Beyond AirTunes?

MacRumors · Jun 10, 2004, 05:59 AM

With the release of Apple's newest device, AirPort Express, alongside AirTunes wireless audio broadcasting capabilities, MacWorld Editor Jason Snell speculates about potential directions Apple and other developers could take this technology.

Quote:

Where does Apple go from here? The sky's the limit. And I'm sure that numerous developers are already scrambling to fill the needs that Apple doesn't address. A remote control for pausing, skipping tracks, and the like is a must. A display that shows what's currently playing and what's up next would be awfully nice.

Based on conversations with Greg Joswiak, Apple appears to be aware of the logical steps beyond this basic framework... but wants to first establish this product.

MentalFabric · 11:08 AM

I hold to my belief that the portable displays have some connections with AE.

whfsdude · Jun 10, 2004, 06:06 AM

it could be the next gen ipod..

Airport card in the ipod. Steaming to it, streaming from it. Control your airport express.

It would be silly to have another device. People don't want to carry a 100 things in their pocket

jaison13 · Jun 10, 2004, 06:09 AM

also a remote would not be needed if the ipod was the device streaming youur music.

i'm getting one as soon as they are released.

bertagert · Jun 10, 2004, 06:10 AM

remote remote remote!!! and it would have to be able to display all the songs/albums/genres/playlists/etc just like the ipod. Or give the ipod a wifi card and i'll play my music from there (this would be my personal preference as it would also be sweet to have the same setup in the car). That's all I need to be happy so get to work Apple.

ChrisH3677 · Jun 10, 2004, 06:11 AM

If you could do USB to a device to SVGA (or AV)... then you could broadcast video from your computer and play thru your TV.

caveman_uk · Jun 10, 2004, 06:12 AM

It shouldn't be too didficult to sort out a remote. Can't salling clicker control itunes with a bluetooth mobile phone?

Grimace · Jun 10, 2004, 06:14 AM

Wireless iPod would be fantastic. Toss in the *secret* 60GB HD from Toshiba too...oops.

virividox · Jun 10, 2004, 06:20 AM

i wonder how much battery life a wifi ipod could expect

MacFan26 · Jun 10, 2004, 06:25 AM

That would be great with wireless iPods. Maybe they'll work in the ability to use the iTMS right on the iPod

It seems like they wouldn't make another major design update for these things, I think they are great just the way they are. Maybe wireless would be in place of a huge design makeover.

edit: wording

craig-e · Jun 10, 2004, 06:36 AM

How about this for the setup? The new Imac is launched, It has a detachable, tablet like display. You put all your music onto it, once you take your display off the machine, that becomes your remote, possibly with a dock to keep the battery topped up.

This would be the best way to sell more of the flagging Imac models.

peterjhill · Jun 10, 2004, 06:42 AM

Lots of wishful thinking going on...

For a remote, how about a Keyspan Digital Media Remote . It already works with iTunes. Can be purchased separately. Supports a company that makes cool products for macs. I am an Apple whore, but want a thriving third-party community for Mac products.

Then feel free to spend around $300 for a big led display, like this one... . You can write an applescript to update the sign. You would need to connect it via serial cable, but the good thing about rs-232 (once you have an adapter to usb) is that it works over fairly long distances (yards, not miles). I am sure a smaller display could be found.

Thinking about it, I see what many of you want, you want apple to make a slimp3 competitor, or a TV home media option competitor. That product already exists. They won't do printer sharing or WDS (wireless backbone networks), but they will play your music and display what is playing.

I am ordering at least two AEs. One to connect to my receiver, and one for another room to connect to powered speakers. I hope someone comes up with some hacks for the AE so that I can send the sound of other apps to an AE. I would love to play a game on my laptop and hear the sound out of my home AV setup (HK220).

BeyondCloister · Jun 10, 2004, 06:46 AM

There would have to be a non iPod remote option.

The system has to work without an iPod being involved.

