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Auris Skye turns your old 30-pin speaker dock into an AirPlay speaker
As Apple devices rapidly migrate to Lightning cables, you may have a few 30-pin docks with speakers around. While you could use something like Airfoil Speakers (a great app, I might add) to push sound around, attaching a US$300-plus device to an old dock seems excessive. Enter the Auris Skye -- a small device with built-in WiFi and a 30-pin connector that will allow you to set up your dock as an AirPlay speaker. The Skye itself is much smaller than an iPod touch, and surprisingly light. It needs no battery, and has one LED on top to indicate whether it is broadcasting or not. White means yes, orange means no. Setup requires attaching the Skye to a dock, waiting for the white LED to stop blinking, then using an app to finish setup. If the LED blinks orange, or the Skye's WiFi can't be found, you'll have to reset the device using a paperclip. More on this in a moment, as I feel it's one of the only issues with this product, but it's not always the product's fault. The Skye broadcasts its own WiFi, so you'll go to Settings and "join" its network, then launch the Skye app to complete setup. Once you've joined, it's a pretty simple matter of a few taps to get things going. Like a Sonos device, you can set up a Skye for the living room, bedroom, etc. and use labels to keep track. Once you find the Skye (which can take several minutes or a few restarts with a paperclip), you'll need to attach its WiFi to your home WiFi, then you're off to the races. From there you can close the Skye app and you'll see the device listed in your AirPlay options. That is, if it sticks. Unfortunately I had problems with the test unit I received. While the LED light indicated it was connected, for some reason the Skye would drop out and I had to reset, wait for the white light to stop blinking (about two minutes), and walk through the entire setup again. And again. And again. Part of this isn't really the device's fault, because if you change channels on your router or it reboots for any reason, the ad hoc network will break. Dropping out moments after setup, however, is a problem. I'm hoping it was more a concern with the prototype and that shipping units will be more reliable. In any event, the Auris Skye is a nice idea and it got plenty of funding during its Kickstarter run. Now you can pre-order one on the Auris site for $73.99 or get two for $139.98. Auris has a good return policy, so if you're having problems as I was, at least there's that.
Slingbox devices updated with support for AirPlay, Apple TV
Streaming-media Slingbox devices are going to be getting AirPlay support via the SlingPlayer Mobile app for iPhone and iPad. According to the company, the feature gives Apple TV customers the ability to watch their home TV on a second TV inside the home (without needing an additional set-top box) or on a remote TV. Slingbox 500, Slingbox 350, Slingbox PRO-HD and Slingbox SOLO customers can take advantage of this fully updated and supported feature, which is arriving via a firmware update that started rolling out yesterday morning. The update is not automatic, so users must go to their Slingbox settings and select "Check updates." The company also announced a new "My Media" feature that lets Macs access media on a USB drive attached to a Slingbox 500. Support for iOS is coming soon. Sling Media was an early player in the video place-shifting business. The first Slingbox appeared in 2005.
SlingPlayer gets AirPlay support, Blockbuster arrives on SlingBox 500 in new update
Sling Media has just rolled out an update that brings a number of improvements to the Slingbox 500 and to the SlingPlayer app. For the Slingbox 500, Blockbuster On Demand is now available as a premium video service along with a new My Media feature that lets users access media via a USB drive. Only PC/Mac SlingPlayer clients can view the USB-stored media for now, though Android and iOS support are coming soon. Speaking of which, AirPlay is now finally supported on the iOS SlingPlayer Mobile apps, and should be compatible with streams from the 500, 350, Pro-HD and SOLO boxes. Last, but not least, the web client of SlingPlayer has also been updated to support Windows 8.1, IE 11, OS X Mavericks and Safari 7. That's a lot to take in, but thankfully the update should've arrived automatically to affected Slingbox users. If that hasn't happened for you, go ahead to the link below for manual upgrade instructions.
