Find That Song: The Best Music Recognition Apps for Ubuntu Touch
We’ve all been there: you’re in a café, a store, or watching a movie, and a fantastic song starts playing. You need to know what it is, but you can’t quite catch the lyrics to search for it later. For most smartphone users, the solution is a quick tap on an app like Shazam or SoundHound. For those committed to the privacy and open-source principles of Ubuntu Touch, the answer isn’t as straightforward, but powerful solutions are readily available.
If you’re looking to identify music on your Ubuntu Touch device, here’s everything you need to know about the best tools for the job.
The Go-To Solution: SongRec
For a native app experience, the clear winner in the Ubuntu Touch ecosystem is SongRec. This application is a powerful, open-source music recognition tool that provides a seamless experience for identifying songs on the fly.
Unlike proprietary services, SongRec is built with transparency and user privacy in mind. It leverages the robust music recognition databases of the AudD API to accurately identify millions of songs, from chart-topping hits to obscure indie tracks.
Key features of SongRec include:
- Recognition from Microphone: Simply tap the listen button, and SongRec will use your device’s microphone to capture and identify any song playing nearby.
- Identify Audio from Files: Have a video or audio clip with an unknown song? SongRec can analyze the file directly to find a match.
- Song History: The app conveniently saves a list of your previously identified songs, so you can always revisit your discoveries.
- Open-Source and Privacy-Focused: As an open-source application, its code is available for anyone to inspect. It focuses solely on music recognition without collecting unnecessary personal data.
Getting SongRec is simple. Just search for it in the OpenStore on your Ubuntu Touch device and install it. After granting it microphone permissions, you’re ready to start identifying music.
Alternative Method: Using Web-Based Services
If you prefer not to install a dedicated app or need a quick backup, web-based music recognition services are an excellent alternative. The Morph Browser on Ubuntu Touch is perfectly capable of accessing these tools.
Here are a few reliable web services:
- Midomi: This is the web platform powered by SoundHound. It’s well-known for its impressive ability to identify songs even if you hum, sing, or whistle the tune. Just navigate to the Midomi website, tap the icon, and let it listen.
- Shazam’s Web Version: While the native app isn’t on Ubuntu Touch, Shazam offers a functional web version. It works similarly to the app, using your browser’s access to the microphone to listen and identify music.
- ACRCloud: This service offers a music recognition tool on its website that is fast and accurate. It’s another great option to have bookmarked in your browser for quick access.
Using a web-based service means there is no installation required, and you can access powerful recognition engines directly through your browser. The trade-off is that it may be slightly less convenient than a one-tap native app.
A Note on Security and Privacy
One of the core strengths of using Ubuntu Touch is the enhanced control over your privacy and data. When choosing a music recognition tool, it’s wise to apply the same principles.
- Favor Open-Source: Applications like SongRec provide transparency that proprietary apps often lack. You can be more confident that the app is only performing its stated function.
- Check Permissions: Whether using an app or a web service, always be mindful of the permissions you grant. Only allow microphone access when you are actively trying to identify a song.
- Understand the Service: Mainstream services may use your search data for marketing or analytics. Open-source alternatives typically minimize or eliminate this kind of data collection.
While Ubuntu Touch may not have the vast app selection of Android or iOS, it boasts a dedicated community that builds effective, secure, and privacy-respecting software. With a powerful native app like SongRec and capable web-based alternatives, you’ll never have to let a great song slip away again.
Source: https://www.linuxlinks.com/useful-ubuntu-touch-apps-music-recognition/
