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Beyond AirTunes?
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CoreForce
macrumors regular
2 ideas
In practice this turns out to be horrible unusable
because of the interfering sounds and different deltas
in transmission time. Just imaging yourself stand in
the kitchen, listen your favorite song and an echo of it
from the living room.
2 ideas for a technical solution, however:
- many PC, have them listen to one source, each one broadcasts that stream to an AX
- one PC with some VirtualPC or similiar, do the same (not sure if all VMs can share the same Airport emitter for it).
Interesting question arising from it:
Could many senders potentially transmit to the same AX? I guess not, would sound funny...
iGen said:
In practice this turns out to be horrible unusable
because of the interfering sounds and different deltas
in transmission time. Just imaging yourself stand in
the kitchen, listen your favorite song and an echo of it
from the living room.
2 ideas for a technical solution, however:
- many PC, have them listen to one source, each one broadcasts that stream to an AX
- one PC with some VirtualPC or similiar, do the same (not sure if all VMs can share the same Airport emitter for it).
Interesting question arising from it:
Could many senders potentially transmit to the same AX? I guess not, would sound funny...
It's also base for a lot of legal action. Should Apple do this, I think copyright protection agencies around the world would kick into gear. Here in the Netherlands, if you're broadcasting music on for instance a radio station, you have to pay those agencies money (they in turn pay the record companies). Internet stations have to do the same. Local radio stations too. So how is this any different?Anticipat3 said:
And the one thing I don't like about Apple is that Steve Jobs is also heavy into media. Like Sony, there is a conflict of intrest here: protect your assets on one hand and limit the technical abilities on the other. Philips Electronics took a different route, they sold all media stuff (like Polygram) and focus on technology now. Which has resulted in DVD players able to play just about anything, in comparison to the Sony players that choke on burnt or mp3 cd's regularly. Also check out http://www.streamium.com to see Philips' productline based on media streaming via wifi.
(no, i dont work for philips. yes, i am getting airtunes.)
UPnP ... anyone?
A couple of days ago I was researching AirTunes. And like many of you, I am sure you've seen the articles and subsequent threads on MacWorld. I just thought I'd copy my entry on the Editor's Notes forum here. When I read about AirTunes I was reminded of the Philips Streamium products, that use UPnP. Here is how I think UPnP would/could/(might even do today) on the Apple productline:
Your computer is a media server. The Airport Express is a media player. The remote is a controlling device. The remote makes sure it knows all players and servers. It connects to a server and lets me browse the library, select a song and hit play ... what the remote then does is tell the server "play song X using media player Y" and it tells the player "server Z is going to send you media". Sound familiar? Perhaps because this is the way the UPnP forum has standardized it's way of dealing with media. Check out more information at http://www.upnp.org/standardizeddcps/mediaserver.asp
Now, then how would iTunes work? Well, it would work exactly the same. The iTunes GUI is nothing but another controller device, like the remote control itself. Underneath, the actual music database is hosted by the "iTunes Media Server". Like you would use the remote control, the GUI would tell the iTunes Media Server (Z) "play track X using media player Y".
And how would the iPod hook into all this? Well, the iPod is a player, controller and server rolled all into one cute little device. Hook some wifi connectivity and you're flying. The controller built into the iPod could then be used to search the library of the server built into the iPod, or any other server (such as the server Z that I mentioned earlier). And it could play that track using the player built into the iPod or using media player Y (which is an Airport Express hooked up to your stereo). And ofcourse, you could send tracks from server to server, which means you can copy tracks (or 'sync') from your Powerbook to your iPod.
As I am a fairly new Apple user, I am uncertain how UPnP compares to Rendezvous, which seems to be a strong protocol in Apple world. UPnP can use any carrier network though. Anyone who can clear this up for me?
A couple of days ago I was researching AirTunes. And like many of you, I am sure you've seen the articles and subsequent threads on MacWorld. I just thought I'd copy my entry on the Editor's Notes forum here. When I read about AirTunes I was reminded of the Philips Streamium products, that use UPnP. Here is how I think UPnP would/could/(might even do today) on the Apple productline:
Your computer is a media server. The Airport Express is a media player. The remote is a controlling device. The remote makes sure it knows all players and servers. It connects to a server and lets me browse the library, select a song and hit play ... what the remote then does is tell the server "play song X using media player Y" and it tells the player "server Z is going to send you media". Sound familiar? Perhaps because this is the way the UPnP forum has standardized it's way of dealing with media. Check out more information at http://www.upnp.org/standardizeddcps/mediaserver.asp
Now, then how would iTunes work? Well, it would work exactly the same. The iTunes GUI is nothing but another controller device, like the remote control itself. Underneath, the actual music database is hosted by the "iTunes Media Server". Like you would use the remote control, the GUI would tell the iTunes Media Server (Z) "play track X using media player Y".
