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17

Why is Rhythmbox becoming the default (again)?

rated 0 times [ 17] [ 0] / answers: 1 / hits: 12893 / 3 Years ago, mon, may 31, 2021, 6:51:22

So, it seems with 12.04, they're switching back to Rhythmbox, after switching from Rhythmbox a year ago. I don't get why.
They say that it's because of a blocking bug in GTK3# (if I understand that correctly), but that's just one bug, and in the same breath they say RB is not well maintained.
It seems Ubuntu guys were dissatisfied with Banshee in some way, but apparently the Banshee guys were never notified of any problems.

Also, it can't be to save disc space by dropping mono, because at the same day it was announced that the install disc will be enlarged by 50MB.

Also, isn't it a bit shortsighted to push Banshee for default inclusion, and then drop it again a year later? How is that a sustainable use of dev resources, or consistent? Apparently there was quite some heavy effort by banshee devs - David Nielsen used the term "bending over backwards for Ubuntu" iirc.

In summary: Can anyone shed more light on this?

Related question: Why was Banshee chosen to be the default for 11.04?

Sources:

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/11/banshee-tomboy-and-mono-dropped-from-ubuntu-12-04-cd/

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/11/rhythmbox-to-return-as-ubuntu-12-04-default-music-app/

http://www.omgubuntu.co.uk/2011/11/ubuntu-12-04-disc-size-to-be-750mb/

http://summit.ubuntu.com/uds-p/meeting/19442/desktop-p-default-apps/

http://banshee-media-player.2283330.n4.nabble.com/banshee-being-dropped-from-ubuntu-because-of-GTK3-support-td3985298.html

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diffeah

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2 Years ago

answered 3 Years ago huovie · Accepted Answer

Answer about why Rhythmbox was chosen from the Ubuntu Desktop Mailing list

Based upon broader community feedback, it seems the preference is RB.
Now, we have to be careful with that, obviously, but we simply use that as
a data point.

Size of both projects on CD. Alone, not a deciding point, but another
data point.

Stability in core function. Banshee has many features, though the
general impression is that it has stability issues with frequent crashes
and hangs needing force quits. RB is known to be quite stable.

User Experience (including usability, overall feel, responsiveness).
Banshee has the edge here, though can be less responsive (UI hangs). RB has
some UI challenges that were detailed in Charline's usability report.

Speed in start up and operation. This seems mostly a draw. Tweaks can be
made to Banshee to improve cold startup time, though it does have moments
were it hangs mid operation, but they seem more related to overall
stability.

ARM - Big unknown for Banshee.

GTK3 - RB is already GTK3. Banshee is almost there, but carries more
risk as it would be new binding stack