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Develop an Air Play app for Android (Stream any audio to any reciever)

For those of you not familiar with Rogue Amoeba they are the developers of a very popular iOS/OS X and now Windows application called Airfoil that is capable of streaming any audio source to any Airplay capable device or any device with their "Airspeaker" app installed on it.
As you can imagine they have had great success with this app. Unfortunately they have no plans to develop a version for android. This was made clear in a post in February located here:
rogueamoeba.com/utm/2012/02/18/sending-any-audio-to-android-devices-via-airplay-with-airfoil/
I also contacted Paul Kafasis (CEO of RA) and his response was the same explaining further that Android actively prevents access to it's audio making it nearly impossible to develop an app for android. I've included our conversation below as well.
ME:
I would like to officially submit my request to have the Airfoil app developed for Android.
With over 300,000,0000 android devices sold worldwide as of February 2012 (over 10 times the amount of iOS devices despite a 16 month head start) and another 850,0000 activated every day the potential here is absolutely enormous.
Please seriously reconsider your decision to not develop for android at this time.
PAUL:
Hi Drew,
It's an interesting idea, but at this time, I'm afraid we have no plans for Airfoil for Android. While Android allows for more access than iOS, it's still nearly impossible to grab another application's audio to send it out. As such, Airfoil for Android is a difficult proposition at best.
Perhaps more likely is an Airfoil Speakers client for Android, enabling you to *receive* audio on Android. We don't have any announced plans for that either, but it's likely what you'd see first, before an Airfoil for Android.
Anyhow, we'll keep our eye on the platform, and see what happens!
ME:
Paul,
Thanks for the quick response. I am not a programmer so I won't pretend to know the complexities involved with grabbing the audio output of the device and redirecting it but I wouldn't think it would be extremely difficult to redirect all audio on the device no different than when you plug in a set of headphones or send your audio over Bluetooth. This is what I believe to be the primary feature of your software. Being able to set each app individually to use airplay as a receiver would be nice but certainly not necessary for initial releases. I would hate to see someone beat you to it since you've done such a great job on your iOS, OS X and Windows applications.
PAUL:
Drew,
You wouldn't think so, no, but it is. Android simply does not make this functionality possible, and actively prevents it.
Anyway,
Where I'm getting with all this is that a lot of people would like to see an app with this capability developed for android. Especially now that a large number of devices (receivers, speakers, etc.) in recent years have started to come with airplay compatibility out of the box. People have been requesting this from Airfoil for over 2 years with no response. I was hoping to get the following answered from someone with an intimate knowledge of the capabilities of android:
1. Is it possible to develop an app that is capable of routing all audio on an android device to an Airplay device?
2. If not possible on a locked device, is it possible on a unlocked/rooted device?
3. Is this something anyone on here would be capable or interested in developing?
Thanks for all the help.

Anyone have any opinion or feedback on this? Is it possible is it not?

Negreac said:
Anyone have any opinion or feedback on this? Is it possible is it not?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
I would LOVE to see an app like that! My whole house is wired for airplay with 6 zones and speakers in all ceilings. Iphones can play music in any room. Only app for Android is Honey Player and that is terribly buggy
It would be awesome if it was just possible to send ALL audio like bluetooth A2DP !!!

I just wanted to add my desire for such an app as well. I have airfoil all set up so I can stream from my laptop to my HTPC but it would be awesome if I could do it from my Android phone and tablet.
There must be a developer on here that could do such a thing and I for one would be willing to donate.

The last thing i want is to propagate the Apple jail cell.. they are the only kid on the block that does not want to play with others... and yes, i own an iPad.
I USED to want to get airplay running in my house but i realised that my Samsung Galaxy Note, Blackberry BB9930, Dell PC, HP desktop, HP laptop, Gateway Netbook and Sony TV ALL support DLNA and so i have stopped caring about my iPad and its audio...
A DLNA app for Ios and an itunes plug-in would be the way to get universality here

