SlingPlayer for iPhone and iPod Touch?

MacRumors · Jan 11, 2008, 09:43 AM

ElectricPig.tv claims (via 9to5) they have an "extremely senior source" at Sling Media who says that an iPhone/iPod Touch version of their SlingPlayer client software is coming.

Sling Media sells the SlingBox which allows you to stream video from your home television over the internet to any supported device (Mac, PC, Mobile Phone). A native SlingPlayer port would bring that functionality to the iPhone. Sling Media, however, is said to be worried that EDGE might not be fast enough to support their streaming media.

This rumor might have been dismissed, if not for the fact that MacRumors has also heard that SlingMedia is indeed one of the lucky developers to get an early copy of the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK). Apple has reportedly seeded select developers with early versions of the iPhone SDK to ready some applications for the initial launch. The iPhone SDK is officially expected to be released in February 2008.

With Macworld Expo around the corner, we have heard that Apple will show new iphone software at Macworld, though this could just mean the 1.1.3 firmware that was previously leaked.

Article Link

Rocketman · 10:03 AM

I don't currently use Sling, but likely would if available on a larger screen iPhone 2 (ATNN).

Since the point is to watch TV, most users could shift to a spot where wifi is present and would not need to rely entirely on EDGE. In fact, a docked device with video out to a full size screen would be a practical option.

Rocketman

appleguru1 · Jan 11, 2008, 09:50 AM

As a slingbox solo and iPhone owner, this is the best news I've heard all day

tothelimit · Jan 11, 2008, 09:55 AM

I've been putting off the purchase of a sling box for quite some time now. If this turns out to be more than just 'rumor', I'm sold.

mikes63737 · Jan 11, 2008, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tothelimit

I've been putting off the purchase of a sling box for quite some time now. If this turns out to be more than just 'rumor', I'm sold.

Me too, especially if the quality is decent over EDGE. That'd give me something to do during school.

pianos101 · Jan 11, 2008, 09:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by appleguru1

As a slingbox solo and iPhone owner, this is the best news I've heard all day

I whole-heartedly second that... I have a good feeling, though, that crappy EDGE won't be enough to make it watchable. But still, definitely the best news I've heard in a while...

Cleve · Jan 11, 2008, 09:58 AM

Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou

I wonder if sling will have to update its players or if its proprietary format will be ported to ipod/iphone

fastbite · Jan 11, 2008, 10:07 AM

Sounds great! And with the actors strike looming closer and the writer's strike still much alive, we can watch endless reruns from anywhere with a good connection.

elppa · Jan 11, 2008, 09:56 AM

But they might not have to cope with Edge after MacWorld… Who knows? If Apple gets a 3G chipset in the phone, then they can go into Italy, Spain, Australia, China etc. and be competitive.

It will also make it more competitive in existing non US markets, such as the UK, Germany and France.

Edmar · Jan 11, 2008, 10:15 AM

As an iPhone owner this is the only thing keeping me from buying a Sling Player, I hope this rumor comes into fruition.

displaced · Jan 11, 2008, 10:19 AM

Great to hear (assuming it's true!)

So let's assume this'll be made with the allegedly-to-be-released iPhone/iPod Touch SDK. What would be very, very nice would be to be able to dock the iPhone/Touch in a dock connected to the TV and use it to output the slingbox stream to the second TV. So not only would you be able to watch on your iPhone, but you'd also be able to watch on any TV just by hooking up the dock. Sweet.

callmemike20 · Jan 11, 2008, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by displaced

Great to hear (assuming it's true!)

So let's assume this'll be made with the allegedly-to-be-released iPhone/iPod Touch SDK. What would be very, very nice would be to be able to dock the iPhone/Touch in a dock connected to the TV and use it to output the slingbox stream to the second TV. So not only would you be able to watch on your iPhone, but you'd also be able to watch on any TV just by hooking up the dock. Sweet.

