iMesh 11.0.0

You will have access to some 15 million songs and videos by getting the free, legal, and RIAA-approved P2P client iMesh. You can use the application to search for music videos and view them, to search for music tracks and download them, to discover new music and artists, to create playlists, to listen to a personalized DJ station, and more. iMesh is your personal treasure chest that contains a large variety of audiovisual content.

The iMesh installation file is only 2.3MB in size, which is good news; it means that even on a lousy internet connection, you’ll have the installation file on your PC in no time at all. The setup wizard that shows up when you run the aforementioned file asks you to pick between a Typical and Custom Installation. Please note that if you choose the Typical Installation, your homepage and your default search engine will be changed, the Wincore Mediabar will be installed, and quick launch icons will be created. Go with the Custom Installation if you just want iMesh and none of the extras. When the installation process completes, you will be asked to run iMesh.

Before you can start using iMesh, you must first join the iMesh community. Just like installing the application, it will take but a moment to join iMesh. It is a simple, 3-step process that involves picking a nickname, a password, and entering a bit of info about yourself. By joining iMesh you will be able to connect with other members. Once you finish joining iMesh, you will be presented with a prompt that invites you to upgrade to iMesh Pro. The Pro version offers faster download speeds, a special IM (instant messaging) window, unlimited upload space, a special skin, and no ads.

As you start using iMesh, you will be presented with a Wizard that searches your computer for media files and adds them to the Library. The aforementioned Library is one of the 5 tabs you will see in the upper left hand corner, underneath the playback buttons. The other buttons are: People (view other members of the iMesh Community), Search (enter a query and iMesh will find videos and audio tracks based on it), Discover (you are presented with music and artists you may be interested in), and DJ (based on an artist or song you choose, it finds and plays music you may like).

With iMesh installed on your machine, you have access to millions of audio tracks and videos. To find a song you would like to hear/watch, just click on Search and type in the song’s name in the search box. You will be presented with a list of results that includes videos and audio tracks. Double click on a video and it will start playing in a window in the bottom right hand corner; you can get it to float and thus place it anywhere you want, or you can get it go to full screen. Double click on an audio track, and it will be downloaded to your computer. Drag tracks in the pane to the right, and you can start creating a personalized playlist, and click the Add button to add videos to your library.

It’s all nice and well to be able to listen to music while you’re on front of your computer, but what about when you want to go out? iMesh has two surprises for you: the first is that it lets you easily transfer music to your iPod or MP3 player; the second is that it lets you burn an audio or MP3 CD.

As mentioned above, if you upgrade to iMesh Pro, you will get a special skin. It must be added here that you can change the way iMesh looks by selecting one of several color schemes.

If you love music, you will love iMesh and for good reason: it’s free, it looks great, it provides access to millions of songs and videos, it lets you discover new artists, and it provides a means of socializing with others.

Pros
You can pick between a Typical and a Custom Installation. Joining iMesh will only take a moment. The interface looks great, it's easy to use, and you can customize it by picking between several color schemes. iMesh gives you access to millions of songs and videos. You can view videos, download audio tracks, create a personalized playlist; the DJ finds and plays music based on your interests. You can discover artists and connect with iMesh community members. iMesh is free and legal.

Cons
Opens a “Thank you for downloading iMesh” webpage once the installation process completes. Unless you go with a Custom Installation, it will change your homepage and default search and it will install the Wincore Mediabar. Puts an “Emoticons for your messenger” icon on your desktop.

iMesh has been reviewed by George Norman on 11 May 2012. Based on the user interface, features and complexity, Findmysoft has rated iMesh 5 out of 5 stars, naming it Essential