Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

HomePod Brings Music from iTunes to the Living Room

Posted by pudge on from the join-us-now-and-share-the-music-you'll-be-freeeee dept.

sammy.lost-angel.com writes "News.com has a story about HomePod, a device by Gloolabs that streams music wirelessly from your Mac to your living room. It's based on a Java application. The device is not very pretty, but it is priced right at $199." Not for nothing, but you can buy a used clamshell iBook for just a little bit more, and use that (along with something like iCommune, or just loading the MP3s to your library ia file sharing) ... but these guys are right, this market is going to take off, sooner or later.

41 comments

  1. not pretty? by zogger · · Score: 4, Insightful

    --was just looking at the picture of the device, not sure why it's called "not pretty". It seems more or less like any other modern device, it's not kludgy looking or anything.

    1. Re:not pretty? by transient · · Score: 4, Insightful
      ... not sure why it's called "not pretty". It seems more or less like any other modern device ...

      Let's not forget the context of the discussion. Apple's industrial design is hardly "like any other modern device". Personally, I think that thing looks like an alarm clock.

      --

      irb(main):001:0>
    2. Re:not pretty? by martingunnarsson · · Score: 1

      I think it's dead ugly. I thought it was at least going to copy some of Apple's design.

      --
      Martin
    3. Re:not pretty? by commodoresloat · · Score: 4, Funny
      I thought it was at least going to copy some of Apple's design.

      Heh, yeah, nothing like getting sued by Apple to jump-start your company...

  2. Opposites attact. by Asterax · · Score: 2, Insightful

    Because it's large, cumbersome, a dark color, and non-symmetrical. Isn't that like the opposite of everything that Apple stands for when they are designing hardware?

    1. Re:Opposites attact. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, like the 17" Powerbook with USB and Firewire all on one side... CD slot on the other.

    2. Re: Opposites attact. by andreas_ky · · Score: 2, Informative

      The CD slot's still in the front:

  3. SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by pcrook345 · · Score: 5, Informative
    This looks like a less attractive version of the SliMP3 player from Slim Devices. There's an old Slashdot review by Taco, and a newer review on ONLamp.com (one year later, to the day).

    It will read iTunes playlists. The server (open source, written in Perl) can be run on OS X, or on a Windows or *nix machine. No built-in wireless or amplifier, but it's the slickest and smallest component in my stereo setup now, at the cost of running an ethernet cable into the living room.

    For me, the big advantage of the SliMP3 is the ability to interact with the large vacuum fluorescent display via a remote control from anywhere in the room. It would be less fun having to get up to read an LCD display (which looks tiny on the HomePod), or having to go to the computer to build a new playlist.

    1. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by allenw · · Score: 5, Informative
      I picked up a SliMP3 and wanted to use it for wireless connectivity via a bridge, but it seems to be rather insecure in how it retrieves information from the network. (Just have someone pop up a server and take control of it. Whee!) Instead, we are re-organizing the hardware here at home and replaced our song playing box with it... but this still leaves me without 'living room' MP3 access.

      So, before I plunk down for one of these, I would have the same concerns about the HomePod [never mind the issue of it interfacing with our own MP3 server control software].

      In the quest for easy-to-use consumer devices, it appears that security is getting dumped by the wayside, which is ironic considering their target audience.

    2. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by orthogonal · · Score: 4, Insightful

      For me, the big advantage of the SliMP3 is the ability to interact with the large vacuum fluorescent display via a remote control from anywhere in the room.

      But at $250, SLIMP3 sounds pretty expensive for (correct me if I'm wrong) an ethernet card and an MP3 decoder DAC chip. Plus it only plays MP3s -- I'd want to play my losslessly compressed CDs too.

      Or am I missing something?

      --
      Opinions on the Twiddler2 hand-held keyboard?
    3. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by Twirlip+of+the+Mists · · Score: 2

      This looks like a less attractive version of the SliMP3 player from Slim Devices.