There is one major problem with this. The resolution that you will be streaming it at will be made for your mobile phone, so when it is put on a tv, it would be really distorted and you wouldnt be able to see anything. Even on a laptop, with wifi, you cannot maximize the screen without getting distortion of the picture. I use slingplayer on my motorola q using the verizon network, which is faster than edge, and the picture looks great on that screen. NOW, if you were connected to the same LAN as the slingbox, you could get upwards of 3000kbps which is a pretty good picture. So, you might be able to use it in your house on a second tv, but i really wouldn't see the point in that.

rohn · Jan 11, 2008, 10:19 AM

I also own a slingbox and had been using it on a Treo. If this is true, it would be so awesome.

walnuts · Jan 11, 2008, 10:20 AM

I don't use slingbox, so I'm not sure if I'd use this, but if they actually plan to have this ready for Macworld, I'm sure it won't be the only new app. I'm hoping for a few more goodies...

evilyankeefan · Jan 11, 2008, 10:25 AM

Wouldn't this compete with the (more than likely) iTunes rental service? If I have something on my DVR and can sling it to my iPhone/touch, what's the incentive of renting it?

Just seems that this would take away revenue for Apple. Maybe I'm over thinking this.

Cool idea though especially if you have stuff on your DVR that isn't in iTunes.

ridli · Jan 11, 2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilyankeefan

Wouldn't this compete with the (more than likely) iTunes rental service? If I have something on my DVR and can sling it to my iPhone/touch, what's the incentive of renting it?

Just seems that this would take away revenue for Apple. Maybe I'm over thinking this.

Cool idea though especially if you have stuff on your DVR that isn't in iTunes.

I don't think the two will be competing. The slingbox is basically made to "place shift" your TV or DVR content to some other point that's connected with a slingbox client. Considering that iTunes movie rentals are most likely going to be new DVD releases, you would really have to be using a slingbox & renting movies from a service like on-demand for them to overlap.

slffl · Jan 11, 2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evilyankeefan

Wouldn't this compete with the (more than likely) iTunes rental service? If I have something on my DVR and can sling it to my iPhone/touch, what's the incentive of renting it?

Just seems that this would take away revenue for Apple. Maybe I'm over thinking this.

Cool idea though especially if you have stuff on your DVR that isn't in iTunes.

Um, maybe because not everyone has premium movie channels on satellite or cable?

kasei · Jan 11, 2008, 11:39 AM

I own a Slingbox Pro and I've used it around the world to watch TV and news. If this is true and Apple updates the iPhone this coming Monday I will definitely buy an iPhone as soon as the update is available.

donlphi · Jan 11, 2008, 11:50 AM

I heard that the Slinplayer works fine on a Blackberry on the edge network. I have seen it on a PALM Treo using the Edge Network. I think it will be fine.

We'll see what happens this Tuesday. Will the SDK be crippled?

nostaws · Jan 11, 2008, 11:55 AM

I know about 10 slingbox owners, who are not currently iphone owners, who would buy an iphone/itouch just for this. - seriously -

HiRez · Jan 11, 2008, 12:06 PM

Man, just what I have been waiting for. I would buy a new 3/4G iPhone just for this app, even though I just bought a new crapG iPhone a few months ago. Would be great if it worked over the video out cable, even if it didn't look great. One feature I wish SlingPlayer had would be to prebuffer a whole show to your device at whatever bitrate you choose.

nostaws · Jan 11, 2008, 12:02 PM

Quote:

I fully believe the leaked 1.1.3 is all real. What I can't understand is how it went out without a C&D. If this was to be the features shown at Macworld, this has to really upset the powers that be

I also belive that 1.1.3 is real, but what if at macworld apple releases 1.2.

For example, with apple releasing an SDK, and working with a few who have already seen the SDK, I would think that they are doing a lot of polishing to the software. Maybe all that work and polish took it to 1.2, and 1.1.3 is old news in Apple circles.

