Version 3.5 updates the library system with a fault-tolerant database backend, and is scalable for devices with thousands of tracks. The library can be stored on a memory card and, unlike previous versions of Pocket Player, does not need to rescan all the tracks in Pocket Player if the system is reset or if Pocket Player quits unexpectedly.

I've always liked the iPod-like navigation in the Library view of Pocket Player. By using the the up/down and left/right motions of the 5 way switch, you can navigate around in the Library. New to version 3.5 are gestures which I will cover in a moment. You can, by the way, have Pocket Player load to the Library view if you wish, rather than the standard player mode. From the Library, you have many choices for how to view your music and find your selection(s). I usually go with Album view.



New to version 3.5 is the addition of album art thumbnails in the Library. I like this addition. This view is completely redesigned, to not only include the artwork, but also an alphabetical index on the right to allow you to quickly move through large libraries. You can either use the 5-way switch, the jog-dial (if your device has one), or the new "gestures". By just dragging you finger from top to bottom, you can scroll up and down... and it works kind of like a slot machine in that it starts quick and then slowly grinds down to a stop. The faster you gesture, the faster it spins. You can also drag from right to left to navigate back through the menu tree. Alternatively, on non-touchscreen devices with a keyboard (such as the Motorola Q or Samsung BlackJack), you can type in the first few letters of the item, and it will jump to the item.



Depending on how you navigate into the list of selections, eventually you come to a list as shown in the next screen capture. The same navigation with switch, jog-dial, or gestures exists on this screen as well. Also, the alphabetical index is on the right as in the Album view. New to version 3.5 is a "Shuffle All" choice that will let you start playing the full list displayed, but in shuffled order. In prior versions, this could only be initiated through a system-wide setting.



The new library system also sports new features. User ratings, from one to five stars, are now supported for tracks. You can rate tracks, and use Pocket Player's smart playlists to queue up all noted 4-star tracks. Ratings can be imported from the desktop Windows Media Player using the new WM Adapter plugin. Play Counts are also supported. Pocket Player keeps track of what items have been played, and can also use this feature in smart playlists to queue up tracks. You can queue up your "Most Played" favorites, or use this feature with Windows Media Player to sync podcasts to the device, and auto-delete podcasts once finished with them. I don't actually use desktop Media Player to sync with Pocket Player... I prefer the simplicity of simply loading my tracks directly to my memory card through a card reader.