SoundHound For PC: Free Download & Install Guide

by Alex Braham 49 views

Hey music lovers! Are you looking to get SoundHound on your PC for free? You've come to the right place! In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to download, install, and start using SoundHound on your computer. Whether you're a casual listener or a serious music aficionado, SoundHound is a fantastic tool for identifying songs, discovering new music, and staying up-to-date with your favorite artists. So, let’s dive in and get you jamming on your PC in no time!

Why Use SoundHound on PC?

Before we jump into the how-to, let's talk about why you might want to use SoundHound on your PC in the first place. While it's primarily known as a mobile app, using it on your computer can offer some unique advantages. First off, many of us spend a significant amount of time working or relaxing at our computers. Having SoundHound readily available means you can quickly identify any song playing in the background, whether it's from a YouTube video, a streaming service, or even a nearby radio. This is super handy when you're trying to focus but also curious about that catchy tune you just heard.

Another great reason is the larger screen and potentially better audio setup. Let's be real, listening to music on your computer often involves better speakers or headphones compared to your phone. This means you can enjoy a richer, more immersive experience when discovering new songs through SoundHound. Plus, navigating the app on a bigger screen is just more comfortable, especially if you're browsing charts, exploring artist pages, or managing your music library. You also have the convenience of multitasking – you can keep SoundHound open while working on other tasks, making it easier to identify songs without interrupting your workflow. Also if your phone is low on storage or battery, using SoundHound on your pc will save you from these problems. So, all in all, SoundHound on PC brings a lot of convenience and enhances your music discovery experience.

Is SoundHound Officially Available for PC?

Now, here's the catch. SoundHound doesn't offer an official desktop application for Windows or macOS. Bummer, right? But don't worry, there are still ways to get it running on your PC. The most common method involves using an Android emulator. An Android emulator is a software that allows your computer to mimic the Android operating system, which means you can run Android apps like SoundHound on your PC. Several emulators are available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. We'll cover one of the most popular and reliable options in the next section.

While waiting for the official version, many users find that using the Android emulator is a great solution. It provides access to a wide range of mobile apps, including SoundHound, and allows you to enjoy the app's features on a larger screen. Just remember to choose a reputable emulator and follow the installation instructions carefully to ensure a smooth experience. And who knows, maybe SoundHound will release an official PC version in the future. Until then, this is a solid workaround to enjoy your favorite music discovery app on your computer.

Method 1: Using BlueStacks to Run SoundHound

One of the most popular and reliable Android emulators out there is BlueStacks. Using BlueStacks to run SoundHound is pretty straightforward. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Download BlueStacks: First, head over to the BlueStacks official website and download the latest version of BlueStacks for your operating system (Windows or macOS).
  2. Install BlueStacks: Once the download is complete, run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to install BlueStacks on your computer. The installation process might take a few minutes, so be patient.
  3. Launch BlueStacks: After the installation is complete, launch BlueStacks. The first launch might take a bit longer as BlueStacks sets up everything.
  4. Sign in to Google Play Store: Inside BlueStacks, you'll find the Google Play Store. Sign in using your Google account. If you don't have one, you'll need to create one.
  5. Search for SoundHound: In the Google Play Store, search for "SoundHound".
  6. Install SoundHound: Click on the SoundHound app and then click the "Install" button.
  7. Launch SoundHound: Once the installation is complete, you can find SoundHound on the BlueStacks home screen or in the app drawer. Click on the SoundHound icon to launch the app.
  8. Start Identifying Songs: Now that SoundHound is running, you can start identifying songs by tapping the orange button. Make sure your microphone is enabled in BlueStacks settings.

BlueStacks offers a smooth Android experience on your PC, and it's regularly updated to support the latest apps and features. It’s a great way to enjoy SoundHound on your computer with minimal hassle. Just remember that, as with any emulator, it might require some system resources, so make sure your computer meets the minimum requirements for BlueStacks to run efficiently.