Mystic38 said:
The last thing i want is to propagate the Apple jail cell.. they are the only kid on the block that does not want to play with others... and yes, i own an iPad.
I USED to want to get airplay running in my house but i realised that my Samsung Galaxy Note, Blackberry BB9930, Dell PC, HP desktop, HP laptop, Gateway Netbook and Sony TV ALL support DLNA and so i have stopped caring about my iPad and its audio...
A DLNA app for Ios and an itunes plug-in would be the way to get universality here
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
DLNA is fine for streaming media files from one device to another but it is not capable of streaming media from a streaming service. I.e. streaming Google music or Tune In via airplay to your home stereo. Really the only solution to date is airplay or bluetooth and bluetooth just doesn't have the range. AM I missing some other solution?

iMediaShare has Airplay capabilities, I use it to stream to my AppleTV(s).

iMediaShare is not compatible with Airport Express at the moment...I tool would be willing to pay for an "Airfoil for android" type application the key being that it can send ANY audio source to the Airport Express.

Plus 1!
I am still looking for this! My apple days are over, but I still own 3 Airport Express devices and 1 appleTV.

JB has ability to do USB audio. Are we getting any closer to "airfoil-like" app for android. I too have 4 zones set up in whole house audio, and hate my first gen ipad these days. Whoever makes this app will make some serious money on the market.

Any news regarding this...?
Seriously... this would be a gold mine for the developer. There are so many Airplay speakers out there that would make playing music to your speakers so much easier.
Isn't it possible to root your device and send all sound output directly to an airplay device?
Sincerely
L

Airplay for Android? I think i'll try that!
i'll attempt this. If i start now, i think i can have a beta version out by february. I'll keep updated for links and progress.

dcbartlett said:
i'll attempt this. If i start now, i think i can have a beta version out by february. I'll keep updated for links and progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It may be a bit late now that miracast has been established and is starting to go into devices. It pretty much does the same thing as airplay except a little better. However it's still brand new so there aren't many devices that support it yet.

dcbartlett said:
i'll attempt this. If i start now, i think i can have a beta version out by february. I'll keep updated for links and progress.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'd be interested in this as well. My GF has a airport express that I would love to stream to from my tablet/phone.

Negreac said:
It may be a bit late now that miracast has been established and is starting to go into devices. It pretty much does the same thing as airplay except a little better. However it's still brand new so there aren't many devices that support it yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
While I agree that Miracast duplicates some of the features of AirPlay, that doesn't change the fact that many people already have AirPlay devices (eg AirPort Express) and don't want to buy new hardware if/when it's available.
I would love a "Airfoil for Android"-type app.
However, as a workaround, does this sound like something feasible?
1. Connect Android device to PC via Bluetooth.
2. Setup PC as a Bluetooth speaker for the Android device. (Is this possible?)
3. Use Airfoil to route audio: Android > Bluetooth > PC > Airfoil > AirPort Express (I've never used Airfoil, so I don't know if this is possible.)

Just wanted to add my support for something like this. I would gladly pay money for this app. I have a Galaxy S2 skyrocket and a Nexus 7. I would love to be able to use my nexus 7 as an audio receiver and stream music from my phone (Play Music / Pandora / Songza / etc) to it. I realize I could set up these apps on the n7 itself and play directly that way, but the key is having the ability to control the music from my phone. Additionally, my friends who have Android phones and the app should be able to do the same with relative ease.
Currently I have AirFoil on my laptop and Android HiFi installed on my n7 and stream music that way. That is less than ideal. I don't understand why this is so difficult? But then again, I'm not a programmer.
---------- Post added at 07:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:42 PM ----------
joelshooty said:
While I agree that Miracast duplicates some of the features of AirPlay, that doesn't change the fact that many people already have AirPlay devices (eg AirPort Express) and don't want to buy new hardware if/when it's available.
I would love a "Airfoil for Android"-type app.
However, as a workaround, does this sound like something feasible?
1. Connect Android device to PC via Bluetooth.
2. Setup PC as a Bluetooth speaker for the Android device. (Is this possible?)
3. Use Airfoil to route audio: Android > Bluetooth > PC > Airfoil > AirPort Express (I've never used Airfoil, so I don't know if this is possible.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I guess that works. I feel like it's kind of overkill and it sucks that you'd have to daisy-chain using both bluetooth and a laptop/desktop. But in the absence of anything else, we have to make due, right?

