It might feel like Napster is the center of the MP3 universe, but friends, let me tell you: there's a whole 'nother world out there. Actually, it's more like a galaxy.
Audiogalaxy.com offers an alternative to MP3 swappers who've had it with Napster and frankly ... it's about time. With so much attention being paid to the online music trading giant's legal troubles, one key fact is being lost in the shuffle -- it's a terrible, miserable program that's an absolute pain in the neck to use.
Never fear, the Audiogalaxy Satellite is here.
While Napster has been busy devising its legal defense strategy, Audiogalaxy.com has been busy building a better mousetrap, addressing the practical concerns of disgruntled Napster users. Whatever your problem with Napster, odds are, audiogalaxy has the answer.
Tired of sitting hunched over your computer desk, waiting, watching and hoping your download will finish successfully? With Audiogalaxy's file-sharing utility Satellite -- you don't even have to be home.
When I tested the program, I actually turned the program on, then went to work, logging onto the site and picking out songs I wanted as I thought of them.
Just turn on the Satellite and log onto Audiogalaxy.com from anywhere in the world. Although the downloads happen on your home computer, you can control your account from anywhere with Internet access.
Did you notice how I mentioned "picking out songs" with Audiogalaxy? That's a key point: all you have to do is pick out the songs. Unlike with Napster, you don't have to search out people who are currently online and holding the song you want and you don't have to guess which one would give you the fastest download. Just make a list of the songs you want and Audiogalaxy will take care of the rest. They'll find the people with the song you want and they'll find the fastest download. If necessary, Audiogalaxy will wait for someone sharing the song to come online and then download it for you.
What about all of those Napster downloads that end up failing with only seconds to go? Make them a memory. Audiogalaxy Satellite keeps track of all partial downloads. As soon the chance comes up, it'll pick up again--right where it left off.
The bottom line is that even if the folks at Napster weren't openly discussing becoming a pay service, even if they weren't regularly expelling fans of this band or that one and even if they weren't fighting for their lives in the courts, Audiogalaxy.com's Satellite is simply the better program.
Ultimately, Napster's infamous legal battles may be all for nothing. After Audiogalaxy Satellite catches on, the "Napster Music Community" may end up a ghost town.
You can visit http://www.audiogalaxy.com/satellite for information on downloading the program or download directly from http://www.cnet.com.
Currently, Audiogalaxy Satellite is only available for systems using either Windows or Linux.
