Audio Players and features.
Plain audio Music files. default player.
Playlist building for Music is built in to PS3 now. but like Apple Itunes when offline. You have to Build playlists manualy if you want any thing more than....
Album
Artist
Genre
Track
Release year
.... sorting options... Even on PC I have to Copy albums or tracks into play lists....
This also only works if you transfered the files correctly to keep the meta data... Which again is easier via media server.
You have made things harder buy rejecting the media server.
The lack of search for music does seem to be another Regional difference. You put the music on your HDD So japan seems to think You should remember whats its called and who sung it...
Search also needs an Index of the files, the PS3 does not index untill the XMB is loaded. you can see this as if you scroll down fast. the files load in as you go.
Music types supported = WMA2, LC-AAC, WAV, MP3... HE-AAC contains LC-AAC so only plays that part.
Open source will never be supported as there is no regulator, only FIXED standards will be allowed as they will supply and mantain the Decoder as there license fee and agreement requires.
Amazon are still able to supply single tracks via the PS3 browser, So for now SCE is staying out of the Amazon Vs Itunes price wars... on general Music.
Music unlimited app.
Is a payed for Music online library based service for PSN ID users. This provides Playlists and Search functions for online streaming audio.
Vidzone app.
Designed to replace the need to buy Music videos. If you can put up with the small adverts. This does provide limited pre selected play list but again, it does require for you to do the work setting up your own playlist choices.
All the apps are about you choposing what you want to listern to Not being forced listen to what the DJ says.
Spotify had their chance, they CHOOSE not to join the PS3 platform, Vidzone shows that even small developers can pay for the SDK and join the PS3 platform.
