Brochu Software has updated the popular CD player application, PopUp CD Audio Player, to version 1.5.1. The new version allows greater flexibility in the type of disk used for play, as well as fixing a problem with performance on PowerBooks. According to John Brochu:
This update allows unrestricted use on PowerBooks with hot-swappable drive bays, as well as fixes a CD insertion problem present in the earlier release. This release also removes all dependencies on specific drive types or drivers, and recognizes any audio CD as soon as it is mounted on the desktop.
PowerBook users can now boot with no CD drive installed, and PopupCD will properly recognize any drive installed after boot. This release also fixes a problem with 1.5.1 that required popping up the remote control for newly inserted CDs before keyboard hotkeys, the control strip display, and the autoplay function would work. All CDs are now properly recognized immediately upon insertion.
PopupCD is a unique popup remote control that allows instant control of audio CDs from within any application. No longer do you need to launch another program and leave it open just to play audio CDs. PopupCD installs at startup as a control panel, using less than 100K of system memory! When you want to play an audio CD, just tap the mouse button while holding a predefined combination of modifier keys (shift/control/option/command), and up pops the CD remote control, instantly, right under the mouse.
PopupCD also includes configurable hotkeys for all functions for instant control directly from the keyboard. Now when the phone rings there's no need to go fumbling for the volume or the CD player app, just a quick keypress is all it takes to pause playback. There's also a unique direct track access feature that allows keypad entry of the track number for instant access to any track on the CD!
Any CD player would not be complete without a track list, and PopupCD has that as well, available from the remote or directly from the keyboard. Disc and track names are displayed using the same database that the Apple CD Player maintains.
Included with PopupCD is an optional Control Strip module that works with PopupCD to display the playback status of the CD right in the Control Strip.
PopUP CD Audio Player is available for US$15. Version 1.5.1 is free for registered users. You can find more information at the Brochu Software web site.