My Nexus One Android Music Player

Android Music & Media Player

Updated 6/5/10: DoubleTwist has launched a media player now available in the Android Market.  Scan the the QR code to go directly to the app.

So you have a new Android or in my case a Nexus One but also have an iPod & iTunes account.  I'm not about to re-purchase all the music in my iTunes account but I don't anticipate Apple ever creating an Android app either.  

I did some digging and came up with an app called doubleTwist which works on PCs and Macs. I downloaded the program and it quickly identified and organized all of the music on my computer in an interface that mirrors the familiar iTunes.

To add to my Nexus One, I simply tether it via USB. The only aspect that needed additional explanation was why the phone was not immediately recognized by the computer.  To do so requires the extra step of "mounting" the phone.  On the Nexus One I drag down the slim notification bar along the top and am greeted with the message: "USB connected - Select to copy files to/from your computer." Click on that message and a new dialog opens which asks whether you want to Mount the phone, once you do, the phone will appear as a location to drag a drop your music files.

As for listening, there is a headphone jack on the Nexus One or you can connect to a Bluetooth headset.  Since I'm more interested in listening to my music in the kitchen through speakers, I picked up a new dedicated Nexus One Dock from Google.  It charges my phone, acts as an alarm clock and has audio jacks to connect to a stereo.  Interestingly, music is played from the phone through the dock via stereo Bluetooth despite a physical connection.  Not sure whether that is good or bad but it does allow for you to quickly grab the phone without having to disconnect anything.

I now can listen to my entire digital music collection via a hand-me-down Bose music player which sounds great.  It's a nice alternative for those of us with both Google Android and Apple products.  Glad someone was able to make it work without violating any patents.

Update: 3/14/10 - the Nexus One Desktop Dock does a great job working with Pandora streaming internet radio as well.  Since it connects via Bluetooth, you're able to remove the phone from the cradle without interrupting the music.  Now I just need to create some new stations that are appealing to my wife, she doesn't appreciate the 80's "new wave" appeal.

Update 3/31/2010: DoubleTwist now has their own Android Market for mobile apps as well.

I'd love to hear your questions or suggestions. 

Comments

[John Morris]

You answered one of my questions in this article. I too have an extensive iTunes library and have been using iPods. I often use three different portable electronic devices -- music player, telephone, PDA.

I use an iPod Touch for the PDA but don't like how it syncs (or should I say doesn't sync) with Gmail Calendar and Contacts. Also, the Touch is so big, I prefer to carry my iPod Nano with me when walking. This seems like a good alternative. Especially with the bluetooth capability, I could find a holster for the Nexus and have all three devices in one.

I'm exploring buying a Nexus One to combine use of the mobile phone, music player and a PDA. I want to have network access (wifi) but not pay for a phone data plan (too expensive.) What do you think?

[Rick Bucich]

Youre right, it would be an expensive proposition to bundle everything in the Nexus One and not use it with a data plan since youd have to buy one from Google for $530 bucks.  But, the inexpensive flash memory is expandable and the selection of apps is quite good.  The still and video cameras are pretty impressive as well and youd have access to Google Goggles, GPS and a few other items which are quite fun.