Simplify Media—Share Music

A new 'music-sharing' program has emerged; however, the context is a little different this time around. Instead of actually transporting music files from one computer to another (which is illegal), media is streamed between computers or to a mobile device—Apple's iPhone or iTouch.

Here is a quote from the company website describing what they do:

"Simplify Media is an early stage startup dedicated to making it easier for people to access and enjoy their digital music, photos and videos with close friends and family. Our software connects people directly from within their favorite desktop applications, without having to upload and download files via a website or learn a new user interface. The first version of Simplify Media lets you listen to your home music from any computer or browse and play your friends' music over the Internet. Simplify Media integrates with iTunes, Winamp, Banshee and Rhythmbox and runs on Mac, Windows and Linux computers, as well as the iPhone and iPod Touch."

You can add your music library and access it via the Internet from any location and even stream to your iPhone or iTouch. But it gets better...You can also invite up to 30 friends to share your music with and thus increase your selection by obtaining access to their libraries. Right now I have roughly 4000 songs, and if I can find people with equally expansive libraries, I may have instant access to over 100,000 songs on the go, at home, or at work via my iPhone, desktop, or laptop. Even if you don't have a mobile device the application is powerful for simply home or office use. Download it, install it, marvel.

One thing to keep in mind, is that the music is streamed from the computer that is being accessed. This means that the amount of upload bandwidth that is consumed can be substantial if you have 30 people pulling from your collection all at once. Though this is unlikely, unless all of your invites have no music and decide to listen to all of yours at the same time. Overall, it seems more-or-less a minor concern, and if it does happen...find new friends.