Just an idea.

twoodcc · Jan 11, 2008, 12:24 PM

i don't use slingplayer, but this is still good news. looking forward to more apps for the iphone

BobbyDigital · Jan 11, 2008, 01:41 PM

The is the only app that I have really missed on the iPhone. I use a SlingBox to watch TV in my office and it would be great to be able to watch on my iPhone as well.

zipadidoodah · Jan 15, 2008, 05:26 AM

Hope this happens - is the sling player any good - i've been interested for a few months but because of lack of support for the iphone i said no (so far)

Jan 11, 2008, 09:43 AM	#1
MacRumors macrumors bot Join Date: Apr 2001	SlingPlayer for iPhone and iPod Touch? ElectricPig.tv claims (via 9to5) they have an "extremely senior source" at Sling Media who says that an iPhone/iPod Touch version of their SlingPlayer client software is coming. Sling Media sells the SlingBox which allows you to stream video from your home television over the internet to any supported device (Mac, PC, Mobile Phone). A native SlingPlayer port would bring that functionality to the iPhone. Sling Media, however, is said to be worried that EDGE might not be fast enough to support their streaming media. This rumor might have been dismissed, if not for the fact that MacRumors has also heard that SlingMedia is indeed one of the lucky developers to get an early copy of the iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK). Apple has reportedly seeded select developers with early versions of the iPhone SDK to ready some applications for the initial launch. The iPhone SDK is officially expected to be released in February 2008. With Macworld Expo around the corner, we have heard that Apple will show new iphone software at Macworld, though this could just mean the 1.1.3 firmware that was previously leaked. Article Link

Jan 11, 2008, 09:49 AM	#2
Rocketman macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Claremont, CA	I don't currently use Sling, but likely would if available on a larger screen iPhone 2 (ATNN). Since the point is to watch TV, most users could shift to a spot where wifi is present and would not need to rely entirely on EDGE. In fact, a docked device with video out to a full size screen would be a practical option. Rocketman __________________ Think Different-ly! Looking for an iPhone dev with way too much time on her hands for BASIC programs I have. Last edited by Rocketman : Jan 11, 2008 at 10:03 AM. Reason: wifi comment

Jan 11, 2008, 09:58 AM	#7
Cleve macrumors regular Join Date: Jun 2007	Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou Thankyou I wonder if sling will have to update its players or if its proprietary format will be ported to ipod/iphone

Jan 11, 2008, 10:07 AM	#8
fastbite macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: London	Sounds great! And with the actors strike looming closer and the writer's strike still much alive, we can watch endless reruns from anywhere with a good connection. __________________ If the movie is a turkey, stuff it! http://www.turkeyornot.com/

Jan 11, 2008, 10:15 AM	#10
Edmar macrumors newbie Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Chicago IL	That's all I need to buy a Sling Box As an iPhone owner this is the only thing keeping me from buying a Sling Player, I hope this rumor comes into fruition.

Jan 11, 2008, 09:50 AM	#3
appleguru1 macrumors regular Join Date: Mar 2003	As a slingbox solo and iPhone owner, this is the best news I've heard all day

Jan 11, 2008, 09:55 AM	#4
tothelimit macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: South Florida	I've been putting off the purchase of a sling box for quite some time now. If this turns out to be more than just 'rumor', I'm sold.

Jan 11, 2008, 09:56 AM	#9
elppa macrumors 68020 Join Date: Nov 2003	But they might not have to cope with Edge after MacWorld… Who knows? If Apple gets a 3G chipset in the phone, then they can go into Italy, Spain, Australia, China etc. and be competitive. It will also make it more competitive in existing non US markets, such as the UK, Germany and France.

Jan 11, 2008, 10:19 AM	#11
displaced macrumors Demi-God Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: ORP-ING-TRONNNNNN, UK	Great to hear (assuming it's true!) So let's assume this'll be made with the allegedly-to-be-released iPhone/iPod Touch SDK. What would be very, very nice would be to be able to dock the iPhone/Touch in a dock connected to the TV and use it to output the slingbox stream to the second TV. So not only would you be able to watch on your iPhone, but you'd also be able to watch on any TV just by hooking up the dock. Sweet. __________________ CONGRATURATION! YOU SUCCESS! A WINNER IS YOU! BUT OUR GIRAFFE IS IN ANOTHER CASTLE!

