libox
is a free media sharing program currently available for Windows and Mac OSX (
Android
And
iOS apps
pending) as a desktop app, but also accessible through any web browser (including mobile browsers). Libox promises no compression of your files and full video support without the codex, meaning everything just works (disclosure: it actually works). This software is currently in beta, version 1.4.0.8, codenamed “Warhol”.
The way that Libox works is not through the use of a server. In contrast, files are transferred directly from the computer they originated on, to any subsequent device that accesses the file from. You can then log in with your account and all your files will be waiting for you. This network innovation is exactly why Libox is able to offer free and unlimited media sharing to its users. Not to mention completely private!
Embark on Libox
Note: Make sure you are equipped with a high-speed internet connection, otherwise this program will not work as fast as you expect.
Step 1: Click the link to the Libox Official Website and enter the email you want to associate with your new Libox account in the box provided.
Step 2: Once you click Get LIBOX Now, you will be asked to check your email and click on the link provided to provide confirmation that you are indeed who you say you are.
Step 3: You will be directed to a form asking for the usual information, first name, last name, username, password, you know what!
Step 4: The Accept & Download button confirms that you have read the Libox End User License Agreement and started downloading. Once done, open the existing .exe file in your Downloads folder.
Step 5: After a short time, the software installs (standard) and you will be asked to log in with the username and password you created in Step 3. Enter the correct information and you will have access to Libox for the first time.
Install Libox
First of all, Libox asks you to specify which folder you want to pull media from. You can keep the default media folders of their choice (I found this to be ineffective) or specify your media location by clicking the green link. I chose the latter option because it gives me a lot more freedom in deciding exactly what media I want to share between my various connected devices. I would also like to note that my iTunes folder uploads work great and have no problem getting protected songs into my Libox library.
Next, you are asked to upload a profile picture for your account from the web or your own personal gallery. Or maybe you want to take a brand new profile picture.
Finally, while you most likely won’t have many friends using Libox (yet), there’s still the option to add them to your friends list during the installation process. Of course, if you think your friends will like Libox or they have some facilities you can’t wait to get your hands on, you can always hit the Email Invite link and send the invite their way.
Using Libox
Here’s a snapshot of the Libox Home Screen just to show you what you’ll be working with. You have several colorful boxes that serve as links to various useful breakdowns of the features available to you as a Libox user. I found these extremely beneficial while learning my way through the program.
Music
Libox has a clean and easy-to-navigate user interface that I appreciate, and the program manages to find photos for almost every album I have (something iTunes has yet to master). I really like how it adds photos of the artists even when it can’t find the specific album cover. Impressively! Or maybe I’m just easily impressed.
As you might expect, Libox lets you filter your music collection through a number of different categories like Tracks, Albums, Artists, Genres, etc. Honestly, I would be appalled if Libox lacks these standard options. Creating playlists on the fly is also an option. Clicking the ADD button on any track will add it to your playlist, which is probably the easiest playlist builder I’ve come across.
image
Your photos are treated like your music, with different tabs at the top to organize your photos. There is also a search bar, present throughout the entire Libox experience. The unique feature here is that the photos you choose will appear in a new list at the top of your screen (shown below). Once in the list, you can do other things with them, like group them into an album or “Like” them, etc.
Video
The Videos tab is pretty simple, you get a grid layout with screenshots of all your videos. So just pick one and play it, as easy as pie!
Friends & Chat
In the Friends section, you have a list of your contacts and the option to start a chat session with them. This is where you can add new contacts, group them, and manage sharing. I haven’t had a chance to play with it too much, as I haven’t added friends to the Libox list yet.
In short, it’s…
I’ve run into a few bugs over the past week or so: scanning for media can take several tries, and music playback (at least in my experience) periodically includes strange, high-pitched noises.
I still think Libox is worth downloading and setting up as it can only continue to improve. We, as users, need to let go of a few flaws in our testing to support and strengthen the foundation of good software waiting to be great.
And if you’re looking for something a little more Mac-like and a lot more powerful, check out our guide to turning your Apple computer into a powerful media machine.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
