SlingPlayer for the iPhone Released
4/29/2009 10:17:00 PM - 1 comments
Sling Media has recently announced the long-awaited iPhone version of SlingPlayer Mobile. This mobile app allows Slingbox owners to watch their cable boxes or DVRs on the move.
A latest report on the SlingPlayer iPhone version has revealed that the controls offered to the SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry is similar to the iPhone version, including its novel ribbon interface. However, this new iPhone app from Sling Media takes advantage of that handset's touch screen and larger display. Also to take note off are the interface sports, with many of the same icon designs as the BlackBerry version, notwithstanding larger ones that are more finger-friendly.
How to use
A random test session on an alpha version of the app on an iPhone 3G has indicated positive results. What is seen is that, Slingbox owners can log onto the iPhone version using their online accounts, which has all of the appropriate Slingbox tags for use across multiple platforms stored in it.For beginners, there is a new feature called ‘Home Channel Set’ which lets you specify what the default channel is whenever you fire up the app on the iPhone. This is possible even if the cable box back at home is set to a different channel. You can also set up a separate Mobile Favorites list that helps you download directly to the iPhone device. You can then just use your fingers on the touch screen to surf Favorite channels by ‘flicking right or left’ with your index finger.
The SlingPlayer iPhone app responds within about one second per "flick". This can be considered quite fast considering the remote channel changing that is taking place in the background over the Internet. This is in fact an asset for those surfing their favorite channels, as this can be done without having to return to the Program Guide or clutter up the screen with various UI elements. You can change the channel normally by ‘flicking up and down’, instead of left and right. This helps change the channel normally from the entire list of available channels, including your list of favorites, but without having to bring up the remote control or guide.
Distinctive features
It is indeed a pity that in spite of the new app being filled with nice smooth picture, the application does not take full advantage of the increased screen resolution. A practical insight reveals that the application scales up the same 320 x 240 pixel image from the Windows Mobile and BlackBerry versions to fit the iPhone's 320 x 480 pixel screen. However, in all probabilities, it still looked sharp with a full screen view, with reasonable smoothness over a weak 3G signal and near 30 fps animation over Wi- Fi.
Preliminary reports of the alpha version suggest that there are certain UI glitches, including a malfunctioning volume slider and a messy icon arrangement. However, considering the excellent software performance record of Sling Media, it is expected that the company will take care to amend these issues by the time the app is released.
Pricing it right
Media reports indicate that the final version of SlingPlayer for the iPhone is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2009. And considering Apple’s quick turnaround principle for other iPhone app, it is expected that this SlingPlayer app could reach the App Store, if all conditions pertaining to Apple’s app store policy is met. However, a stark silence is maintained on the price value for SlingPlayer iPhone application. If similar mobile versions (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, BlackBerry, Symbian) are taken into account, they have been tentatively priced at $29.95.
A latest report on the SlingPlayer iPhone version has revealed that the controls offered to the SlingPlayer Mobile for BlackBerry is similar to the iPhone version, including its novel ribbon interface. However, this new iPhone app from Sling Media takes advantage of that handset's touch screen and larger display. Also to take note off are the interface sports, with many of the same icon designs as the BlackBerry version, notwithstanding larger ones that are more finger-friendly.
How to use
A random test session on an alpha version of the app on an iPhone 3G has indicated positive results. What is seen is that, Slingbox owners can log onto the iPhone version using their online accounts, which has all of the appropriate Slingbox tags for use across multiple platforms stored in it.For beginners, there is a new feature called ‘Home Channel Set’ which lets you specify what the default channel is whenever you fire up the app on the iPhone. This is possible even if the cable box back at home is set to a different channel. You can also set up a separate Mobile Favorites list that helps you download directly to the iPhone device. You can then just use your fingers on the touch screen to surf Favorite channels by ‘flicking right or left’ with your index finger.
The SlingPlayer iPhone app responds within about one second per "flick". This can be considered quite fast considering the remote channel changing that is taking place in the background over the Internet. This is in fact an asset for those surfing their favorite channels, as this can be done without having to return to the Program Guide or clutter up the screen with various UI elements. You can change the channel normally by ‘flicking up and down’, instead of left and right. This helps change the channel normally from the entire list of available channels, including your list of favorites, but without having to bring up the remote control or guide.
Distinctive features
It is indeed a pity that in spite of the new app being filled with nice smooth picture, the application does not take full advantage of the increased screen resolution. A practical insight reveals that the application scales up the same 320 x 240 pixel image from the Windows Mobile and BlackBerry versions to fit the iPhone's 320 x 480 pixel screen. However, in all probabilities, it still looked sharp with a full screen view, with reasonable smoothness over a weak 3G signal and near 30 fps animation over Wi- Fi.
Preliminary reports of the alpha version suggest that there are certain UI glitches, including a malfunctioning volume slider and a messy icon arrangement. However, considering the excellent software performance record of Sling Media, it is expected that the company will take care to amend these issues by the time the app is released.
Pricing it right
Media reports indicate that the final version of SlingPlayer for the iPhone is expected by the end of the first quarter of 2009. And considering Apple’s quick turnaround principle for other iPhone app, it is expected that this SlingPlayer app could reach the App Store, if all conditions pertaining to Apple’s app store policy is met. However, a stark silence is maintained on the price value for SlingPlayer iPhone application. If similar mobile versions (Windows Mobile, Palm OS, BlackBerry, Symbian) are taken into account, they have been tentatively priced at $29.95.
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