Yahoo Screen for iOS now supports AirPlay and live video broadcasts
The Yahoo Screen application is still a relatively young one, but it's never too early to start adding more features to it. With this in mind, Yahoo revealed today that it's bringing AirPlay compatibility to the app, making it easy for viewers to stream content on their television set -- all while being able to use the iOS device to browse other videos and select what to play next. The refreshed Screen app now also supports real-time broadcasts (which is planned to be used for a variety of live events), and can push notification alerts during breaking news that Yahoo thinks "you should know about." Now, about that Android app...
Amazon's Instant Video apps for iOS improve AirPlay support, let users multitask
Amazon added AirPlay support to its Instant Video (US) and Lovefilm (Europe, iPad only) apps for iOS devices in September, and now it's pushed simultaneous updates to make it better. Both apps now support multitasking (the Instant Video app notes iOS 6+ is required, with AirPlay Mirroring disabled). That should make streaming to Apple TV boxes even easier, although Amazon's lack of a generic app for Android and/or Chromecast support from the Kindle continues to disappoint.
Bose intros SoundTouch WiFi music systems, makes home audio more like a car stereo
Bose is out to take on the likes of Sonos with its new SoundTouch WiFi music systems. The speakers rely on a free SoundTouch app that acts as a simple controller for all of your favorite music. It pulls media from your network-connected computers and Pandora, and we're told other popular streaming services will be added soon. The app uses a very simple interface that's almost like a mix of the Sonos Controller app with the intuitiveness of a car stereo. The universal feature across the speakers and software are six customizable presets (individual artists, playlists or internet radio stations) that can be changed on the app, with an included remote or using physical buttons on SoundTouch-optimized systems. If you hear or search for something you enjoy, it's as simple as holding one of the preset buttons for a few seconds to store it -- just like you would in your car.
iOS 7 video tip: Where is Apple hiding AirPlay Mirroring?
While not everyone uses AirPlay Mirroring to display their iPhone, iPad or iPod touch screen on a TV through an Apple TV, that capability is surprisingly popular with those who need to teach or demonstrate iOS apps. In the iOS 6 days, you could get to AirPlay Mirroring by double-tapping the Home button, then swiping right as far as you could go, into the Music player controls where you'd see the AirPlay icon. With a tap on that icon, you could turn on mirroring. We've had pings from more than just a few readers who wonder where that capability has gone in iOS 7, so here's the simple solution: it's part of Control Center, which you reach by swiping up from the bottom edge of your screen. Just look for the AirPlay icon. As with all of the earlier video tips, this one can be enlarged to full-screen for easier viewing.
Netflix 5.0 for iOS adds AirPlay streaming and HD video for iOS 7
Netflix has released version 5.0 of its iOS app that adds some much-requested features... if you have iOS 7. The first feature is HD video. Customers can now watch HD video just like Android users have been doing for months. But the biggest new feature is AirPlay streaming. Now users don't have to rely on AirPlay mirroring to watch Netflix videos on their Apple TV (or the actual Apple TV Netflix app). Users can simply use Netflix on the iPhone or iPad to select a movie and watch it on their Apple TV. This means they don't need to keep the Netflix app open on their iOS device like they would have to with AirPlay mirroring. Both the HD video and Airplay streaming require iOS 7. Netflix is a free download.
Netflix brings HD video and AirPlay streaming to iPhone, iPad
Netflix brought 1080p streaming to Android 4.3 this summer, and now iPhone / iPad users can experience HD streams as well, provided they've updated to iOS 7. Another new feature in the latest update is support for AirPlay streaming (if you prefer that to using the Apple TV's built-in app, it also means disabling AirPlay mirroring and requires iOS 7), along with other miscellaneous fixes. Hit the link below to grab version 5.0 right away, unless you're still busy testing out the just-released Chromecast support from Hulu Plus. Update: Netflix has put up a blog post about the new features, and mentions there's also support for lock screen controls while using AirPlay in iOS 7. The features are rolling out to users gradually, so while not everyone may see them today, they should be on all accounts by mid-October. Also, for those fixated on resolution, we checked with the company and confirmed the streams max out at 720p on the iPhone / iPod touch and 1080p on the iPad.
