Filed under: Multimedia, Software, Freeware, Open Source, Universal Binary
Back/Center Stage 0.6 released
CenterStage and BackStage make up a dynamic duo which gives FrontRow a run for its money. The free software suite reached version 0.6 today, bringing with it some exciting new features and Intel support. Media management app BackStage got madeover with a new unified UI, while FrontRow-esque component CenterStage now features support for the Apple remote, Elgato eyeTV, and Griffin RadioShark, as well as a new UI for photo browsing. While the programs might not be as polished and feature rich as MediaCentral, the price can't be beat, and new features are being added rapidly. Via HardMac
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Alex said 9:14AM on 7-31-2006
The price can't be beat by driving a nail into your foot, but much like CenterStage, I wouldn't recommend that either. I think it's time for the CenterStage project leaders to turn out the light and find another interest.
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Thomas said 9:44AM on 7-31-2006
I can't say I enjoyed using it either. But it's not even version 1 yet so maybe it'll get better.
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Alex said 12:08PM on 7-31-2006
"a dynamic duo which gives FrontRow a run for its money"
Did the author actually even launch the software. CenterStage is unfortunately still unusable software. They have been at it for a year and a half and the project is slowly dying of featuritis and bugs at the same time. It had lots of potential, but the game is over.
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Paul Roberts said 7:37PM on 7-31-2006
Agreed. I can't even get this software to run properly, and I am no novice when it comes to troubleshooting software. There is a lot of promise here, but too much of it is unfulfilled. I don't see the point in continuing to add features, when the ones already there don't work properly.
FrontRow on the other hand, is limited in features, but works like a dream. Yes, it's only half a dream, but at least it works. This is where Apple sets a standard that other Mac developers should really take to heart and try to emulate. Design it so it just works, and then add features as they can be developed and tested. iTunes, iPhoto, iMovie and OSX itself all came out of the gate rather limited, but they built upon a solid foundation and now are all first class applicaitons.
CenterStage has no solid foundation, and therefore it seems to lack direction. It's like saying all the right things, but not doing the right things. It's time to walk the talk for this ap.
MediaCentral has similar flaws, but at least it works a lot better. However, it has a serious flaw in its severely limited demo mode (5 minutes). Not even enough time to get it set up to test it properly. Right now, there are no good options in this space, so there is lots of room for somebody to step in and do it right. But, what will probably happen is Apple will keep refining FrontRow, until there is no reason for the others' existence. Plus, FrontRow will be free.
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Tyler said 11:50PM on 7-31-2006
Define "rapidly."
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cars said 10:28AM on 9-21-2006
I think it will became very used very soon.
I like it's tools
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