News
Apple introduces AirPlay Streaming
By Jesse Hollington
Applications Editor, iLounge
Published: Wednesday, September 1, 2010
News Category: Apple, iPad, iPhone, iTunes, Apple TV
Apple today introduced a revamped version of its AirTunes technology. Dubbed AirPlay, the new streaming technology allows not only audio, but also video and photos to be streamed from any iOS device to another iOS device or the new Apple TV. The new AirPlay technology, slated to be included in iOS 4.2, will allow iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users to instantly stream content from their device directly to their Apple TV, while controlling playback and storing the content on the iOS device. Apple has also also announced plans to license its AirPlay technology for inclusion in speaker docks, AV receivers and stereo systems from companies such as Bowers & Wilkins and Denon. The new AirPlay technology will not only stream music and other media content but can also transmit information about the content allowing song titles, artists, album names, elapsed time and album artwork to be displayed on AirPlay-enabled speakers with graphical displays.
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1
AirPlay would be awesome integrated into TV’s too.
It would be interesting to see how it performs compared to DLNA and Microsoft Windows Network Projector devices.
Posted by Dan Woods on September 1, 2010 at 11:59 AM (PDT)
2
There’s some (scant) info on the Apple website about AirPlay in iTunes, too, but mostly about integrating it with third-party accessories and the like.
Hopefully, this will allow you to stream audio and video content from iTunes to iPhones and iPads. While there are several decent third-party apps to do so, an official solution would be awesome.
Posted by Dave on September 1, 2010 at 12:40 PM (PDT)
3
The statements aren’t super-clear on one really important aspect of this. Will we be able to finally send audio directly from an iPhone to a stereo connected to an AirPort Express? Sounds like possibly “yes,” considering the mention of third-party accessories. Can anyone verify this?
Posted by Don on September 1, 2010 at 1:02 PM (PDT)
4
We’ll have to wait until iOS 4.2 comes out to know for sure, but the key is that “AirPlay” is the new “AirTunes” so for all intents and purposes, this replaces the older technology from iTunes’ point of view.
It is unclear, however, if AIrport Express units will need to receive firmware updates to support AirPlay or whether the technology is backward-compatible.
Posted by Jesse Hollington in Toronto on September 1, 2010 at 1:27 PM (PDT)
5
AirPlay sounds great! Streaming of audio, video and photos from all iOS devices and iTunes to all iOS devices and iTunes (plus speakers) on your network. And you can stream to Apple TV from all iOS devices and iTunes. A dream come true!
Posted by Mike11 on September 1, 2010 at 4:31 PM (PDT)
6
I wonder what the content restrictions are gonna look like for AirPlay. I mean certainly you can only stream from Apple’s apps and only video you own (bought, not rented).
Posted by Mike11 on September 1, 2010 at 4:36 PM (PDT)
7
Has is been definitely stated that iTunes can stream audio and video content to an AirPlay device? With Denon being listed as a partner, I’d be very interested in streaming the content in my iTunes library to a Denon A/V receiver.
Posted by John Rumpf on September 3, 2010 at 12:06 PM (PDT)