I for one would still want to b able to remotely control the music playing from my iMac when my wife has the iPod in the car.

PRØBE · Jun 10, 2004, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig-e

How about this for the setup? The new Imac is launched, It has a detachable, tablet like display. You put all your music onto it, once you take your display off the machine, that becomes your remote, possibly with a dock to keep the battery topped up.

This would be the best way to sell more of the flagging Imac models.

That would be the most humungous remote control ever invented.
Guess you would never lose it down the back of the sofa though.

The best way to sell more of the "flagging Imac models" would be to simply kit them out with decent specs for those who like to game, use Ilife and dabble in photoshop etc.

duklaprague · Jun 10, 2004, 06:50 AM

is the powerbook now the most expensive remote control in the house. works for me!

the iPod is the way to go surely tho'. am using it as such already, but with an iTrip, but wi-fi would be the way to go....

but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc?

Iain

Analog Kid · Jun 10, 2004, 06:54 AM

Build some intelligence into it.

If I'm at home (networked with the machine that feeds my iPod) don't waste the power spinning up my iPod hard drive, just send the request from the iPod to stream the music from my Mac.

If I'm at a friends, source the music off the iPod drive.

If I'm at a party, queue up requests from multiple iPods and let everyone contribute in an orderly way.

BeyondCloister · Jun 10, 2004, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duklaprague

but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc?

WWDC is a developer event so I would expect it would be stuff relevant to development.

the silver fox · Jun 10, 2004, 06:56 AM

I currently use Salling Clicker ($20 - Salling Software) on my Sony Ericsson P800 to control iTunes, DVD player etc. Its scriptable too. It also pauses your music if you go out of bluetooth range.
The only current limitation is that the bluetooth range is only 10m. Fine in my reasonably large apartment, but not for big houses. I am working on a hack with a bluetooth repeater, which should get round the problem.

Carlson-online · Jun 10, 2004, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duklaprague

but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc?

The Completely Awesome New Features Tiger will have. Oh, And iMac G5's of course :P

mr_bam · Jun 10, 2004, 07:04 AM

Will AirTunes or the technology that runs it let ALL system sound be played on our fancy HiFi speakers?

I see lots of applications for this in a GarageBand / Logic Pro studio situation. I don't mean put your song into iTunes 4.6 first. I mean while you're mixing your tracks and composing.

Will it work?? Does anybody know yet? That would be a great feature and I'd buy it if I knew it would work. But I don't want to just be able to use iTunes for sound. I'm happy attaching my iPod to decent speakers already for normal songs.

Knox · Jun 10, 2004, 07:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BeyondCloister

WWDC is a developer event so I would expect it would be stuff relevant to development.

This doesn't really apply to the keynote IMO. The keynote is just a general, mostly non-technical, overview and an opportunity to display/announce new products - any developer is going to be more interested in the in-depth seminars during the rest of the week.

A wireless iPod would be great as an addition but i would much rather have a simple (maybe wifi based) remote control, especially if it was also IR and could be programmed to control the TV, hifi etc. In the home it doesn't really make sense to use a device that needs frequent recharging when your mains-powered computer is going to be within range of the hifi.

feeze · Jun 10, 2004, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr_bam

Will AirTunes or the technology that runs it let ALL system sound be played on our fancy HiFi speakers?

I see lots of applications for this in a GarageBand / Logic Pro studio situation. I don't mean put your song into iTunes 4.6 first. I mean while you're mixing your tracks and composing.

Will it work?? Does anybody know yet? That would be a great feature and I'd buy it if I knew it would work. But I don't want to just be able to use iTunes for sound. I'm happy attaching my iPod to decent speakers already for normal songs.

As far as I know it will only work for iTunes currently, but I think Apple will wait and see how people respond to the product and then allow for other apps to stream through airtunes.

pev · Jun 10, 2004, 07:12 AM

A newton with an 802.11 pcmcia card would make an excellent remote for this

!