Airfoil can't intercept audio from the bluetooth stack server, I've tried.

I am also interested in such app

Charles_LV said:
I am also interested in such app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
We all are. It is shocking nothing has come of this.

It is indeed shocking. I'm guessing there's not a lot of work being done because it is too difficult (though I don't quite understand why that is). I am hoping Google blesses us with miracast in the next release.

Which an Android Stick Computer to choose?

I want to play Full HD movies and view photos from my PC to the TV. Therefore, I want to buy an Android Stick Computer to create HTPC. I have the following requirements:
1) can handle 1080p without problems;
2) has comfortable controls (probably need a remote control);
3) price less than 200$ (if you really need, you can increase my budget);
4) good antenna for receiving Wi-Fi signal (in a room, where there is a TV, signal is 20%);
5) the existence of a memory card slot;
6) support XBMC;
7) powerful processor and graphics accelerator.
I tried to search the Android Stick Computer. However, there are a large number of different devices.
I will be glad for any advice.

Are my requirements too strict?

Simply the best
Hixon10 said:
Are my requirements too strict?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is no best andoid stick. You must compare it with the best phone, tv or the best home / garden.
What is the best is personal your personal favorite. To run XBMC you must search a neon capable usb key.
Supported processors are find on the xbmc wiki. Search for Android hardware.
My personal favorite is the RK3188 (quad core) processor.

I am studying this issue for several days. I found one interesting device, which runs on android. It is http://www.vidon.me/android_blu_ray_box.htm Also, I realized that I need to choose the device, which based on OpenELEC. Although, maybe I'm wrong.

What's everyone using as a media player (hardware)

Currently have a roku stick that I think I'm going to return simply because I know I can do better via android. Just looking for hardware that will do plex/XBMC, support 5.1, 1080p, Ethernet optional but preferred, would like to come with a physical remote and want to be able to root it of coarse. Also, do any of the current devices support CEC? If so, in what capacity? Can I power up the device via CEC or launch apps/etc.? I've been out of the android world for sometime now, so just want you guys suggestions on what to check out.
Thanks all
(Edit) - I ended up ordering a probox2 ex. Looks like it ticks all the boxes, however not sure how the CEC support.

'Best' or 'Favorite' Android Stick & Console Computer Hardware?

Has anybody started a thread with their 'best' or 'favorite' Android Stick & Console Computer hardware? I currently have a Google ADT-1 (w/ PureNexus), but I'm looking to sell this and upgrade in favor of something newer.
I guess I'm looking for suggestions based upon cost, performance, support for newer android versions, ease of use, root access, etc. I recently was helping a friend who had a 'Minix' device, and was impressed with the UI and how easy it was to add shortcuts to the 'desktop' for apps (no need to rely on Leanback Launcher apps, etc). I don't necessarily need support for 4k, but was seeing what people are buying.
Ultimately the goal is that this device will replace my TV set top box, so I will have Xfinity Stream TV, Netflix, Kodi, and other streaming platforms on my television screen.
Thanks in advance!

Since there hasn't been any traction on this thread, I thought I would add an update. After a little research, it seems I should definitely look toward Android TV 'box' with the s905x processor. Then the next step would be to find one of these devices that can rooted and / or one the supports a custom ROM. BTW, this would be for use in the USA.

BEST CHOICE FOR ANDROID OR LINUX TV-BOX (cheap, updates and community) ?