Libratone's $500 Loop speaker wraps AirPlay, PlayDirect and DLNA in wool
Don't quite have the funds -- or room -- for the circular B&O Play A9 speaker ($2,700)? Libratone's new AirPlay and DLNA-equipped Loop might catch your eye. The $500 satellite dish-like rig packs two ribbon tweeters and a bass radiator, which together pump out enough volume for moderately sized rooms. While the Loop is tiny enough to sit on a nightstand, it also comes with a detachable wall mount. You can even connect devices to it via ad-hoc WiFi if you're away from an actual network, thanks to PlayDirect -- just like the Zipp. As with all Libratone speakers, the unit's sound characteristics are adjustable via a free app (Android and iOS) and the swappable wool speaker grille comes in a variety of colors ($50 each). The Loop is up for pre-order now in "Pepper Black, "Salty Grey" and "Raspberry Red" if you're interested enough to bring it full circle. It'll hit doorsteps and retailers by the end of the month.
Apple TV 6.0 update returns, likely with bug fixes in tow
Apple may have been too hasty in rolling out its Apple TV 6.0 update last week, but it's been quick to make amends. The company has just re-released the upgrade with a new build number -- and, presumably, fixes for the connectivity and reset issues from the initial rollout. Otherwise, the new firmware offers the same AirPlay from iCloud support, iTunes Music Store shopping and iTunes Radio streaming that we saw a few days ago. We haven't heard of any hiccups with this latest revision, but let us know if you encounter anything serious.
Lovefilm iOS app updated with AirPlay, IMDb info and Watchlist management
Streaming Thundercats to your iDevice with Lovefilm is all well and good, but what if you wanted to watch it on a bigger screen? Well, now you can, assuming you use Apple TV: the app's latest update has added AirPlay support. The refreshed app also tacks on Watchlist management and IMDb integration, much like the update Amazon (Lovefilm's parent company) brought to its Instant Video app earlier this month. Just like that, Apple faithful have another video option to choose from. Now if you'll excuse us, we have some catching up to do with Lion-o.
Android to AirPlay Mirroring demonstrated, coming soon to CyanogenMod
Just in case you thought incorporation would slow things down among the folks behind CyanogenMod, dev and VP of Engineering Koushik Dutta just posted this video showing off AirPlay Mirroring from an Android phone. He's been working on Android streaming support to various protocols / devices for the "AllCast" media streaming app since Google's changes cut it off from the Chromecast (for now at least), and Apple's screen sharing feature is the latest target. There are other apps in the Play Store that connect Android devices over AirPlay, but mirroring support integrated into the OS feels fresh. AllCast support is already in place for pushing media to Roku and DLNA-compatible hardware, and he says this mirroring feature is "coming soon to a CyanogenMod near you."
Apple TV 6.0 update now available, adds iTunes Radio support, AirPlay from iCloud and more
It's been expected, but now an AppleTV update has arrived. The new 6.0 firmware adds support for iTunes Radio and purchases from the iTunes Music Store. In addition, updating adds podcast syncing, viewing of shared photo streams and AirPlay from iCloud. This update gets the AppleTV feature parity with iOS 7. The new firmware also upgrades the AirPlay wireless streaming feature, so you can now play iTunes store-purchased content on other AppleTVs. The download and install was very slow for me today, likely because Apple servers are slammed with all the other updates people are doing with new iPhones and in upgrading devices to iOS 7. Apple has been enhancing the AppleTV software recently, and has added new apps for Vevo, The Weather Channel, Disney Channel and other content sources. To get the update on your AppleTV, go to Settings > General and select "Update Software." This update works on the second- and third-generation Apple TVs.
