Linux needs a native client for Deezer!

Hi,

I am a Deezer user and I would like my advice to be taken into consideration.

Why does not Deezer develop an app for Ubuntu in snap version?

For example, the competitor Spotify has the snap app and is very confortable.

I think a Deezer snap app would make the service more usable on Ubuntu and other Linux distributions.

I really hope this option can be evaluated.

Thank you!

Hey there @GI9VANNI

I've changed the status of your idea to 'Discussion On Going'. You've also got my vote! Let's hope more users join the convo 😉

@Rudi Thank you!

They were already talking about that

https://en.deezercommunity.com/ideas/321

I hope Deezer develop an application for Linux in snap version.

For example, the competitor Spotify has the snap app and is very comfortable.

+1 For a native Linux client with off-line mode and HIFI

I only use linux at home and was probably one of the first people to upvote this request. Having just installed the Windows app on my work computer I'm left scratching my head as to what the point was. It looks virtually the same as the web app but is slow, crashes regularly and, after a nearly 300 MB download was a rediculously large install. It took so long to install on my computer (easily 2-3 minutes with no feedback on a reasonably fast laptop) that I thought the install had hung. They could have just imbedded their main web page into a custom version of chromium and been done with it!

It does have a widget but only shows up when manually changing tracks, adjusting volume, etc ..., and when the screen is locked (which it usually is... when I'm not there to listen to anything). I haven't found a way to fix it to a spot on my desktop and have it visible all the time. Unfortunately I think those hoping for or expecting something like Spotify's linux app would be greatly disappointed if a linux version of Deezer's windows app dropped tomorrow.

LeonLaci wrote:

It shouldn't be an issue to port the new windows and mac app to linux.

I'm using Manjaro and I have found that this has been done by someone through AUR. I have installed it and I have the window open, however, trying to log in via google makes it call a browser window and it can't redirect back to the app.. Deezer, you don't need to do too much Just do the finishing touches and package it as a snap package, I'm tired of how shitty Spotify is treating the Linux user

Rick P. wrote:

I only use linux at home and was probably one of the first people to upvote this request. Having just installed the Windows app on my work computer I'm left scratching my head as to what the point was. It looks virtually the same as the web app but is slow, crashes regularly and, after a nearly 300 MB download was a rediculously large install. It took so long to install on my computer (easily 2-3 minutes with no feedback on a reasonably fast laptop) that I thought the install had hung. They could have just imbedded their main web page into a custom version of chromium and been done with it!

It does have a widget but only shows up when manually changing tracks, adjusting volume, etc ..., and when the screen is locked (which it usually is... when I'm not there to listen to anything). I haven't found a way to fix it to a spot on my desktop and have it visible all the time. Unfortunately I think those hoping for or expecting something like Spotify's linux app would be greatly disappointed if a linux version of Deezer's windows app dropped tomorrow.

If you didn't sign up using Google, there's a package at AUR and you can compile it if you're not using arch or arch based systems. It's also pretty small

Alex.Fordarian wrote:

It's an electron app, so:
grab an electron (sudo npm install electron -g)
download windows installer, unpack with 7zip.
move app.asar from "$PLUGINSDIR\app-32.7z\resources" to some place and run it like
"/usr/bin/electron app.asar"
You can create a .desktop file or something. Works fine on kubuntu with all media keys supported.
Better than nothing.

Thanks for the instructions, this does work. A bit disappointed that it's Electron, but the main problem is that the media keys don't work with Ubuntu 18.04 (I've mapped my own shortcuts for prev/next/pause which work with other media players). So far, this doesn't make any difference to opening an extra tab in my browser.

After Deezer refused to work on today, stating that my browser was no longer supported (Firefox 52 on Debian 8 😎 ), I've downloaded MellowPlayer from GitLab and the AppImage works really well.

I'm also on the lookout for alternatives as the Deezer web page died on me last Monday. Unfortunately Nuvola and MellowPlayer are apparently no option for me, as I am working with 32-bit Lubuntu. Is there anything out there for 32-bit dinosaurs like me? I didn't try Electron yet though. Should this work?

Just for the sake of completeness: Firefox (Quantum) 65.0.2 in the end seems to do the job. I previously experienced stalls with Firefox, either because of the slightly different version (65.0.1) or because of other reasons. But in any case, I'm streaming smoothly for some hours now with Firefox 65.0.2. Nevertheless, I would still back initiatives for bringing a Linux native client. A client with command line control would really 'rock'.

MellowPlayer or browser windows are not really options, as I'm using a hi-fi subscription. Still waiting for a native Linux client, or at least some ETAs from Deezer 😞

Please make this happen!

C'mon guys, browser client is ok, but won't offer same level of integration (and potential for future features) as a native client. I've used Spotify Linux client and, although buggy, was pleasant and very functional. How come we can't do this?

You can create and run Linux version yourself or ask actual distro maintainers to create the package, Deezer devs are busy creating lossless stream or so I hope.

Install wget, 7z, electron packages. Electron version should be >= 3.0.10. Don't do anything else before you have this three installed.

Start terminal. Type bold text into terminal, press enter after each line.

Create folder to work in:

mkdir deezer

Go there:

cd deezer

Download latest windows installer:

wget --output-file=installer.exe "https://www.deezer.com/desktop/download?platform=win32&architecture=x86"

Extract app:

7z x -so installer.exe "\$PLUGINSDIR/app-32.7z" > app-32.7z

Extract electron app:

7z x -so app-32.7z "resources/app.asar" > app.asar

App.asar is all you need, start it with electron:

electron app.asar

You are welcome. Case closed. If you need 'native' app for some specific distro ask distro maintainers to repack the app this way or do it manually.

This is as native as you can get, same as on Windows or Mac, meaning not too much. Electron is abomination that should have never seen daylight in the first place. Although I understand why it had to be made in this case, just not approving playing actual music though it.

Before I see any knee-jerk reaction from Deezer, this is completely legitimate, electron keeps running your code, as badly as under any other platform. I am also available for hire under the right terms, you have my email.

Anonymous wrote:

I know that exist a client for Windows and Mac, but I can't to find any one for Linux. In my opinion the web version es pretty bad and the company can develop a port for their client.
I think that is important to cover all the platforms for all the use

I came across this again and again for a very long time. I am a longtime spotify user, and their desktop client was just great. Now, i see there is an updated version for desktop clients for windows and macos which works very well. I don't know for sure, but it seems to be based on Electron or another framework like that, so it shouldn't be very difficult to make a linux version. Another suggestion is to make the client opensource, so the community can help with the development.

Hi @mateushonorato

You're right, it's Electron. Your feedback is good, I'll pass it on to the right team (regarding opensource).

@Rudi , should we have expectatios of this ever being done? It's been some time, and no sign of Linux client.

binaryapparatus wrote:

You can create and run Linux version yourself or ask actual distro maintainers to create the package

I followed your instructions but I just get a blank screen and a bunch of console/javascript errors. I guess I will have to move to Spotify since Deezer doesn't look after Linux users

Definitely need this!! (along with that all elusive dark mode) 😅🤟

Sad that we still don't have a native Linux app for Deezer... 😥

Waiting anxiously for a native Linux app.