Related
One thing i really miss from my time spent with iPhone is airplay, used it everyday.
Since jumping on to WP7 i have searched hi & low for a streaming solution and haven`t found one yet.
So my question, is there any video/music streaming option for Mac to WP7 out there?
That might actually be worth developing. Bear in mind that WP7 users who run OS X PCs are going to be an extremely niche market, though. There are two ways that I can see to do it, though:
* Write a WP7 app that acts as a client for a current streaming service on OS X / iTunes. Make sure the stream can be decoded on the phone and that the service recognizes the app, but neither should be too hard (WP7 already recognizes most of Apple's codecs).
* Write a WP7 app that acts as a client to a dedicated media server app. Write that dedicated media server app, for OS X and possibly other platforms. The server would take care of ensuring WP7 compatibility. You'd need Apple dev tools (which is expensive, for somebody who currently owns no Apple hardware) and knowledge of writing good server code, though.
For HTC phones, you can download "Connected Media" from the HTC section of marketplace. Although not the greatest player, it does allow you to play non-DRM music and videos stored in your library (no streaming) to DLNA receivers. I use it to play to my Linksys Extender of my Media Center every once in a while.
@spokanedj: I think the OP is looking for the other direction, streaming files from the PC (Mac, in this case) to the phone. I'm guessing the goal is working around the limited storage on the phone for people with a really big media library.
I enjoy watching tv-shows when laying in bed, so yes im only interested in streaming.
I saw on https://www.emitapp.com/ that wp7 app coming soon.
I used emit on android, it wasnt perfect but i did the job
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.
By that I mean, can I just download media say from the browser on the SRT and browse it in a file explorer, and click to play?
Do I (will I?) have a choice of music/video player for that file?
also, since there is no outlook, can anyone tell me if they read about or tried how well does the calendar and email apps work? Most review sites are too excited about the OS and hardware they are neglecting talking about built in apps...
Also, are smartglass features within a contained app? Or is it more universal like AirPlay on iPad?
Thanks
More hands-on info on Windows RT in below link. Metro doesn't have a built-in file manager, and for now you'd need to drop to desktop mode to browse files/folders. A bit klunky. Despite all the hype about it, Metro still has many functionality holes to fill. Since file mgmt is a top need, I imagine there'll be 3rd-party solutions for Metro soon enough.
http://www.anandtech.com/show/6392/the-windows-rt-review
>Do I (will I?) have a choice of music/video player for that file?
I've not browsed the Windows store lately, but am not aware of any full-range 3rd-party media player, at least not the kind that can handle a wide range of codecs/formats that we've come to expect from Windows players like VLC. As with many needs, it'll be a waiting game for software to catch up.
Smartglass will be an app, although one would expect substantial integration to MS' existing services over time.
http://www.ibtimes.com/smartglass-r...it-help-boost-windows-phone-8s-success-854120
smart glass is still wp8 only?
I know ms is trying to use exclusivity to promote wp, but there are a few million people right now, that would buy this for iphone and android devices.
"Xbox SmartGlass for Android and iPhone coming early 2013, Windows 8 version here 26 October"
http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/48081/xbox-smartglass-iphone-android-early-2013
It's pretty much mixed, there are many settings that you have to use the desktop control panel. There is desktop paint, calculator, notepad and cammand line. The Office is on desktop. Eventhing metro is more convenient when operating with fingers though.
My Windows 8 phone supports podcasts in the music app however there is no option for this on the surface.
I thought the windows 8 lineup all supported the same abilities within the built in apps.
ogar1978 said:
My Windows 8 phone supports podcasts in the music app however there is no option for this on the surface.
I thought the windows 8 lineup all supported the same abilities within the built in apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm sure there's an update in the works for the Phone app so that parity can be maintained (I believe that the Phone only supports podcasts in the US - can anyone confirm/contradict that?)
Win8 != WP8. Despite name confusion and MS claims of deeper integration, the two OSes have nothing to do with one another from a functional standpoint. From a technological standpoint, there are some similarities, but there are also many differences. For example, Win8 and Windows RT are unable to run WP7 apps, even though WP8 can.