~Pev

feeze · Jun 10, 2004, 07:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Knox

A wireless iPod would be great as an addition but i would much rather have a simple (maybe wifi based) remote control, especially if it was also IR and could be programmed to control the TV, hifi etc. In the home it doesn't really make sense to use a device that needs frequent recharging when your mains-powered computer is going to be within range of the hifi.

I agree a remote control that costs more than the product is just stupid.

jtquick2001 · Jun 10, 2004, 07:16 AM

but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc?

Iain[/quote]

my thoughts exactly!

Jun 10, 2004, 06:04 AM	#2
MentalFabric macrumors 6502 Join Date: Mar 2004	I hold to my belief that the portable displays have some connections with AE. __________________ Mental Fabric An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind Last edited by Mudbug : Jun 10, 2004 at 11:08 AM. Reason: there is no prize for first posting

Jun 10, 2004, 06:06 AM	#3
whfsdude macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Washington DC USA	it could be the next gen ipod.. Airport card in the ipod. Steaming to it, streaming from it. Control your airport express. It would be silly to have another device. People don't want to carry a 100 things in their pocket __________________ My Sites:DigitalRunDown<>HappyLittleThings<>Woot Industries

Jun 10, 2004, 06:09 AM	#4
jaison13 macrumors member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: pittsburgh	i agree also a remote would not be needed if the ipod was the device streaming youur music. i'm getting one as soon as they are released.

Jun 10, 2004, 06:11 AM	#6
ChrisH3677 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Victoria, Australia	If you could do USB to a device to SVGA (or AV)... then you could broadcast video from your computer and play thru your TV. __________________ Computer:iMac Core Duo 2GHz Windoze switcher: August 2003 Other Macs: Wife's: iBook 366Mhz clamshell; Kid's: eMac 800Mhz

Jun 10, 2004, 06:20 AM	#9
virividox macrumors 68040 Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Manila - Nottingham - Philadelphia - Santa Barbara - Boston (ugh hate not knowing where to call home)	i wonder how much battery life a wifi ipod could expect __________________ 17" MBP , 2 gig ram, 200 gig fw800 + 120 gig fw400 + 250 gig usb2 ext, 5g 80gig Ipod, Tiger d200 & d70

Jun 10, 2004, 06:10 AM	#5
bertagert macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jan 2003	remote remote remote!!! and it would have to be able to display all the songs/albums/genres/playlists/etc just like the ipod. Or give the ipod a wifi card and i'll play my music from there (this would be my personal preference as it would also be sweet to have the same setup in the car). That's all I need to be happy so get to work Apple.

Jun 10, 2004, 06:12 AM	#7
caveman_uk Guest Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Hitchin, Herts, UK	It shouldn't be too didficult to sort out a remote. Can't salling clicker control itunes with a bluetooth mobile phone?

Jun 10, 2004, 06:14 AM	#8
Grimace Contributor Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: with Hamburglar.	Wireless iPod would be fantastic. Toss in the secret 60GB HD from Toshiba too...oops.

Jun 10, 2004, 06:25 AM	#10
MacFan26 macrumors 65816 Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: San Jose, California	That would be great with wireless iPods. Maybe they'll work in the ability to use the iTMS right on the iPod It seems like they wouldn't make another major design update for these things, I think they are great just the way they are. Maybe wireless would be in place of a huge design makeover. edit: wording __________________ 15" 1.67GHz PowerBook, 5G black iPod 60GB, 22" Viewsonic display, bt apple keyboard, Logitech MX1000 mouse, Lacie 250 GB external drive

Jun 10, 2004, 06:36 AM	#11
craig-e macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2004	How about this for the setup? The new Imac is launched, It has a detachable, tablet like display. You put all your music onto it, once you take your display off the machine, that becomes your remote, possibly with a dock to keep the battery topped up. This would be the best way to sell more of the flagging Imac models.

