Complete Guide to Rhythmbox 3.5: How to Update and Utilize the New Features

Rhythmbox is an open-source music player and library manager developed as part of the GNOME project. Version 3.5 represents a significant update after nearly ten years of development, introducing new features and significant improvements.

This update is useful for users looking for a reliable and comprehensive music player, with advanced features such as playlist management, podcast support, and synchronization with external devices. Rhythmbox 3.5 is particularly suitable for those using GNOME-based desktop environments or who prefer an open-source alternative to proprietary music players.

The main new features include a new playback backend enabled by default, improvements in song lyrics support, and a complete overhaul of podcast functionality. Additionally, several bugs have been fixed and overall software performance has been improved.

Prerequisites

• Operating System: GNOME or compatible Linux distribution
• Software: GStreamer 1.25.90 or later for support of lyrics embedded in Ogg Vorbis files
• Installation Platform: Optional, Flathub for installation as a Flatpak package

PROCEDURE: Upgrade to Rhythmbox 3.5 and Use the New Features

By the end of this guide, you will have upgraded Rhythmbox to version 3.5 and learned how to use the newly introduced features.

• Step 1: Upgrade Rhythmbox
  • If you prefer to use the package provided by your operating system, consult your distribution's package manager to check the availability of version 3.5.
• Step 2: Use the New Playback Backend
  • Open Rhythmbox 3.5.
• Step 3: Use Song Lyrics Support
  • Select a track in your library.
  • Right-click on the track and select "Show lyrics".
• Step 4: Manage Podcasts
  • Go to the "Podcasts" section of Rhythmbox.
  • Add a new podcast using the "Add podcast" option.
  • Check the new notifications for feed updates and episode downloads.
  • Explore the new podcast episode view to see which episodes have been listened to.
• Step 5: Sync Podcasts with gPodder.net
  • Install the gPodder.net plugin if not already present.
  • Configure the plugin with your gPodder.net credentials.
  • Sync your podcast subscriptions and listening activity between Rhythmbox and other compatible clients or services.

For more details on all the changes in Rhythmbox 3.5, consult the official release commit.

Verification and Troubleshooting

By the end of this guide, you will be able to test the correct operation of Rhythmbox 3.5 and resolve any common issues.

Functionality Test

• Playback Verification:
  • Press the play button and verify that the track starts correctly.
  • Check that the new playback backend is active by default, as indicated in version 3.5.
• Lyrics Test:
  • Check that Rhythmbox can search for lyrics via lrclib.net and read local .lrc files.
• Podcast Test:
  • Verify that the plugin for podcast synchronization via gPodder.net API works correctly.

Troubleshooting

• Playback Issues:
  • If playback does not work, verify that the playback backend is enabled by default.
• Lyrics Issues:
• Podcast Issues:

By the end of this guide, you will have learned all the new features introduced in Rhythmbox 3.5, the first significant version after nearly a decade. Now you are ready to make the most of the new features and improvements offered by this update.

To consolidate what you have learned, we invite you to put into practice what has been described:

• Explore the improved song lyrics search functionality.
• Experiment with the new podcast notifications and episode view.

Download Rhythmbox 3.5 from Flathub and start using these new features to manage your music library and podcasts to the best.