I was deeply disappointed in the music app overall. Painfully slow, doesn't share to the Xbox or homeshare. Super annoying. Wp7 Zune is the fastest music app I've ever used aside from WMP. Just wish they would update with an overhaul.
C-Lang said:
I was deeply disappointed in the music app overall. Painfully slow, doesn't share to the Xbox or homeshare. Super annoying. Wp7 Zune is the fastest music app I've ever used aside from WMP. Just wish they would update with an overhaul.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wish they would get rid of all the online options and let me see my music library as the primary view.
guitar1969 said:
I wish they would get rid of all the online options and let me see my music library as the primary view.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can a little bit. Go into settings, preferences, startup. You can't change search though.
Hey folks,
TLDR at the end
I'm wondering if you can help me please, however I'm not sure if what I want is available. I'm new to this area of Android and I'm finding all the options a bit daunting as I'm not familiar with what is reputable and what is not. For example, I read the thread about the Gearbest MXiii, but when looking in the UK, I found the same box on Amazon, released under 2 different Manufacturer names... Much like if you try to buy a Media PC keyboard.
Anyway, here are the things I hope to do / run:
I want to replace my Windows Desktop that acts as my Media Centre. I use Kodi (Formerly XBMC) 14. I also use Chrome to play Netflix (would replace this with the android app), Spotify - and that's pretty much it. All my Storage is networked so I don't need anything there.
I am hoping to get a powerful machine (Quad core perhaps) with the ability to run lollipop (through AOSP if necessary) that will run Kodi, spotify and the Netflix app. BUT what I am also hoping to do, is run a 5.1 audio setup. I'm under no illusions that this support will be unlikely to be built-in (Although that would definitely be preferable) but will happily buy a USB DAC if we know of a stick that will support it and is not extortionately priced... What complicates things further, is I don't really want to run 5.1. I actually want to run 3.0 ( I don't imaging that makes much difference here, but again - it's not a familiar area to me). The reason being that on my Desktop, I run a centre speaker with the volume controlled separately, because whenever any of my media supports 5.1, when it mixes down to dual channel, I often end up with loud sound effects and low dialogue, which can be trouble when I have both an upstairs and downstairs neighbour....
So.... does anyone have any recommendations based on that?
TLDR;
I'm looking for a Powerful android stick that will support Lollipop through any means and 3.0 Audio as a minimum, even if through a USB Dac
danarama said:
Hey folks,
TLDR at the end
I'm wondering if you can help me please, however I'm not sure if what I want is available. I'm new to this area of Android and I'm finding all the options a bit daunting as I'm not familiar with what is reputable and what is not. For example, I read the thread about the Gearbest MXiii, but when looking in the UK, I found the same box on Amazon, released under 2 different Manufacturer names... Much like if you try to buy a Media PC keyboard.
Anyway, here are the things I hope to do / run:
I want to replace my Windows Desktop that acts as my Media Centre. I use Kodi (Formerly XBMC) 14. I also use Chrome to play Netflix (would replace this with the android app), Spotify - and that's pretty much it. All my Storage is networked so I don't need anything there.
I am hoping to get a powerful machine (Quad core perhaps) with the ability to run lollipop (through AOSP if necessary) that will run Kodi, spotify and the Netflix app. BUT what I am also hoping to do, is run a 5.1 audio setup. I'm under no illusions that this support will be unlikely to be built-in (Although that would definitely be preferable) but will happily buy a USB DAC if we know of a stick that will support it and is not extortionately priced... What complicates things further, is I don't really want to run 5.1. I actually want to run 3.0 ( I don't imaging that makes much difference here, but again - it's not a familiar area to me). The reason being that on my Desktop, I run a centre speaker with the volume controlled separately, because whenever any of my media supports 5.1, when it mixes down to dual channel, I often end up with loud sound effects and low dialogue, which can be trouble when I have both an upstairs and downstairs neighbour....
So.... does anyone have any recommendations based on that?
TLDR;
I'm looking for a Powerful android stick that will support Lollipop through any means and 3.0 Audio as a minimum, even if through a USB Dac
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
what a crap question