Jan 11, 2008, 10:19 AM	#13
rohn macrumors newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Lake Worth, FL	I also own a slingbox and had been using it on a Treo. If this is true, it would be so awesome.

Jan 11, 2008, 10:20 AM	#14
walnuts macrumors 6502 Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Mineola, NY	I don't use slingbox, so I'm not sure if I'd use this, but if they actually plan to have this ready for Macworld, I'm sure it won't be the only new app. I'm hoping for a few more goodies...

Jan 11, 2008, 10:25 AM	#15
evilyankeefan macrumors regular Join Date: Aug 2007	Wouldn't this compete with the (more than likely) iTunes rental service? If I have something on my DVR and can sling it to my iPhone/touch, what's the incentive of renting it? Just seems that this would take away revenue for Apple. Maybe I'm over thinking this. Cool idea though especially if you have stuff on your DVR that isn't in iTunes.

Jan 11, 2008, 11:39 AM	#18
kasei macrumors 6502 Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA	I own a Slingbox Pro and I've used it around the world to watch TV and news. If this is true and Apple updates the iPhone this coming Monday I will definitely buy an iPhone as soon as the update is available. __________________ 13" 2.1 GHz Core 2 Duo MacBook; 17" 1.33 GHz PowerBook with 1 Gig of RAM; 32 GB 3GS iPhone/Black; 8GB iPhone 1st Gen; 4GB iPod Mini; 4GB iPod Nano;

Jan 11, 2008, 11:50 AM	#19
donlphi macrumors 6502 Join Date: May 2006 Location: Seattle (M$ Country)	I heard that the Slinplayer works fine on a Blackberry on the edge network. I have seen it on a PALM Treo using the Edge Network. I think it will be fine. We'll see what happens this Tuesday. Will the SDK be crippled? __________________ 8Mhz Mac Classic, 933Mhz PowerMac G4 Quicksilver, 2.33Ghz Macbook Pro, 2 x 2.8 Quad Core Mac Pro, Dell Mini 9 Hackintosh, Slingbox Pro, AppleTV, 32GB iPhone 3g S⃣

Jan 11, 2008, 11:55 AM	#20
nostaws macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2006	I know about 10 slingbox owners, who are not currently iphone owners, who would buy an iphone/itouch just for this. - seriously -

Jan 11, 2008, 12:06 PM	#21
HiRez macrumors 68020 Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: San Francisco, CA	Man, just what I have been waiting for. I would buy a new 3/4G iPhone just for this app, even though I just bought a new crapG iPhone a few months ago. Would be great if it worked over the video out cable, even if it didn't look great. One feature I wish SlingPlayer had would be to prebuffer a whole show to your device at whatever bitrate you choose. __________________ Go outside, the graphics are amazing!

Jan 11, 2008, 12:24 PM	#23
twoodcc macrumors 603 Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Right side of wrong	i don't use slingplayer, but this is still good news. looking forward to more apps for the iphone __________________ tville pump Smarter than the average bear

Jan 11, 2008, 01:41 PM	#24
BobbyDigital macrumors member Join Date: Sep 2006	This is what I've been waiting for! The is the only app that I have really missed on the iPhone. I use a SlingBox to watch TV in my office and it would be great to be able to watch on my iPhone as well.

Jan 15, 2008, 05:26 AM	#25
zipadidoodah macrumors newbie Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Manchester, UK	Hope this happens - is the sling player any good - i've been interested for a few months but because of lack of support for the iphone i said no (so far) __________________ Macbook Pro, Macbook, G5 iMac, G4 Powerbook, TV, iPhone, iPod touch, iPod 60gb Video, iPod Photo, iPod 40gb - Not bad collection me thinks!

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