      Uh... the "SliMP3" (what the hell happened to nice names that a boy can pronounce?) is one of the ugliest pieces of kit I've ever laid eyes on. Saying that this thing is even uglier is going a long, long way in my book.

      --

      I write in my journal
    4. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by bombarde · · Score: 1

      An in-wall panel would be nice. ...so take it out of the case and build it into another box. Mine's going into the instrument panel of the car I bought last month -- Chrysler uses the same color display.

    5. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by jovlinger · · Score: 4, Informative

      insecure?

      If you mean that it opens a security hole, yes I would be concerned too.

      If you mean that it doesn't help your network WRT spoofing, well that would seem to be more of a transport issue (get WEP going on that bridge and lock down MAC addresses).

      If yopu mean that someone on your local can change what you're playing, well, that would seem to be a choice of security vs convenience, and I think that within the LAN, playing music falls into the convenience is king category.

    6. Re:SliMP3 - different feature set, same idea by allenw · · Score: 1
      The SliMP3 server software (that, from what I can tell, must be running in order for the SliMP3 to function, even if you give a playlist with only one entry) gives me not-so-good feelings, considering it does open up a port for web access and, optionally, another port for CLI access. Hopefully the code has undergone some sort of serious security review. [It is open source and included with the product. Smart folks will likely put it in a chroot jail, just to be on the safe side.]

      You raise a good point w/r/t to WEP* protecting against someone taking control over the box via wireless. I'll concede that point. So, advantage: HomePod, for being a cheaper wireless solution than the SliMP3, and probably a more secure option to boot, since (I suspect) a user is more likely to have a secured wireless network (vs. the countless millions that just slap their machines onto their cable modem connection)--especially with the media attention over the past year or so about insecure wireless networks.

      * Sure, it is still somewhat breakable, but I would hope that most people would have more of a life than hacking keys to control someone's MP3 stream. :)

  4. iJust Use My iPod by tbmaddux · · Score: 4, Insightful
    ... and connect a stereo miniplug-to-RCA adapter from it to the analog ins on my receiver.

    It gets better, we have some old multimedia Altec-Lansing "gaming" speakers (the ACS-56 ones I think) that I was going to ditch when I sold the machine they were originally connected to. With my wife's iPod, they gave us a fairly good stereo for a smaller room.

    --
    Can't you see that everyone is buying station wagons?
  5. Clamshell iBook's cheap? by Anonymous+Freak · · Score: 5, Informative
    Where?

    ...you can buy a used clamshell iBook for just a little bit more...


    According to Low End Mac's iBook Deals page, the original 300MHz iBook, with only 32 MB of RAM, a 3GB hard drive, and CD-ROM drive (i.e. the original stock configuration) is selling for $678 from used computer stores.

    Pricewatch shows one 366MHz model for $595 (and it even has a whopping 64MB of RAM, and a 6GB HD.)

    The cheapest one that sold in the past few weeks on eBay was a 300Mhz/64MB RAM/6GB HD model for $410.

    Now, I'm not one to nit-pick, but "a little bit more" should be less than twice as much. Heck, even 50% more isn't "a little bit" anymore. If I could get an old iBook for about $300, I'd have one.
    --
    Another non-functioning site was "uncertainty.microsoft.com."
    The purpose of that site was not known.
    1. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      The other day I saw several at or under $300, several with AirPort. Of course, you never know what the final prices will be ...

    2. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by MoneyT · · Score: 1, Offtopic

      I'll sell you mine (no HDD and dead motherboard) for $300

      --
      T Money
      World Domination with a plastic spoon since 1984
    3. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by Anonymous+Freak · · Score: 1

      Yeah, when they have a couple days left on eBay, they're still reasonably priced. The cheapest final price was the $410 one, though.

      --
      Another non-functioning site was "uncertainty.microsoft.com."
      The purpose of that site was not known.
    4. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by X_Caffeine · · Score: 2

      No kidding. Powerbook Duos still fetch close to $300.

