Bug 182210

Version:            (using Devel)
Installed from:    Compiled sources

Hello :)

My suggestion is to make a list with preferred applications to open particular mime type (like *.mp3) (similar as it is now), BUT before opening choose the best option available according to currently running applications. Following example would explain the idea beter (I hope :))

Lets say I want to open an .mp3 file. Usually I use Amarok to play music and manage my audio collection, sometimes I use banshee to view movies and play music, and I prefer VLC when I want just to play single file.

The problem:

If I have set default app for mp3 as Amarok, and I open mp3 when Amarok IS already running, there are no problem, but is Amarok IS NOT running I get a 3-15 seconds lag while Amarok starts, that is very annoying, especially if I want just to open single joke.mp3 and later continue browsing internet without music.

Reverse: If I have set default app for mp3 as VLC, and I open mp3 when Amarok IS already running, there I get 2 sources of sound I hear nothing more than noise. Again If Amarok IS NOT running there are no problem.


Mp3 example is just one of man possible: .mpg (VLC vs. banshee vs...), .png (Gwenview vs. digiCam vs....), .php (heavy and powerful Aptana for major job vs. kate for single modification); mailto:; even http:// (Heavy addons loaded firefox vs. konqueror)  etc.



The solution:
In system configuration add some sort of lag "Use this if previous app is not running" and before launching app simply check each associated apps in a row and pick the first found running or flaged.