Method 2: Using Other Android Emulators

While BlueStacks is a solid choice, it's not the only Android emulator out there. Several other emulators can also run SoundHound on your PC. Here are a couple of alternatives:

  • NoxPlayer: NoxPlayer is another popular Android emulator known for its smooth performance and user-friendly interface. It's a great option if you're looking for something lightweight and easy to use. The installation process is similar to BlueStacks – download the installer from the official website, run it, and follow the on-screen instructions. Once installed, you can sign in to the Google Play Store and download SoundHound just like you would on BlueStacks. NoxPlayer also offers some customization options, allowing you to tweak the performance settings to match your computer's capabilities.

  • MEmu Play: MEmu Play is another excellent emulator that focuses on gaming performance but works great for other apps as well. It supports multiple Android versions, so you can choose the one that works best for SoundHound. MEmu Play is known for its ability to handle resource-intensive apps and games, making it a good choice if you have a more powerful computer. The installation process is straightforward, and once you're set up, you can access the Google Play Store and download SoundHound.

When choosing an emulator, consider your computer's specifications and your specific needs. Some emulators are better optimized for gaming, while others focus on productivity and general app use. It's also a good idea to read reviews and compare features before making a decision. No matter which emulator you choose, the process of downloading and installing SoundHound will be similar – sign in to the Google Play Store, search for the app, and click install. With a little bit of setup, you'll be identifying songs on your PC in no time!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with the best emulators, you might run into some issues while trying to use SoundHound on your PC. Here are some common problems and how to fix them:

  1. Sound Issues: If SoundHound can't hear the music, make sure your microphone is enabled in the emulator settings. Also, check your computer's sound settings to ensure the correct input and output devices are selected. Sometimes, restarting the emulator or your computer can also resolve sound-related issues.
  2. Performance Issues: If SoundHound is running slowly, try allocating more RAM to the emulator in its settings. Closing unnecessary applications on your computer can also help improve performance. Additionally, make sure your graphics drivers are up to date.
  3. Google Play Store Issues: If you're having trouble signing in to the Google Play Store, double-check your internet connection and make sure you're using the correct username and password. Clearing the cache and data of the Google Play Store app within the emulator settings can also help.
  4. App Crashing: If SoundHound keeps crashing, try clearing its cache and data in the emulator settings. If that doesn't work, try reinstalling the app. In some cases, the issue might be with the emulator itself, so try updating to the latest version or switching to a different emulator.

Remember to check the emulator's official website or forums for troubleshooting guides and FAQs. The emulator communities are often very helpful and can provide solutions to specific issues you might encounter. With a little bit of troubleshooting, you can usually resolve most problems and enjoy a smooth SoundHound experience on your PC.

Alternatives to SoundHound

While SoundHound is an excellent app for identifying songs, it's always good to know about alternatives. Here are a few other apps and services that can help you discover music on your PC:

  • Shazam: Shazam is probably the most well-known music identification app. It works similarly to SoundHound – you hold your device up to the music, and it identifies the song. Shazam is available for both mobile and desktop, making it a great alternative if you're having trouble with emulators or prefer a dedicated desktop app.

  • Google Assistant/Siri: If you have Google Assistant or Siri enabled on your PC, you can simply ask "What song is this?" and they will try to identify the music. This is a convenient option if you already use these virtual assistants.

  • Online Music Identification Services: Several websites allow you to upload a snippet of a song or provide a link to a music file, and they will attempt to identify the song. These services can be useful if you have a recording of a song but can't capture it live.

  • Music Recognition Browser Extensions: There are browser extensions available that can identify music playing in your browser. These extensions can be particularly useful for identifying songs in YouTube videos or streaming services.

Exploring these alternatives can help you find the best solution for your music discovery needs on your PC. Each option has its own strengths and weaknesses, so it's worth trying a few to see which one works best for you. Whether you stick with SoundHound or try something new, the goal is to make it easier to discover and enjoy the music you love.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Getting SoundHound on your PC, even without an official app, is totally doable. Whether you go with BlueStacks or another Android emulator, you'll be identifying those mystery tunes in no time. And if you run into any snags, just remember the troubleshooting tips we covered. Happy listening, and may your days be filled with awesome music discoveries!