      --
      // I will show you fear in a handful of jellybeans.
    5. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by mkelley · · Score: 1

      I had a wallstreet 266mhx with 256mb of ram for $215 on eBay. it's a good laptop that can run os x enough for iTunes. You can also get one of the old 2300c PPC duos that can run iTunes and OS X with XPostfacto. for under $100. So if you want a cheap machine, you can get one.

      --

      m.kelley
      life is like a freeway, if you don't look you could miss it.
    6. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by mkelley · · Score: 1

      I've been tracking a couple of PPC duo auctions and the price hasn't been more than $125. You can get a 68k one for under $75.

      --

      m.kelley
      life is like a freeway, if you don't look you could miss it.
    7. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by Anonymous+Freak · · Score: 1

      Wow, I recently won an auction for a Duo 2300 (which can not run X via XPostFacto. You're thinking of the 2400) for a little over $100. Unfortunately, the seller bagged on me, even cancelling my bid so I couldn't give him bad feedback.

      The 2400s, however, are still VERY expensive. Until the new 12" G4, the 2400 was the smallest 'full featured' notebook Apple made.

      And I've been looking for Wallstreet's, too. If you know of one for about $200, let me know!

      --
      Another non-functioning site was "uncertainty.microsoft.com."
      The purpose of that site was not known.
    8. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by mkelley · · Score: 1

      Was it the 280 upgraded to a 2300 on eBay?

      --

      m.kelley
      life is like a freeway, if you don't look you could miss it.
    9. Re:Clamshell iBook's cheap? by Anonymous+Freak · · Score: 2

      No, it was a native 2300 on Yahoo auctions. (Yahoo auctions seems to be full of rip-off artists, I've noticed. This is the second time I've gotten burned in three auctions on Yahoo. At least I have either not paid, or gotten my money back.)

      --
      Another non-functioning site was "uncertainty.microsoft.com."
      The purpose of that site was not known.
  6. but... by djupedal · · Score: 4, Interesting

    While the SliMP3 is great, it's not wireless and costs more....but it is platform agnostic.

    I want wireless and Mac, so the HomePod wins this one :)

    Now, when can I buy one off the shelf from Fry's.

    BTW, if you want to simply send audio and video, pls check this site I did a while back - iTunes, wireless and Home Theater...and yes, this segment is hothothot.

    1. Re:but... by cejones · · Score: 1

      the wireless is nice... but how do you control iTunes from your living room? Don't tell me a song comes on that you don't want to listen to and you have to actually get up and go to the computer to change it.... I'd say we need an 802.11g enabled mouse and keyboard!!!

    2. Re:but... by djupedal · · Score: 2

      At this time, I either let iTunes roll thru a playlist, or random.... I can admin via my Airport equipped iBook but that's hardly fair :)

      I've tried the wireless keyboard thing, and so far nothings worked out...now, a BlueTooth or 802.11g setup might be ok :)

  7. Cheaper solution. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    Long speaker cables.

    I guess Mac fans can afford it though ;)

    1. Re:Cheaper solution. by TedTodorov · · Score: 2, Insightful

      This may be funny, but really it is the most relevant post in this thread. Why in the world would you want to spend $200 on something that can be accomplished with cables???

      If your whole stereo is in the other room, instead of long speaker cables you just need a long RCA stereo cable, with a mini-jack adapter at the Mac end.

      That or just hook up your iPod to your stereo.

      Ted

    2. Re:Cheaper solution. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Its mac users we're talking about here. They joke on Intel/AMD/MS, yet give up their soul to one company which controls hardware and software. They pay more for slower products, because "speed doesn't matter", and as mac software gets antiquated, it will become "because its a mac". But apple will never go bankrupt, because steve jobs can always sell his urine, and mac users will buy it.

    3. Re:Cheaper solution. by owlicks58 · · Score: 1

      Funny you mention that... I actually have RCA Cables (Radioshack at that) running from my TiBook at my desk to my home stereo. Sounds great. As far as i'm concerned, getting stuff connected in the home is no problem. The car is where I may drop money to get my mp3s through the stereo

      --
      -Alex
  8. I think some of the reason Macs aren't used more.. by vasqzr · · Score: 1


    Is that it is so hard to get one, without shelling out $2500 for a new one, or close to that for a used one. Even used G3 PowerMacs are pretty expensive, compared to a high-end PC of the same era.