You Don't Know Jack gets reinvented for iOS with group gaming sessions in mind (video)
If you're of a certain age, you think of You Don't Know Jack as a relic from the '90s. But to its credit, the trivia game has made an impressively smooth transition to the twenty-first century: Jackbox Games already has apps for iOS, Android, Facebook and even OUYA. Until now, though, gameplay's been about as asynchronous as a game of Words With Friends: you took your turn and waited for your friend (wherever they were) to take theirs. Today, the company launched You Don't Know Jack Party, an iOS version of the game that's specifically meant to be played by a bunch of people hanging out in the same place. Using AirPlay, you guys can stream it to an Apple TV and use your device as a remote, or you can play on an iPhone / iPad and use your phones as controllers instead. The nice thing, obviously, is that multiple devices are supported (up to four players, to be precise). Also, your friends with Android phones can still use their handsets as controllers, so they won't be left calling out answers on the sidelines. In addition, Jackbox says it would like to port the game over to other platforms, including Android and maybe even Chromecast. For now, though, it's an iOS-only affair. The app itself is free, and you get one gratis episode, but after that you're looking at regular in-app purchases ($2.99 for five episodes or $9.99 for a pack of 30). Luckily for you, our demo video below don't cost a thing.
bēm boom box: A Bluetooth-enabled update of the popular 80s noisemaker
Ahhh, the 70s and 80s ... Those were the days when the boombox was king. If you needed some tunes with you and wanted to share 'em with friends, you grabbed your heavy boombox by its chrome-plated handle, loaded about 20 "D" batteries into it for power, and headed out to the streets. Well, things have changed. Audio design house bēm wireless has a perfect solution for the second decade of the new millennium -- the bēm boom box (US$249.99). Design No, you don't need to be embarrassed carrying this boom box around. Unlike the flashy, overweight, chrome-covered beasts that were popular back in the day, the boom box almost looks as if it could be a relative of Wall-E's "Eve". It comes in both black and white versions, and is made of glossy polycarbonate with a swooping curved handle for your grab-and-go listening pleasure. That handle is the only place you'll find a nod to the original boomboxes, in the form of a shiny chrome plate. No more will you spend the nest egg paying for those D batteries or ruin the environment dumping them in the trash. The boom box has a built-in rechargeable battery good for about 10 hours of playback, and comes with a charger. Back in the old days, you might have had an AUX input for hooking up an 8-track tape player if one wasn't part of the boombox you owned. Now the bēm boom box is entirely wireless, using that newfangled Bluetooth to play tunes you're beaming to it from your iOS device. Functionality A co-worker of mine in the early 80s used to bring his Panasonic Boombox to work with him on weekends and we'd rock out while getting some overtime pay. While that box (which had two cassette tape players/recorders, an AM/FM Stereo receiver, and inputs for recording from a turntable) was loud, it also had really awful sound quality. It was enough to turn a person off of a steady diet of heavy metal... Fortunately for all of us in the 2010's, the bēm boom box has very good sound reproduction capabilities. It would make a 1980's ghetto blaster owner happy with its volume levels, and the music is solid across the sound spectrum. The bass really pops in tunes that have a great bass line (think "Let's Get It Started" by The Black Eyed Peas), yet acoustic guitar riffs (think "Ventura Highway" by America) are clean, clear and sweet. Unlike the old boomboxes, there are not a lot of switches, LEDs, and dials. On the curved handle of the boom box you'll find just three buttons -- plus (+), mInus (-) and play/pause. As you'd guess, the plus button raises the volume, minus lowers the volume, and play/pause either starts or pauses the playback. Most of your control of the bēm boom box is going to come from iTunes on your Apple device. Conclusion For parties or those situations where you just want to blast some tunes from something a bit bigger than a pocketable Bluetooth speaker, the bēm boom box is a perfect solution. It's luggable, loud, and lovable. Pros Good, loud sound with amazing bass and clear highs Modern design and minimal buttons Good battery life Comfortable carrying handle No 8-track tape player Cons Seems a bit pricy Who is it for? Anyone who wants more sound than you can get with smaller Bluetooth speaker systems Giveaway C'mon. You know you want this thing, if just for the fun of annoying your neighbors. Who knows? The sound quality is pretty darned good so they may just drop by to party instead of hounding you to turn down the music. bēm wireless and TUAW have joined forces to give away one bēm boom box to a reader. Here are the rules for the giveaway: Open to legal US residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Canada (excluding Quebec) who are 18 and older. To enter, fill out the form below completely and click or tap the Submit button. The entry must be made before September 22, 2013 11:59PM Eastern Daylight Time. You may enter only once. One winner will be selected and will receive a bēm boom box valued at $249.99 Click Here for complete Official Rules. Loading...
