^ YEA! The new iTunes visualizer is RAD. Its based on a version a program called "Magnetosphere".
> Speaking of Apple products, I do LOVE iTunes. Great all-around media handler, and their standard Music Visualizer, starting with Version 9 I think, based on a genius Particle System implementation called "Magnetosphere" is incredible. I could play music and stare at that for hours. Sometimes I get an impulse upon hearing a new piece of music "Gee I wonder what iTumes/Magnetosphere will do with THIS?" and am compelled to check it out.
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> Here's a page with some stills and a few of the available keyboard shortcuts... a few more below
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http://www.everythingitunes.com/os/windows/2008-01-01/magnetosphere-visualiser/
More shortcuts (in addition to those at above site):
There are four hidden commands that aren’t shown in the menu. Pressing ‘+’ or ‘-‘ on your numerical keypad will increase or decrease the SENSITIVITY of the particles.
The ‘A’ and ‘S’ keys allow you to add or subtract the NUMBER of particles from the visualizer.
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> PLUS: Seems Apple did their own Borg-ification of Magnetosphere, and alot of people prefer the original, which you can still find to download and install into iTunes for either Mac or Windows here -
http://gizmodo.com/5048237/how-to-get-the-real-magnetosphere-visualizer-in-itunes Click the "slow download" choice at the Rapidshare page (unless you subscribe to that of course) and after a little waiting it will give you a download link.
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> The original IS different enough that it is worth checking out, especially if you are into visual effects, animation, etc. It installs into iTunes under "Visualizers" as "Magnetosphere" and you can still pick the Apple version, still listed as just "Visualizer" I believe.
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> I just discovered this recently, and actually I might like it better... more about MANY sparkles (looking at times like an immense tripped-out swarm of alien fireflies!), less about several big planets...and also it switches up more often and seems MUCH more delicately responsive to the music.
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> Actually they both have quite a different "feel" and are both immensely cool and amazing. Apple's feels more "epic", but somewhat ponderous and less responsive... the original more delicate, fleet-footed and "Fairy-like."