    I guess it's good for Mac users that the hardware holds value so well, but for hobbyists and people who can't pay the same for a computer as a used car...

  9. iMac + Keyspan Digital Media Remote + Stereo by berniecase · · Score: 3, Insightful

    I have a Keyspan Digital Media Remote unit plugged into my iMac which is then hooked up to my stereo. Sounds great, and works really well. I have a learning remote with my receiver and I was able to program it with most of the functions of the Keyspan remote.

    It works a lot better than using iHam on iRye to control the iMac.

  10. iWant my iStereo by applematters · · Score: 2, Interesting

    I wrote an article about an iStereo on AppleMatters: http://applematters.pmachinehosting.com/comments.p hp?id=P14_0_1_0 This device looks interesting and all the comments about the design of the thing are right on---its pretty ugly. That said the company has to be credited for at least bringing this to market. Apple should be doing this now.

    --
    AppleMatters http://www.applematters.com
  11. Re:I think some of the reason Macs aren't used mor by mkelley · · Score: 1

    You can get a nice new G3 iBook for under $1k . So you estimations of price are extremely over blown. You must be shopping in the wrong place.

    --

    m.kelley
    life is like a freeway, if you don't look you could miss it.
  12. Skip the computer--iPod to Stereo by OECD · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Griffin Technologies has this add on for your iPod. It broadcasts your music in FM, allowing you to tune it in on your stereo. It looks great AND it's only $35. (OK, it's not available just yet, but they're taking pre-orders.)

    Bonus: you don't have to run into the computer room to change the song!

    --
    One man's -1 Flamebait is another man's +5 Funny.
  13. Marketing mp3 in the post-Napster era by Zhe+Mappel · · Score: 2, Interesting
    The product design looks like someone married the famous tastefulness of Radio Shack with the dynamic energy of the Transformers. This thing can beam your mp3s, would look at home on any Sylvania pressboard console, and it can fight Voltron.

    But what's interesting to me is this statement from the article:

    '"It's a very clear problem," said David Arfin, CEO of Gloolabs. "There are 60 million people who have music (stored) on hard disks. Most of those people have stereos."'

    Yes, and 59.9 million of them got the files on Napster. So we see this interesting development: the music wanted to be free, according to the digidealists. Their 15 minutes is over, so they've been replaced by gizmo capitalists who say the music wants to be bounced by radio wave across our houses.

    Is there any analogy in our history to this kind of mass thievery eventually providing a cozy aftermarket to capitalism? (No points for mentioning the IRS.)

  14. I'm not impressed by hcdejong · · Score: 2

    So now, instead of walking to the computer to choose a song, I'm walking to my stereo to choose a song. That's no progress, it needs a remote.

    And why use 802.11? Wouldn't it be easier to have an FM transmitter next to the computer, so I can receive the audio with a credit-card-sized radio (they talk about using the HomePod in the garden. Yeah, right). And again, a remote controller to choose songs.

    And it's butt-ugly. On top (it won't fit anywhere else due to the display on top) of my neat stack of 44 cm wide black boxes, I've got some blue-gray blob with an antenna sticking out.

    And can the HomePod digitize audio and send it from the stereo to the computer?

    I'll stick with the RCA cables between my computer and stereo, thank you.

  15. I agree by payote · · Score: 1, Interesting

    I've been doing exactly what the HomePod does with my Slimp3 player for some time now - and thanks to an open-source approach to their server software, iTunes support was incorporated into the software by some underappreciated and dedicated Mac enthusiasts/programmers. Kudos to them for providing a simple, elegant solution that predates this one by almost a year and a half. I have mine plugged into the WAN port on my Basestation, pulling MP3's (all legally ripped of course) from my G4 in another room, wirelessly. Tres slick.

    --


    Never pet a burning dog.