First of all, sorry for my spelling, my english is not the best.
I know that there's a lot of chinese tv-boxes that run android and also a lot of single board computers in which you can install it (for example pine64 boards)
But it's well known that, in opposite to mobile phones, there is no brand or manufacturer that is critically acclaimed based on price, community support and regular updates.
I mean, if you have a smartphone you know that if you buy a google pixel, a oneplus, a samsung galaxy, a xiaomi etc. you know that you're buying a good phone (in some cases also cheap like the oneplus or xiaomi), and you 'll have official updates for a while, and in the case you don't, you have a large community cooking roms and extending your phone life.
I don't see this on tv boxes, and this become important in the case of tv subscription apps.
There's a lot of android apps that drops support on old versions of android (for example netflix, directv, fox, etc.). So, you can have a hardware capable box in terms of hardware (processor, RAM, GPU, etc.), able to upgrade to a new android version, but you get caught on the lack of will of your manufacturer on upgrading your android version.
You end up with a box with good hardware but you can't use your updated apps (because of course, the majority of that apps don't let you watch content anymore until you upgrade).
So, all this introduction is to ask if any of you know any box or single board computer that have regular official updates or a good community.
I know, raspberry is the best choice on community resources, but is well know that at the date it cannot run android normally.
I have a pi3 and it's terrible on running android, i also know that the new pi4 (with 4gb of ram!!!) does not come with out-of-the-box or official android compatibility and the guys that tried to install it came up with the same results as in the raspberry pi3.
Libreelec on rpi is not an option, because what i want is to run subscription sites (like fox, tnt, directv, my own cable operator app, etc.) and libreelec doesn 't have any addon to run these (i now that there's a lot of iptv sources but is difficult to find a good stream and i'm paying for these subscriptions)
Raspbian on rpi is also not an option ¿why? because, of course, this tv services can be accessed by their own site, but hardware aceleration for streaming video on raspbian doesn 't work well, so, yo cannot play youtube videos on 1080 fullscreen, and of course no other suscription page (is not a hardware thing, is a software thing, libreelec can play 1080p videos on raspberry). There is a solution specifically for youtube via omxplayer but doesnt work for other html5 sites.
I know that the pine64 androck64 boards come with android support but i dont know if those are good buys.
I don't want speccifically an android OS, but i think i will be easer an cheaper, if there´s one that run linux and you can have HW accelaration it would be great (because sites like netflix, fox etc. has their own html5 webpages to watch content).
What i have and what and tried:
1-) I have a raspberry pi 3, an incredible device that can run kodi, linux, and almost anything, unless android.
- libreelec: its almost perfect, but doesn't have addons for pay sites like fox, directv, hbo tc. to watch suscription content
- android: There's a lot of community builds but they are really alpha stage, really slow, and can´t do any HW acceleration and, if you want to have a tv box you will use it 90% to watch video, so it´s not an option.
- raspbian: you don 't have HW acceleration on html5 pages
I think if this one had the android compatibility will be the best choice, its a huge community , but it doesnt
- I bought a kii pro tv box (CPU: Amlogic S905 Quad Core - GPU: Mali-450 - 2GB), it runs well 1080p but it start to get slow when you try 4k videos.
But that's no problem for me now.
It also, of course, comes with a really little support (official and community) it is difficult to find how to root it, how to patch some things etc.
The real problem with this device is that for now i'm stuck on lollipop and i know that some time form now i will be unable to run some apps (not because of the hardware, like a said, but because of the android version).
So, in some months from now maybe i'll have a box with good hardware but no possibility to use it like a want.
I don't want this to happen again to me. If i buy some device i want to extend my device life for tv use.
Do you have any recommendation ?
Resuming, i want something relatively cheap to watch NAS content, and also streaming services (netflix, hbo, fox, etc.), but i want you to reccomend me something with a good community and by a manufacturer that periodically updates the roms or firmware,
I don't care if its linux, android, windows etc.
The closest to this is the raspberry but like i said it lcks support for this particllary thing
i also benn putting my eyes on the pine boards.
are ines ingleboards good?
is tehere any singleboard better?
and, out of the single boards, are there any android tv box well mainaned by community or manfecuater?
Thanks in advance
Resuming, i want something relatively cheap to watch NAS content, and also streaming services (netflix, hbo, fox, etc.), but i want some recomendations on something with a good community and by a manufacturer that periodically updates the roms or firmware,
I don't care if its linux, android, windows etc.
The closest to this is the raspberry but like i said it lacks support for this particullar thing.
i also been putting my eyes on the pine boards.
are pine ingleboards good?
is there any singleboard better?
and, out of the single boards, are there any android tv box well mainaned by community or manfecuater?
Thanks in advance
https://androidpctv.com/