And how would the iPod hook into all this? Well, the iPod is a player, controller and server rolled all into one cute little device. Hook some wifi connectivity and you're flying. The controller built into the iPod could then be used to search the library of the server built into the iPod, or any other server (such as the server Z that I mentioned earlier). And it could play that track using the player built into the iPod or using media player Y (which is an Airport Express hooked up to your stereo). And ofcourse, you could send tracks from server to server, which means you can copy tracks (or 'sync') from your Powerbook to your iPod.
As I am a fairly new Apple user, I am uncertain how UPnP compares to Rendezvous, which seems to be a strong protocol in Apple world. UPnP can use any carrier network though. Anyone who can clear this up for me?
Part of my post earlier in this thread regarding AirTunes and WWDC:
"4. Given the announcement of AirTunes, I do believe the fabled "tablet" will arrive - perhaps not in the manner it has been typically envisioned (like a notebook) - rather as I wireless access system to control iTunes as well as do basic browsing and email. Or even just an embedded and flash-able version of a system with a really redesigned Apple Remote Desktop. It's also possible that these functions will be added to the iPod along with WiFi streaming. We already know that a 60 gigger is eminent. The tablet would also pave way for something like AirPort Express Extreme with video as well as audio capabilities."
From Thinksecret today:
"June 11, 2004 - Apple Remote Desktop 2, a major upgrade to the company's desktop management and screen-sharing software, is nearing completion, Think Secret has learned.
According to new information, the Remote Desktop upgrade, code-named "Neo," is at or close to the final "gold master" stage. Apple plans to wrap up development this month, sources said, though the company's schedule could change based on the particular demands of the development process.
It's unclear when Apple plans to formally announce the upgrade, but one possible venue is the Worldwide Developers Conference, which will take place in San Francisco June 28 through July 2."
Odd coincidence huh? 😀
"4. Given the announcement of AirTunes, I do believe the fabled "tablet" will arrive - perhaps not in the manner it has been typically envisioned (like a notebook) - rather as I wireless access system to control iTunes as well as do basic browsing and email. Or even just an embedded and flash-able version of a system with a really redesigned Apple Remote Desktop. It's also possible that these functions will be added to the iPod along with WiFi streaming. We already know that a 60 gigger is eminent. The tablet would also pave way for something like AirPort Express Extreme with video as well as audio capabilities."
From Thinksecret today:
"June 11, 2004 - Apple Remote Desktop 2, a major upgrade to the company's desktop management and screen-sharing software, is nearing completion, Think Secret has learned.
According to new information, the Remote Desktop upgrade, code-named "Neo," is at or close to the final "gold master" stage. Apple plans to wrap up development this month, sources said, though the company's schedule could change based on the particular demands of the development process.
It's unclear when Apple plans to formally announce the upgrade, but one possible venue is the Worldwide Developers Conference, which will take place in San Francisco June 28 through July 2."
Odd coincidence huh? 😀
If you want to categorize, I'd call your Mac the "master music server" and your iPod the "slave music server". Although "slave server" sounds contradictory (and politically incorrect), it's a term from conventional networking and the iPod is the type of device its meaning applies to: a server that provides local service as a substitute for a higher-level server.gadg said:
iTMS for iPod
The other thing you could do with a WiFi enabled iPod is download music directly from the iTMS without using a computer at all! (Providing of course that Apple develops a mobile version of the iTMS). 😱
whfsdude said:
The other thing you could do with a WiFi enabled iPod is download music directly from the iTMS without using a computer at all! (Providing of course that Apple develops a mobile version of the iTMS). 😱
What about EyeHome?
I think Elgato Sytems' EyeHome (http://www.elgato.com) meets many of the specifications for an "ideal system" that have been mentioned in this thread.
Just wondering what everyone thinks about it vs. AXP as a Mac-friendly media player (as opposed to a wi-fi access point).
It even has component cable output (albeit at less than HD resolution). And it seems priced pretty aggresively.
