Sonique

Editors' ReviewDownload.com staffFebruary 29, 2024Slick, if not always smart, Sonique does what it should with some compromises. It supports the essential formats, along with skins and plug-ins, integrated Internet music searching via Lycos (decent) and Hotbot (useless), and links to music resources (parent company Lycos' music channel and the anemic Sonique site). Features are spread through a variety of screens making for a lot of extra clicking; and other little speed bumps tend to crop up. You can't, for example, add directories to your playlist (you must select all songs in the directory). Also vexing are basic usability violations, such as a small and slippery volume knob instead of a slider and an equalizer toggle that isn't sticky between screens. It is freeware, a plus, but with its elaborate download process requiring a membership (including your street address), Sonique could and should deliver a more competitive and compelling product.