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Apple to Upgrade AirPlay to Allow Wireless Streaming Without Wi-Fi?

Tuesday August 28, 2012 2:37 pm PDT by Jordan Golson
Apple iPad Stream movies and music wirelessly with AirPlayApple is planning an improvement to its AirPlay audio and video streaming technology, according to a report from The Telegraph.

The new AirPlay system would allow streaming devices like the iPhone or iPad to directly send content to a set of speakers or other receiver without a Wi-Fi network. The Telegraph expects 'AirPlay Direct' to be announced on September 12, together with the next-generation iPhone.
Sources familiar with the iPhone-maker’s plans said that Apple wants to improve the AirPlay wireless music streaming technology, which currently requires Airplay speakers and a WiFi network. The new version will require just speakers or a hifi and an iDevice; the iPhone, iPod or iPad would form its own network to allow a direct connection and music playback.
The Telegraph expects Apple to promote AirPlay Direct as a replacement to the hardware connection on many iPhone/iPod docks, and allow playback of music wirelessly from device to receiver.

[ 192 comments ]


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unlimitedx
88 months ago
Hmm I should take a break from macrumors so I can leave more room for surprises on 9/12 :p
Rating: 20 Votes
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Desterado
88 months ago

Wait, WiFi has to be on to use AirPlay? Since when?


Since always....

I fail to see how this isn't just bluetooth with a different name now though?
Rating: 8 Votes
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Skoopman
88 months ago
Hold your horses guys, Apple will never ever transmit sound or video via bluetooth because it sucks. Have you ever listened to bluetooth speakers? The sound is horrible.
Rating: 6 Votes
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RoboCop001
88 months ago
Does this mean reduced lag? If so, I hope it reduces the lag for Mac AirPlay Mirroring as well.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Skika
88 months ago
So...what will it use then? Bluetooth 4.0?
Rating: 5 Votes
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CrAkD
88 months ago
its wifi direct kinda....looks like the ipad or iphone will CREATE the network itself then connect to it and airplay like normal.
Rating: 5 Votes
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moxxey
88 months ago

This doesn't make sense to me will it be over bluetooth 4.0? Or can be over 3G, if it is able to do 3G then whats the benefit?


Have you even bothered to read through the replies above? Weird how some people use forums. They don't bother reading replies, add their own, which was answered and dismissed many conversations back.

It's clearly a device to device wifi network, without going via your router. It won't be 3G, nor Bluetooth. How could it be 3G when your devices don't use 3G?
Rating: 5 Votes
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guspasho
88 months ago
Isn't this already called Bluetooth?
Rating: 4 Votes
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CrAkD
88 months ago
Yes wifi has always been required for air play. the only difference is now you wont need a network to connect too which will make airplay in the car much more doable now. hopefully apple opens up the video standard for car systems.
Rating: 4 Votes
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Flying Dutchmen
88 months ago
Great for presentations.

Would be awesome if it worked with the Apple TV just connected to a beamer and then have your presentation synced from iPad/Macbook. Thats the problem I have right now with presentations at University.
Rating: 4 Votes

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