WickedStyx has modifed the official XBMC remote app for the Viewsonic Tab so that it scales to the full screen. The GTab is a smaller screen than the SGT, but the app still now seems to scale to the full screen and looks much better!
Go grab it from his thread over at http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=878016!
Very nice indeed. Controlling your xbmc from your Tab or phone is quite a neat party piece. However, as everyday solution, a standard IR remote with real buttons is far superior. 90% of the time I use the remote, I don't look at it, but rather find the correct button by touch.
Rapax said:
Very nice indeed. Controlling your xbmc from your Tab or phone is quite a neat party piece. However, as everyday solution, a standard IR remote with real buttons is far superior. 90% of the time I use the remote, I don't look at it, but rather find the correct button by touch.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The media PC in the lounge has an IR interface and is mapped to a Logitech harmony remote so I can use that to control XBMC. The PC in my room however doesn't have any IR (trying to get 3rd party IR interface working in OS X = hopeless). So I use XBMC remote on my tab or my Nexus-One instead.
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.
Does the tablet come with an ap that use the IR blaster; and if not any suggestions in this arena ?
--
Hum searching it sounds like watchon is suppose to do the job; thoough it is a bit confusing from the description of the app on google-play.
jake21 said:
Does the tablet come with an ap that use the IR blaster; and if not any suggestions in this arena ?
--
Hum searching it sounds like watchon is suppose to do the job; thoough it is a bit confusing from the description of the app on google-play.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
WatchOn does a splendid job in my opinion. You can select shows and genres that you like, and it will show you shows that are on specific to the categories and selections that you chose. You can change channels, set reminders, and set favorite channels. Pretty useful remote replacement.
WatchOn is definately the included app meant to be used for remote stuffs, but I found it lacking for my needs. I did like that it integrated with listings so you could find a show and point it at your tv and 'watch now', but I spent all the fun money on this tablet instead of upgrading the living room electronics.
It will likely work if you have a normal/basic tv setup, but I have a bit of an older tv and the tuner inside does not work too well. We use a VCR that gets a better signal off the cable for channels, but no way to make this app do channels on a vcr (or any vcr commands for that matter) and send volume controls to the TV. For reference, a universal remote can do that just fine, and costs under $20. I find it sad that they couldn't implement in software what a cheap universal remote can do...I will be looking to see if some other software is also usable with the IR blaster.
Drenyx said:
WatchOn is definately the included app meant to be used for remote stuffs, but I found it lacking for my needs. I did like that it integrated with listings so you could find a show and point it at your tv and 'watch now', but I spent all the fun money on this tablet instead of upgrading the living room electronics.
.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would like an app that would be very simple and just add a functional widget to the home screen. Volume, channel up, down, thats about it. Tried a few from the Play Store but they all sucked and many were bloated overkill... something right must be out there.
Search for ZaZaRemote in Playstore, this is the best IR remote I ever used and have macros that I love.
edit:
Oupss..sorry its Smart IR Remote I mean. But peoples already recommended it.
I use Smart IR Remote for its simple widget ability... hated loading watchon when I just wanted to change channels or turn up the volume...
Smart IR Remote looks good, I am going to try it out.
The watchON app on Gear 2 is very limited.
I really would like to have some remote control option for my Audio system.
Because my TV audio output is connected to my Yamaha receiver.
Is there any 3rd party app for IR remote control ?
Thx.
I'd also like to see the ability to control my Roku as well.
In general, an IR app with learning facility would be great
mrmrmrmr said:
In general, an IR app with learning facility would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
...and the ability to control more than 3 devices as well! Do they have only one room in their HQ at Samsung??? :fingers-crossed:
mrmrmrmr said:
In general, an IR app with learning facility would be great
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think this is not possible. The iR on Samsung is a sender module, not receiver, at least in S4/Note 3.
Regards
tetsuoshima41 said:
I think this is not possible. The iR on Samsung is a sender module, not receiver, at least in S4/Note 3.
Regards
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ok; I would also be satisfied with some app who can learn through a 4 digit remote controller code.
And not limited to 2 type of devices (TV and air conditioner)
The Gear/smartwatches in general are usually purchased by early adopter/techie types who have a good chance of having a high end home theater system. Most of these setups have the tv piping into a surround receiver, so the Watch-On is terrible in that it doesn't have support for more devices like these.
roku ir
I know the roku has an ir receiver, so it should be a matter of simply finding the right frequency. No reason it couldn't work
Get universal galaxy ir remote or smart ir remote these both have macro to turn on multiple devices and hdmi selectors dslr, coolers and fans
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=com.moletag.galaxy.s4.remote
This only for the phone, not the watch hopefully they will make app for the gear
ilostchild said:
Get universal galaxy ir remote or smart ir remote these both have macro to turn on multiple devices and hdmi selectors dslr, coolers and fans
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.remotefairy
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?
id=com.moletag.galaxy.s4.remote
This only for the phone, not the watch hopefully they will make app for the gear
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I use these on my Note 3, but having on the watch is much more "handy". I already sent a request for the Unified Remote guys to write an app for Tizen that works like their phone app. I'd love to use the Gear touchscreen like a mouse for my HTPC.
Hi guys.
This is my first post and i hope i will not be shredded for being new.
I came here since neither google nore other forums nore youtube helped me with my quest, which is
to have an IR remote to controll aimp on my android device.
I only did find "make ir blaster" or app reviews, or Bluetooth related info.
There is a device called Flirc, which is a small usb stick with IR receiver.
It comes with software to bind the IR input received to keyboard/mouse commands.
The website says all devices that can handle a usb keyboard are able to handle flirc.
The downfall is that the software only comes for Windows/IOs/Android TV.
So i wonder if there is an android app which is homebrewn to make the USB stick of a use in
an android smartphone.
Other than that, i am happy to accept any hint for another method to
controll aimp or any other player vie IR.
IR is a must.
I can remember the ipod/iphone remote which was so easy to use (IR only).
So can u help me spread some light on this topic?
Greetings !
Mandy