@qrius: you can use either Hazel or some folder actions to get the same effect in OS X.

Quine

Its something to do with the really simple XML based iTunes library vs the more complex Media Player Database that handles the library..

i wish they would switch to a more complex database that handles massive db updates as a sync

Right now itunes does more of a drop and rebuild

Atleast thats my understanding,

@someone with more technical knowledge, am i wrong ?

AyushSaran

How come iTunes doesn't have this built in?

Rich Bradshaw

I just wish somebody would port Amarok to windows...

The How-To Geek

HMMmmm... I've been very indecisive on whether to use iTunes or Windows Media Player. I don't have an iPod, an iriver rather, but I like the sharing function and Cover Flow view in iTunes...but then again, Windows Media player has automatic folder watching, as well as a richer and more customizable sound for music files.

Webran61

That was my first thought, Ian - even Windows Media Player has has this feature for a few versions. I'm amazed that iTunes doesn't have this as well!

Binks

nice tip, but I'll stick to winamp.

does anyone else find it pretty lame that such a bloated media player doesn't even have this feature?

Ian

darn, is there anything like this for mac?

also on a side note, is there anything like this for iphoto? where it auto detects new photos? picasa does this, not sure why iphoto does not...

qrius

If only ID3 tags were always accurate, this would be great. I prefer to add music manually (drag, drop) so I can ensure accurate tags and organization in my massive music library.

low_dirt

@jquack: Exactly. For such a bloat piece of software, you would expect THIS feature to have been there for awhile, and maybe get rid of the tv or iPhone crap.

the only reason I use iTunes for my podcasts, it keeps my listening place whenever I sync to my iPod and back. If anyone knows how to do this with another player, please let me know.

holymogwai

FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC! :) Bout time if you ask me.

jquack

Ok so, long time reader first time commentator.
I've been compelled to make my statements because no one really makes an argument I can agree with on the itunes software. Most highlight some of the most trivial features like cover flow, etc.

To get to the point, Playlist folders are what keep me ensnared. I have yet to find another player that even makes an attempt at mimicking this feature (and if you have any suggestions please do tell).

I work on mix cd's out of itunes before i edit them elsewhere. So I end up with alot of mix snippets and incomplete mix cd's. When playlist folders dropped it was like a godsend but its also kept me from migrating to a player that may cure my other gripes with the software, such as the issue stated.

Yeah I wish itunes would auto search folders for me, or I wish they could cut the code down/re-write the darn thing so it wasn't Firefox slow/hungry(firefox 2 of course. I even used the multi plugin (till it was cancelled) to run the audio through the superior fubar engine instead.

No matter the issue, i still keep coming back. I like that itunes manages my library(and if you messed this up your doing it wrong), I love the jump to playing track feature, the browse mode makes finding what i need so fast and have seen it in other players like songbird or media monkey 3beta, and even fubar2000 but all those programs lack the playlist folders feature I adore so much.

Please, someone, eiher apple or someone else, give me what i need.

p.s. I always thought it would be cool if apple just released an itunes standard version and just made their own plugins for it. Like a BPM adjustment or to add those features that come included that no one wants, instead of making it part of the main program. The ability to install only certain features could be nice too! How about a tag system for genres considering music can so loosely be defined these days!!!!

MikeLovely

About freaking time! I am dumbfounded as to how Apple has left this one basic, yet highly functional feature out of iTunes.

brianblank

@holymogwai

I've gotten frustrated at a lot of software for being bloated, but iTunes?

The tv and iphone stuff stays out of your face unless you have one of those items. Same with ringtones. It's a clean interface and it is very easy just to use it as a place to keep music and play it. I'm not saying it's great or it sucks, but you're going to have to say a lot more to prove to me it's bloated.

Apple software, in general, has always avoided bloat. There are always people begging for features in iWork apps, Mail etc and complaining that Apple doesn't listen to them. You may hate Apple apps, and that's your call, but I don't think calling them bloated is well-founded.

kongjie

Nice to see a plug for The Thrills latest album, Teenager. Go buy it folks - it's fantastic.

Shame the screenshot looks like it's from a torrent :-(

doctorj

So, this will search my music folder and add anything that isn't already there?

That's be sweet, cause I've realized lately that in switched computers through the years I've left behind some music and somehow have the songs in the itunes music folder. It'd be nice if this can find those not included in my library that just kind of hanging out in the folder.

can anyone confirm?

ruindpzzle

If you're on a Mac there are quite a few automator scripts that will do this for you. Just google "doug's scripts for itunes" and you'll get a hit.

I use a Mac and I've been looking for three years for a suitable alternative to iTunes. I've tried everything and they're either too slow (like iTunes), not integrated well enough with the iLife suite (not like iTunes), or they just plain stink. When I used to be a PC user I used a fantastic program called Media Center by J. River. I had over 23K songs indexed and I could find any song I wanted in less than three seconds.

jplumey

I loves me a good third party app.

ffantasyv

this is awesome Itunes was never very kind to me I had to always add my whole folder and then go through and take out the duplicates, I dunno someone told me once that there was an easier way to do it but I didn't pay attention, this will help if your have like 7,000 songs and are constently adding.

Ninehand

The screenshot looks suspiciously like an illegal online rip of The Thrills latest output!

Boffy

@kongjie: Um. Start up iTunes, and time it. Then compare it to other apps. It loses.

holymogwai

@ADAM - just a note for the command line method:
[itlu.ownz.ch] <--seems to be down.

xanderificus