I think Elgato Sytems' EyeHome (http://www.elgato.com) meets many of the specifications for an "ideal system" that have been mentioned in this thread.
Just wondering what everyone thinks about it vs. AXP as a Mac-friendly media player (as opposed to a wi-fi access point).
It even has component cable output (albeit at less than HD resolution). And it seems priced pretty aggresively.
alywa said:
Having previously worked for apple doing applecare support for the iPod....this is a support nightmare. It was hard enough trying to teach the average person how to browse the ipod for music much less use it as a remote or streaming device. They would have to completely rework the entire interface for this to even be remotely feasble to be able to support the ipod. The less time we were on the phone with a customer the more money apple makes. so they aren't going to release something thats going to drive average call times to 30+ minutes.
pjkelnhofer said:
This actually isn't too dificult now. You can buy an X-10 pc interface which allows you to control all your x-10 devices from your computer or even the internet if you know a bit of ASP. Then when your at home walking around you can use an IR or RF (depending on which interface you buy) remote to control the X-10 devices in your home. Only issue is currently its not to mac friendly for the firecracker interface as it uses serial and i beleive the driver is windows only.
Porchland
macrumors 65816
SWC said:
Battery issues notwithstanding, this wouldn't be a huge support issue if the broadcast option worked just like playing the iPod, e.g., a switch or a snap-in like iTrip. The issue would then become how to make it target specific if you've got multiple places in your environment to broadcast.
manthas said:
This would be good for bands trying to make a living with music on the iTMS. Think about it, you're at a concert and you want to buy the album. You have your iPod there, somehow engage in the portable iTMS wirelessly, purchase the album with a push of a button..... Otherwise bands still have to have their CD's pressed, which is a big expense for a small band.
ryanw said:
As opposed to waiting until you got home?
ryanw said:
It's an expense, but not a prohibitive one.
Awimoway said:
iPod like scroll wheel on the remote
check and mate. jeez, i know its flattering, but can't we have some original ideas??
oh well
ryanw said:
Yes, and you'll be able to browse the store and buy music while sipping on your tall non-fat latté at Starbucks without having to haul your laptop around... The more I think about it, the more I think that this could provide a serious edge for Stevie over the competition!
CoreForce said:
Uhm... turn down your stereos then. The idea is if you are in one room but cannot hear the stereo in the other room. You wouldn't broadcast to two devices within earshot of one another.
this would be neat.
Auto Airport Express for your car. wire it in, and leave it there. then with a wireless ipod play music to your car speakers, or from a wireless laptop inside the car. and support for WiMAX, so while driving through metropolitan areas, you could stream internet radio, and passengers could go online on laptops (using the AAE as a wireless repeater, just for 802.11). also, when you pull into your house, it would automagically sync your ipod (which i guess you could do with a wireless ipod anyways), or, and this would be stupid but fun, you could play music from your iMac in your office to your car speakers.
that has no realistic advantage, except for the playing music thing. but i'd buy one.
Auto Airport Express for your car. wire it in, and leave it there. then with a wireless ipod play music to your car speakers, or from a wireless laptop inside the car. and support for WiMAX, so while driving through metropolitan areas, you could stream internet radio, and passengers could go online on laptops (using the AAE as a wireless repeater, just for 802.11). also, when you pull into your house, it would automagically sync your ipod (which i guess you could do with a wireless ipod anyways), or, and this would be stupid but fun, you could play music from your iMac in your office to your car speakers.
that has no realistic advantage, except for the playing music thing. but i'd buy one.
Sonos is gonna get sued
check out this picture of the remote apple should and is going to make for Air Tunes
http://www.sonos.com/graphics/products/lg_ctrl_3.jpg
Sonos is gonna get sued because apple patented the scroll wheel on the ipod.
But i think Sonos got it right as that is the exact remote i described a few days ago.
Things I would change. Way smaller. make sure it uses wifi or RF. Maybe a B&W screen and smaller to make overall device smaller.
check out this picture of the remote apple should and is going to make for Air Tunes
http://www.sonos.com/graphics/products/lg_ctrl_3.jpg
Sonos is gonna get sued because apple patented the scroll wheel on the ipod.
But i think Sonos got it right as that is the exact remote i described a few days ago.
Things I would change. Way smaller. make sure it uses wifi or RF. Maybe a B&W screen and smaller to make overall device smaller.
