Integrate Google Music into Ubuntu Linux

Enjoying Google Music on Ubuntu – A Background Player

It is possible to utilize Google Music within the Ubuntu operating system without the necessity of maintaining an active browser tab. Google Music Frame provides a solution for running your preferred web-based music service in the background.

Key Features and Benefits

This application delivers notifications whenever a new track begins playing. Furthermore, it enables track control functionality mirroring the experience you are accustomed to.

Google Music stores your entire music library in the cloud, granting access from any computing device. This accessibility is advantageous, however, dedicating a browser tab solely to music playback presents certain drawbacks.

Addressing Common Issues

Accidental browser closure can interrupt your listening session, abruptly terminating the music. Switching between browser tabs to manage playback can also be cumbersome.

This is especially true for users who rely on keyboard shortcuts for efficient track navigation. Google Music Frame resolves these issues by offering a dedicated background player.

The application allows for seamless control without requiring constant browser interaction, enhancing the overall user experience.

Leveraging Google Music Frame

Google Music Frame presents itself as a straightforward application—essentially functioning as a window for Google Music access.

A key benefit is the ability to initiate music playback and then close the application window. The music continues to play uninterrupted!

Accessing the "volume" control within Ubuntu reveals both the current album artwork and convenient buttons for swift track navigation.

This allows for track changes with just two clicks, regardless of your current application. It significantly enhances the integration of Google Music within the Ubuntu environment.

Furthermore, a notification appears whenever a new track begins playing.

This behavior mirrors that of native Ubuntu music players, providing a familiar and appreciated user experience, especially when utilizing shuffle playback.

An alternative method for track control is available through the Google Music Frame dock icon.

While this may not be a primary method for all users, many find it a convenient way to manage their music.

Importantly, Google Music Frame is compatible with your system's multimedia keys. This means any pre-configured keyboard shortcuts for music control will function seamlessly with Google Music.

A demonstration of these features can be found in the following video.

Please note: This video was created by a third party and does not necessarily reflect the musical preferences of MakeUseOf.com or its contributors.

Installing Google Music Frame

Are you prepared to configure Google Music Frame on your computer? The initial step involves incorporating the Ubuntu Music Frame Personal Package Archive (PPA), after which the following actions are required:

janousek.jiri/google-music-frame-releases

The most straightforward method to achieve this is by launching the terminal and executing these commands:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:janousek.jiri/google-music-frame-releases
sudo apt-get update
sudo apt-get install google-music-frame

Following these steps should successfully install Music Frame on your system.

If the concept of a PPA is unfamiliar, further information regarding PPAs and their benefits can be found in this explanatory article.

Do you operate a system other than Ubuntu? Visiting the official Google Music Frame website is recommended, though compatibility may be limited. This application was specifically developed for Ubuntu's Unity environment and functions optimally within that context.

Understanding PPAs

A PPA, or Personal Package Archive, is a software repository for Ubuntu systems. It allows users to easily install and update applications that are not included in the official Ubuntu repositories.

Adding a PPA provides access to a wider range of software.

System Requirements & Compatibility

While Google Music Frame can be attempted on other Linux distributions, optimal performance is guaranteed on Ubuntu.

The software is tailored to integrate seamlessly with Ubuntu’s Unity desktop environment.

Installation Steps Recap

Here’s a quick summary of the installation process:

Add the necessary PPA: sudo add-apt-repository ppa:janousek.jiri/google-music-frame-releases
Update the package list: sudo apt-get update
Install the application: sudo apt-get install google-music-frame

These commands, executed in the terminal, will install Google Music Frame.

Final Thoughts

I greatly appreciate the ability to access my complete music library via Google Music on my netbook. Google Music Frame enhances this experience by allowing enjoyment of my music while maintaining compatibility with my operating system’s native music player.

Currently, however, a limitation exists: the service does not support podcast downloads for transfer to an MP3 player.