A few sources, including one of our very own, have come across an un-official confirmation that Sling Media’s mobile player will make its way to Android handsets. SlingPlayer is software that allows streaming of user content from Slingbox, a home media set-top unit, over the internet to computers and other mobile devices. We don’t have any timeframes just yet, but a software developer connected with Sling Media has targeted Android as the next potential platform to tackle.
Sling Media forum user and developer MegaZone writes, “At this time we have not officially announced any development for Android or webOS, but we’re keeping an eye on both of them. Android seems to be the next logical platform, looking at the overall market, and Sling reps have talked about it a few times. I believe some have gone as far as to say it is our next platform, but I won’t since we haven’t made any announcements. The kind of support we’re seeing through the OHA is very promising, and if even some of the announced devices and partners come to market it will be a strong player.”
“There has to be a business justification to invest the resources in developing the client. The next logical platform is Android, which we’re already taking a strong look at. Unlike webOS, Android already has multiple announced devices with commitments from several major device makers for even more, with carriers lined up world-wide. Remember that from our point of view it is the intersection of users with the platform *and* a Slingbox who are also interested in using SPM. Engineering resources aren’t free, so there has to be some return on investment.”
Without coming out and saying, it would appear Sling Media has taken a wait-and-see stance with webOS, sure to be another heavy competitor in the smartphone arena. With several Android-based phones already announced and more reportedly on the way, the platform seems indeed logical as the next obstacle Sling Media must overcome in taking over the streaming media universe.
Purely as speculation, one has to wonder if Sling Media would host some type of beta program with a mobile application on Android, given the open-nature of the platform. Wouldn’t that just be aces?
Can't wait to goof off at work all day, watching HGTV and The Food Network.... *grin*
Can't wait to goof off at work all day, watching HGTV and The Food Network.... *grin*
I'm such a HGTV fanatic, House Hunters, My First Place, The Stager, etc etc (but tell nobody)
Speaking of The food Network, the people from "Top Chef" are on NBC right now.
Speaking of The food Network, the people from "Top Chef" are on NBC right now.
But I can now tell you who's gonna blitz when and who theyre gonna cover.
Didnt have to run into the house to turn on the TV. Nothing but looooove for SlingMedia.
But I can now tell you who's gonna blitz when and who theyre gonna cover.
Didnt have to run into the house to turn on the TV. Nothing but looooove for SlingMedia.
If an Android app comes up I may need to revisit
Sling isn't the same company it once was in the hands of the founders. Things happened much faster. Echostar has a proven ability to squander resources and wait until a market has passed to jump on the bandwagon.
I would look for the founders to release a mobile software to do the same if agreement's don't limit what they can do.
Thank you for contacting Sling Media Technical Support.
As we understand, you want to know if the Slingbox will support the Android Mobile devices any time soon. We will be more than willing to assist you.
Android is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices, based on the Linux operating system, developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in a Java-like language that utilizes Google-developed Java libraries, but does not support programs developed in native code.
Most of the supported cell phones run on Windows OS. Since Android runs on Linux OS, it is not compatible with the SlingPlayer. Therefore, Slingbox will not support it and we do not know if it will be supported any time soon.
If you require further assistance, feel free to visit Sling Media Support - Support or contact us at 1-877-GO-SLING (877-467-5464) Monday through Sunday 7am-7pm Pacific Time.
Thank you for contacting Sling Media Technical Support.
As we understand, you want to know if the Slingbox will support the Android Mobile devices any time soon. We will be more than willing to assist you.
Android is a software platform and operating system for mobile devices, based on the Linux operating system, developed by Google and later the Open Handset Alliance. It allows developers to write managed code in a Java-like language that utilizes Google-developed Java libraries, but does not support programs developed in native code.
Most of the supported cell phones run on Windows OS. Since Android runs on Linux OS, it is not compatible with the SlingPlayer. Therefore, Slingbox will not support it and we do not know if it will be supported any time soon.
If you require further assistance, feel free to visit Sling Media Support - Support or contact us at 1-877-GO-SLING (877-467-5464) Monday through Sunday 7am-7pm Pacific Time.