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http://www.macnn.com/articles/09/05/12/slingplayer.app.without.3g/

SlingPlayer iPhone app to debut without 3G

updated 12:55 pm EDT, Tue May 12, 2009

 

SlingPlayer app without 3G


Apple will publish the SlingPlayer iPhone app within the next 24 hours, but without any form of 3G support, developer Sling Media is said to have confirmed. The software is designed as extension of the company's Slingbox hardware, which broadcasts TV from a person's home to a remote Internet destination. Using SlingPlayer, people should be able to view streams, change channels and control DVR units.

The finished app can connect only over Wi-Fi however, in what is believed to be a concession to iPhone carrier AT&T. Through its terms of service the company has effectively banned redirecting TV over 3G, a strategy deemed necessary to prevent oversaturing bandwidth. As a consequence however, the range and usefulness of the iPhone app has been substantially diminished.

SlingPlayer Mobile will sell for $30 at the App Store, and officially support the Slingbox PRO, SOLO and PRO-HD. Older hardware is also said to be compatible, but not officially supported.


by MacNN Staff

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 iPod, iPhone, iPod touch, networking, iPhone apps, Slingbox, Sling

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Comments

  1. dogzilla

    Grizzled Veteran

    Joined: Sep 1999

    +1
    05/12, 01:35pm | report spam | Reply |

    $30?

    Wait, so they're releasing the app with a drastically reduced functionality, but still charging the same price? Shouldn't they maybe drop the price to $15 to reflect the fact that it's crippled?

    Of course, I shouldn't be surprised I guess. Sling have shown themselves to be absolute D-bags pretty much every step of the way.

    I'll take that $30 and put it towards buying an alternative that actually works.

  1. Jittery Jimmy

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jan 2006

    +2
    05/12, 01:41pm | report spam | Reply |

    Big $, high expectations

    For $30, this app must be VERY WELL POLISHED. I expect a top-notch interface, high reliability, and very high video quality. I also expect new features to be available for free over time. And I expect it to be very efficient.

    There are a lot of amazing apps out there for $9.99. This one has to be SUPER amazing to get me to spend $30 on it.

    I can forgive the lack of 3G video if it means that everyone's 3G performance, in general, will improve greatly.

  1. iphonerulez

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Nov 2008

    -1
    05/12, 02:00pm | report spam | Reply |

    This was to be expected..

    There is no way AT&T's network can handle this sort of application without bringing down the entire network. Normal iPhone use has already pushed AT&T to the edge. Slingplayer would have sent the network to the bottom of the abyss.

    The price for Slingplayer is likely too high for most people to pay. The complaints I hear about $4 apps being too expensive isn't a good sign at all. I think $30 is a bit steep for not being able to use it for 3G too, but I do understand the situation, so I've no reason to gripe. I'd sure have to weigh the situation carefully. If it gave really good video streams, I'd probably get it just so I could use my SlingPro as often as possible and not bother with games. If I could pay $30 and be guaranteed I could use it for three years without paying for upgrades, then there is no problem at all.

  1. ebeyer

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Jun 2004

    +1
    05/12, 02:38pm | report spam | Reply |

    ugh

    I wonder if Slingmedia had made this app WiFi only when they first submitted it 4/1, with an eye toward making it acceptable for use on a cellular network 'down the line' if they would have had the app approved faster and have reduced the frustration level of their customers. Just sayin'.

  1. SeniorChief

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Feb 2009

    +1
    05/12, 03:33pm | report spam | Reply |

    I don't but this...

    A friend of mine has a similar app his BlackBerry Bold (3G) on the AT&T Network. Was watching his local Texas TV News Bunny while at a bar in Maryland, and another time in Tokyo...

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    -5
    05/12, 04:31pm | report spam | Reply |

    Re: $30

    Wait, so they're releasing the app with a drastically reduced functionality, but still charging the same price? Shouldn't they maybe drop the price to $15 to reflect the fact that it's crippled?

    Well, maybe if they were the ones who required it to be crippled, but since Apple is to blame, maybe you should ask Apple to refund you half your money because they forced Sling to cripple the software.

  1. testudo

    Forum Regular

    Joined: Aug 2001

    0
    05/12, 04:34pm | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    Re: This was to be

    There is no way AT&T's network can handle this sort of application without bringing down the entire network. Normal iPhone use has already pushed AT&T to the edge. Slingplayer would have sent the network to the bottom of the abyss.

    That's a boatload of c***. This software is already available for a wide range of phones, most, if not all, of which works over the data network. Somehow the iPhone becomes special and the app will magically bring down the network? Don't think so.

    And I find it interesting that, if your internet provider tried to reduce your P2P usage because of clogging the bandwidth, people get up in arms over 'net neutrality'. But when ATT or Apple does it, its all for the sake of keeping the network up. Can't you make up your minds...

  1. dogzilla

    Grizzled Veteran

    Joined: Sep 1999

    +1
    05/12, 09:36pm | report spam | Reply |

    Enough!

    OK, so AT&T wants to s**** around? Here's a modest proposal:

    What are we allowed? 4GB a month? I suggest we all use every last bit of bandwidth we can, right up to the limit. And all of us post it and ask every iPhone owner we know to do the same.

  1. iLad

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: May 2009

    -1
    05/13, 03:28am | report spam | (1 reply) Reply |

    Boycott Apple and AT&T

    The only way to strike back is to boycott the iPhone, App store and iTunes until it hurts Apple and AT&T so much financially that they do something about it. Also if you don't buy a new iPhone this Summer, you strike a blow to both AT&T and Apple. It is time they learn that we the customers are in power not them. They must give us what we want. So let's start up a grass roots effort and boycott both companies. If we can elect our first African-American president via grass roots i'm sure we can teach these 2 fat, greedy companies that they can not get away with this.

    Even if you don't care about Sling, your invested in this as it's just a matter of time before they pull some other c*** that effects you.

    FIGHT BACK, BOYCOTT APPLE AND AT&T. SAY NO TO NEW IPHONES THIS SUMMER!!!!

  1. doctor9

    Fresh-Faced Recruit

    Joined: Aug 2001

    +1
    05/13, 08:17am | report spam | Reply |

    Lot of smoke, but fire?

    "...in what is believed to be a concession to iPhone carrier AT&T"

    Seems to be a lot of anger towards Apple over something that is mere speculation at this point. I've yet to see Sling, Apple or AT&T provide an official reason why the iPhone gets a crippled version compared to other phones.

    Unless, the only reason you post is to bash Apple...then you should just have a hot cup of STFU!

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