How AirPlay would be a lot better (?)

[frutter]

Can anyone explain to me why Apple hasn't done the following?

I refer to making OSX *itself* able to detect an AirPlay compatible device and allowing a user to stream the *entire* audio or video to that device, as if it were an external speaker or display.

Instead they have picked a few (far too few) applications and allowed only those to stream content to Airplay devices. This seems utterly silly to me, and I really cannot understand what would be the advantage.

I generally think Apple has turned way too much attention towards mobile devices and way too little attention on OS X lately.

 

[andyboutte]

I totally agree and have asked myself that for years.

these guys have been asking the same questions but they actually did something about it:

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/

 

[jacg]

Interesting point. I assume there is an API for iOS developers which makes AirPlay easy to add, where appropriate. Is there a similar API for OS X? You don't see many AirPlay mac apps.

On the other hand, when I send music from my mac to my various speakers, I don't really want all system audio going there too, or any of the stupid noises Office makes.

 

[reebzor]

I use AirServer. Only $5, well worth it considering the second cheapest option is an Airport Express or AppleTV at $99

 

[frutter]

I use AirServer. Only $5, well worth it considering the second cheapest option is an Airport Express or AppleTV at $99

Airplay is a very nice program, but it is the opposite of what I suggest. Airplay allows you to *receive* streams of music and video from the programs that are able to broadcast it.

What I wish for is a system-wide way of broadcasting anything to the Airplay device.

As and update: I have fresh rumors from the guys behind "AirServer" that they are seriously considering the idea.

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On the other hand, when I send music from my mac to my various speakers, I don't really want all system audio going there too, or any of the stupid noises Office makes.

Good point, too.

I can see why you would only want to send the audio from one specific program. But I suppose it would be only the same trouble as making sure you don't have browser windows open with strange content before you plug the projector.

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these guys have been asking the same questions but they actually did something about it:

http://www.rogueamoeba.com/airfoil/

Very nice! Thanks for the link. Now I only wish those guys would make something similar for video.