Jun 10, 2004, 06:42 AM	#12
peterjhill macrumors 65816 Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Seattle, WA	Lots of wishful thinking going on... For a remote, how about a Keyspan Digital Media Remote . It already works with iTunes. Can be purchased separately. Supports a company that makes cool products for macs. I am an Apple whore, but want a thriving third-party community for Mac products. Then feel free to spend around $300 for a big led display, like this one... . You can write an applescript to update the sign. You would need to connect it via serial cable, but the good thing about rs-232 (once you have an adapter to usb) is that it works over fairly long distances (yards, not miles). I am sure a smaller display could be found. Thinking about it, I see what many of you want, you want apple to make a slimp3 competitor, or a TV home media option competitor. That product already exists. They won't do printer sharing or WDS (wireless backbone networks), but they will play your music and display what is playing. I am ordering at least two AEs. One to connect to my receiver, and one for another room to connect to powered speakers. I hope someone comes up with some hacks for the AE so that I can send the sound of other apps to an AE. I would love to play a game on my laptop and hear the sound out of my home AV setup (HK220). __________________ Apple, release a new MacBook Pro!

Jun 10, 2004, 06:46 AM	#13
BeyondCloister macrumors member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Aberdeen, Scotland	There would have to be a non iPod remote option. The system has to work without an iPod being involved. I for one would still want to b able to remotely control the music playing from my iMac when my wife has the iPod in the car.

Jun 10, 2004, 06:50 AM	#15
duklaprague macrumors regular Join Date: Apr 2004	is the powerbook now the most expensive remote control in the house. works for me! the iPod is the way to go surely tho'. am using it as such already, but with an iTrip, but wi-fi would be the way to go.... but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc? Iain

Jun 10, 2004, 06:54 AM	#16
Analog Kid macrumors 68000 Join Date: Mar 2003	Build some intelligence into it. If I'm at home (networked with the machine that feeds my iPod) don't waste the power spinning up my iPod hard drive, just send the request from the iPod to stream the music from my Mac. If I'm at a friends, source the music off the iPod drive. If I'm at a party, queue up requests from multiple iPods and let everyone contribute in an orderly way. __________________ "Quick to judge, quick to anger, slow to understand... Ignorance and Prejudice and Fear walk hand-in-hand." --Peart

Jun 10, 2004, 06:56 AM	#18
the silver fox macrumors member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: uk	Salling Clicker I currently use Salling Clicker ($20 - Salling Software) on my Sony Ericsson P800 to control iTunes, DVD player etc. Its scriptable too. It also pauses your music if you go out of bluetooth range. The only current limitation is that the bluetooth range is only 10m. Fine in my reasonably large apartment, but not for big houses. I am working on a hack with a bluetooth repeater, which should get round the problem.

Jun 10, 2004, 07:04 AM	#20
mr_bam macrumors newbie Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Wales, UK	AirTunes for all Application Sound?? Will AirTunes or the technology that runs it let ALL system sound be played on our fancy HiFi speakers? I see lots of applications for this in a GarageBand / Logic Pro studio situation. I don't mean put your song into iTunes 4.6 first. I mean while you're mixing your tracks and composing. Will it work?? Does anybody know yet? That would be a great feature and I'd buy it if I knew it would work. But I don't want to just be able to use iTunes for sound. I'm happy attaching my iPod to decent speakers already for normal songs. __________________ MacBook Pro 2.4GHz, 15 inch, 4GB Mac Pro Xeon 3GHz 8-core, 9GB RAM OS X 10.5.4 - iPhone G1 8GB FW 2.0.2 Unlocked

Jun 10, 2004, 07:12 AM	#23
pev macrumors newbie Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Near Bath, UK	Remote A newton with an 802.11 pcmcia card would make an excellent remote for this ! ~Pev

Jun 10, 2004, 07:16 AM	#25
jtquick2001 macrumors newbie Join Date: Mar 2004	but seeing as we'll have had airport express, new powermacs, and european ITMS already this month, you wonder what they're keeping back for wwdc? Iain[/quote] my thoughts exactly!

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