Managing the Media Player on Your Android Device
Managing the Media Player on Your Android Device
Although there is ongoing criticism that Android-powered smartphones lack a desktop interface resembling iTunes, the reality is that Android devices can connect to Windows Media Player in much the same way as the iPad and iPhone. You may transfer music to your computer and mobile device if you use Windows frequently.
Since Android smartphones are intended to be independent, it's understandable that you would assume that your droid doesn't sync with Windows because they are never reliant on desktop sync. Indeed, like other media players, they connect to Windows. You can drag files in Windows Media Player and automatically sync your media library between your PC and Android phone if you configure your smartphone correctly.
When you first connect Android, you will probably notice a little autorun dialog asking you to install a driver for your smartphone or possibly a little helper application that comes preinstalled on your phone. The procedure may vary depending on the phone's manufacturer.
Look for instructions from your wireless provider asking you to download and install more programs. Since their primary purpose is to squeeze additional money out of users, such applications aren't very good for syncing your phone to your computer. Close any browser tabs that offer a link to download junk. Once the installation is finished, you'll see a control panel window for your phone.
If the Windows Control Panel does not appear, go to 'Devices and Printers' and check your handset list there. The device's control panel has a number of options for managing content, including 'Manage media on your device', 'Browse files', 'Import images and videos', and 'change general settings'. Although other devices have more features, this is what counts. Although Windows will automatically set up music and photo management software as the default, you may quickly click change program under each option to make modifications. Allow Windows Media Player and Windows Live Photo Gallery to be the defaults for this procedure.
Double-click Import images and videos to move images and videos from your phone gallery. Your phone's camera roll will be the default place Windows searches. If you wish, you may input the tags and then press OK to begin the import. As with any other digital camera, you may remove a file from your camera by checking the box or save it by leaving the box unchecked. When you have finished importing, an Explorer window will open to show what you have moved.
You may also transfer music that is on your phone but not in your Windows music library by choosing your device from the list in the left field; then choose the music, highlight, and drag all the files into the box labeled "Drag items here." To move them, click Start sync.
Right-click the drop-down menu under the Sync tab after you finish transferring files, then click set up sync on the right side of the window. This may prompt you to select how to manage the data that is currently on your device by opening a new window. Choose the option that leaves your data on your phone rather than letting Media Player erase it from your data card. Give the device a name on the following screen, then click finish to begin the synchronization. The media library on your Android device will now be identical to your library. If any of the libraries change from that point on anytime you connect your Android phone to your computer, Windows Media Player will update as needed.