As Much Fun to Show as Useful to Use

• Posted by thepitcher December 23, 2009
• Recommended for Students, Music Fans, Film/TV Fans or Tech/Social Networking Junkies

I heard about music recognition apps as something you had to see to believe even before I bought my iPhone. So, when I started browsing through the app store, I had to find this app. I have only used Midomi (now Soundhound), and so, I can't compare it to Shazam. I am very happy to have bought Midomi though.

The music recognition engine is very impressive. If you are like me, you will want to show it in action to your friends. I tested it with what I considered fairly obscure music like "Tie My Kangaroo Down Mate" by Rolf Harris and "Tillsonburg" by Stompin' Tom Connors and was surprised when Midomi found them. The app also found jazz, classical and soundtrack instrumental music I threw at it. I have found it to have a hard time in two areas. The first is music that doesn't exist on an album somewhere. The second is brand new Canadian music. Still I have had such success that I am now surprised when the app does NOT find a song.

In addition to recognizing various songs, the app provides you with easy access to a range of information on each song. This includes lyrics, YouTube videos, musician biographies, album information and more.

Besides using Midomi to recognize music that I didn't know, I have used it when I wascleaning up my old mp3 collection. Some of this music was mislabeled. I just played the tune and Midomi instantly gave me info like album, year and track number. I have also been surprised when it has correctly pointed out musicians that were different than what I had.

If you are someone that likes to know what that cool new tune playing on the radio is, Midomi is for you. Of course, you should also buy this app if you simply like showing off to your friends.