen (aka DVD Jon), who's best known for helping crack the encryption system used on video DVDs, DoubleTwist is available as a free download for both Windows (including Windows 7) and Mac. Plug in any supported device, and DoubleTwist immediately recognizes it, lets you choose content to sync (pictures, videos, and either all your music or select iTunes playlists), and then begins syncing that data with a single click of a button. It also boasts integration with Amazon's MP3 store, giving you a rough equivalent to the iTunes Store. DoubleTwist also has an interesting sharing feature that lets you select any piece of content from within the program and e-mail a link to a streaming version of that content to your friends (the content itself is stored on DoubleTwist's servers). This feature integrates with e-mail address books from Gmail and Yahoo Mail if you want to spread that latest remix far and wide.

DoubleTwist co-founder Monique Farantzos e-mailed me specifically about yesterday's post, so it's a safe bet that the application will support Droid. More to the point, as phone makers continue to miss the importance of iTunes, DoubleTwist is essentially becoming iTunes for those devices. There's one crucial difference: Apple either ships a disc with iTunes with its devices, or prompts you to download iTunes when you install them. For these other phones, you have to know where and how to get DoubleTwist.

[chrisfrary]

Although I agree that IPhone is a popular device but you really think Itunes made it successful? No, it's the marketing, the ease of use, and touch screen. I guess you could consider me bias since I hate AT&T but I do have an Ipod but will be buying the droid on day one. I care about apps, openness and easy to use interface. If Verizon keeps its promises it will be a winner. I don't like the fact I have to hack a phone in order to get full functionality. Believe me i have been there before V710 and E815 come to mind.

[stevicus]

Is this hypocritical or is it just me?<br /><br />The biggest complaint I hear about iTunes is the need for an apple account to download free apps. This is because I am in Japan where the iPhone just took off this year, so many friends have just been introduced to Apple and iTunes. <br /><br />doubletwist is jabbing apple for their business practices but employing some of the same practices.<br /><br />Why should I need an account to copy music that is local on my mac to my phone that is physically connected with a cable?

[OrangeRT]

Where exactly has doubleTwist criticized Apple for requiring an account? Next time try including some substance in your rants.<br /><br />PS: OMG OMG CNET requires an account for posting comments. Hypocrites!<br /><br />PPS: If that's the biggest complaint you hear about iTunes, then you and your circle of friends need to get out more and perhaps even interact with members of the opposite sex.

[stevicus]

Where exactly have I said doubletwist criticized Apple for requiring an account? <br /><br />My so-called "Rant" is simply pointing out the fact that Jon criticizes Apple's way of doing things in general. I did not say that Jon criticizes apple's requirement for an account, specifically. <br /><br />Jon requires you to register to use the software locally - without touching the internet. Apple does not. This is a fact, not a rant. Do you understand?<br /><br />Since many of my friends do not spend so much time on computers for recreational purposes (but rather tend to "get out" instead), many are just now being introduced to Apple's way of doing things. Many have now just created their very first Apple ID. And they say to me, "stevicus, why must I register and give all my personal info? All I want to do is DL a free app."<br /><br />And I say, "that's just the was Apple does it. Live with it or buy something else or jailbreak your device."<br /><br />PS: Jon deserves much thanks from many people for giving them ability to use their purchased - I mean "licensed" media in the way they want. If the account requirement is part of a monetization plan, that is fine with me - they should just say so. Great code doesn't write itself you know... Or do you?<br /><br />PPS: You need a little bit of world perspective. And it appears a stiff drink to calm the nerves - if you are of legal drinking age that is - wouldn't want to contribute to the delinquency of a minor. ;-)

[DrtyDogg]

I criticize Apple for needing an account! Why do I need an account to download album art? And why does said account require a credit card?

[wroane]

You do realize that you don't actually have to use a credit card to have an account? Just google it, the information is out there.

[stevicus]

IIRC, there is an option for "none" or something like that wrt credit card when you create an iTunes account.

[Brent212]

Probably the biggest iphone killer, for me, is itunes. Having to use it is the main reason I'm barely interested in the iphone. If I can't manage files on my phone directly, I'll look elsewhere.

[cw_]

Double twist is great. Very nice UI and device compatibility. I use this on my home mac and my Win laptop with both my Nokia xpress and my iTouch. Auto file conversion is sweet and Amazon mp3 integration will be the icing on the cake.

[AppleSuxLeo]

If iTunes is so great , why did Molly Wood call it a "bloated turd" on a Cnet podcast.<br />I have heard it called worse by Mac users , too.

[stevicus]

I am a mac user and it is a bloated turd. It out started nice and fine, but as more stuff like videos and apps were added to the iTunes store... well, iTunes just got bigger and bigger. The whole thing needs a re-think with perhaps specific functionality broken out into separate applications.

[sanjayb]

Molly Wood is a bitter old woman when it comes to Apple stuff.

[stevicus]

Just realized doubletwist doesn't copy iTunes album art that is stored in a separate folder. Salling Media Sync does handle the album art but the free version doesn't sync - it recopies all items. But album art downloaded from itunes is copied to the phone. The paid version is a bit expensive, $22US.