There are multiple ways to control iTunes on your Mac. From using the remote control on your Apple EarPods, the keyboard function keys, to using numerous apps that place controls in the menu bar on your Mac. Unfortunately, all of these apps require you to take your attention away from the task at hand. Flutter is a new way to control iTunes with the swipe of your hand in front of your Mac. Read on and we'll show you how to set it up.
Flutter can control iTunes (and compatible media players like Spotify, QuickTime, VLC, and others) by using the FaceTime camera built into every Mac and your hand. With simple gestures, you can repeat tracks, play and pause iTunes, or skip tracks. Flutter is freely available from the Mac App Store and works with any Mac with a built-in FaceTime camera.
To use Flutter, open the application from your Applications folder. On first launch, you'll be taken through the set up proceedure, demoing all the different ways to interact with Flutter to control your music playing app.
Turn on Flutter by clicking its icon in the Menu Bar and selecting "Turn Camera On." Here, you can also choose to Auto Start on Login, or Report a gesture recognition mistake. Note that you'll need to turn off the camera in Flutter if you wish to use FaceTime, Skype, or other apps that use the camera on your Mac.
Here's the three simple gestures you'll use to control your tunes. For best results when using these gestures, hold your hand between 1 and 6 feet away from the FaceTime camera. Try not to move your hand when signaling a gesture.
To play or pause a song, hold your hand in a "stop" gesture in front of the camera.
To go back in a playlist (same functionality as using the back button in iTunes), place your hand in a fashion that your thumb is pointing to your left.
To go to the next song in a playlist (same functionality as using the forward button in iTunes), place your hand in a fashion that your thumb is pointing to your right.
Cory Bohon is a freelance technology writer, indie Mac and iOS developer, and amateur photographer. Follow this article's author, Cory Bohon on Twitter.