Amazon Instant Video adds AirPlay support, IMDb integration
Amazon has released an update to its Amazon Instant Video app that adds a number of new features, most notably AirPlay support. Now users can stream content from their Amazon Instant Video app right to their Apple TV. AirPlay streaming had been one of the most-requested features for Amazon's on-demand video app (it's one of the most-requested features for any video app, actually). In addition to AirPlay streaming, Amazon Instant Video version 2.1 features IMDb integration so users can now look up cast and director information, ratings, goofs, trivia and quotes (Amazon owns IMDb). Additionally, users can now read customer reviews, find other videos featuring cast members or the director, download videos concurrently and get improved video recommendations based on what other customers have watched. Finally, the overall speed and responsiveness of the app is improved. Amazon Instant Video is a free download.
Amazon adds AirPlay streaming, IMDb integration to Instant Video iOS app
There are many ways to get ahead in the online content game, and one of them is to make sure your services play nice with competitor hardware. To that end, an update to the Amazon Instant Video app for iOS that dropped today means you can now stream to Apple TVs via AirPlay for the first time. In addition, version 2.1 integrates reviews and various info from IMDb, as well as giving you more ways to find things to watch. Concurrent downloads are now supported, and the changelog also boasts improvements to the UI and "offline experience." All in all, it looks like a pretty significant update, so go ahead and hit up the source link to try it out.
Update your music dock to WiFi with the Auris Skye Kickstarter project
Let's face it -- a lot of people bought docks back in the days of iPods and the first iPhones. Basically, it made it very easy for people to blast tunes out of an alarm clock or speaker by just plugging the device in, and the device received a charge in the process. Well, things are different these days, and a lot of people would rather play with their iPhone or iPod touch while listening to music. So do you toss out the old dock? A new Kickstarter project wants to repurpose your dock by giving it WiFi powers. Auris has just launched a Kickstarter for a product called Skye with a US$56,000 goal of which they've already raised almost $18,000. Skye not only works with all of those 30-pin Dock Connector devices, adding a WiFi receiver to them for AirPlay and DLNA music streaming, but it can also be attached to just about any other sort of device. You can even beam to Skye via a peer-to-peer WiFi network if you don't own a router. There's an app under development for both iOS and Android that will provide a way to set up and control the little receiver. The Kickstarter page shows the Skye connected to a variety of different docks, as well as to stereo systems with 3.5mm inputs and standard RCA connectors. With a pledge of $64 or more, you get one of the devices, although some of the pledge levels are beginning to fill up quickly. Once the Kickstarter is over, the device will be available at a suggested retail price of $89. There's another great reason for Skye's existence: by using WiFi rather than Bluetooth, it improves the throughput of the music stream and the distance from which music can be beamed. Auris hopes to ship the first Skyes in December, so act now and give these folks your support.
ATD: Apple TV software refresh arrives with iOS 7 on September 18th
Though it was all about the iPhones during Apple's big event yesterday, Apple TV is about to receive an overhaul soon as well, according to AllThingsD. It'll arrive on September 18th, the same day as iOS 7, according to sources familiar with Apple's plans. There's no mention of what changes are in store, although the same source believes that Apple TVs will be able to play other users' content via AirPlay. You'd think such change would have been mentioned by the company last night, but as with all rumors, we'll believe it when we see it.
