Overview
For those of you who thought it would never make it, it’s finally here! Sling Media’s iPhone app for connecting to your Slingbox is now available in the App Store.
There are a few changes from Sling’s original design. First it no longer supports 3g streaming (yes, wifi only unfortunately). Second, even though it’s not supported, the app will work with legacy boxes, however Sling will not offer any technical support or advice if you are having an issue with a legacy box. And finally, the price is $29.99 (in line with their other mobile player apps).
Features
I have tried the other versions of Slingplayer mobile (for Windows Mobile phones) and found them almost unusuable, I was skeptical when Sling said they were releasing an app for the iPhone, however after using the app for just a few minutes I knew this was in a whole different realm from their other productions.
The app is feature rich and very intuitive. It guides you through everything from getting connected to your Slingbox to changing channels and setting up favorites. The speed of the interface, as well as the speed of everything from changing channels to buffering and displaying the video is quick and digestible.
The app will allow you to manage and watch multiple Slingboxes of multiple types, and switching between the different devices is a simple two-button-press task. Your directory is setup and controlled from Sling’s user website http://www.sling.com, or from the app itself.
If you have a Slingbox Pro and have multiple devices setup, switching between your devices is also a simple two-button-press task. You will be watching your SD and HD sources in no time.
There are a few different ways of controlling your box once connected. Changing channels can be done through the guide (if your cable/satellite box has one), using the numeric keypad, or by swiping your finger up or down on the screen.
If you setup your favorite channels, you may also change by selecting from one of them, or swiping left or right on the screen for previous or next favorite respectively. Favorites lets you assign a logo to the channel as well as you can see below.
The on-screen remote is intuitive and integrates seemlessly with the app. It gives you access to all features of your regular remote including play, fast forward, record, and other DVR functions. It groups buttons in logical sets so you’re not swiping around trying to find them in random locations. Check out our video demo to see how intuitive it is!
There are lots of customizable settings, such as the ability to set your home channel, automatically connect on launch, stereo sound on/off, and high quality audio on/off. While watching a video stream some of the options include changing to an audio only stream, switching between high quality and standard quality, and adjusting the aspect from Letterbox to Standard.
The Breakdown
The Good
As far as a well designed app, that is intuitive, easy to use, and works, this one gets an A+ in my book. It makes remotely accessing the slingbox a pleasure, and watching tv on the phone is more than bareable, it’s enjoyable. Having used their previous mobile platforms Sling really did it right this time.
I expected tiresome wait times during buffering, and choppy low quality video, but was pleasantly surprised when the buffering took seconds and the video quality was actualy great. I could easily see myself watching a TV show while at lunch or watching the local news while away on vacation. I could even see myself watching the Lakers game tonight since I won’t make it home before it starts.
The ability to control multiple slingboxes and control multiple devices on each box is great, and it’s hassle free. I expected to have to sign up a seperate account for each box, and log in and out of accounts to change devices, but they made it as simple as selecting from a list.
The Bad
Sling didn’t follow the standard pricing that the App Store has shown to be successful. SlingPlayer for the iPhone will cost a pretty $29.99 which may be too rich for some of our readers. I also think it’s a little unfair that if I’ve spent $29.99 on their windows mobile app I now need to pay another $29.99 to take advantage of their iPhone offering. I would have liked to have seen this app come in at $19.99 or even better a more reasonable $9.99.
Another thing that is an obvious bummer is the fact that Apple has decided not to allow the app to be used over 3g. This is likely due to pressure by AT&T though we have no comments regarding the exact reason. When we questioned Sling regarding the feature change they responded with “please direct any questions about Apple’s decision to them.” So we assume they are less than pleased to have it altered as well.
Our last gripe about the app is the original decision by Sling to not allow the app to control legacy boxes such as the Slingbox AV, as well as their subsequent decision to not support them now. I am glad to see they changed their mind and decided to allow the app to work with the legacy devices, but I don’t see why they can’t support it as well. ALL of their other mobile apps work with every box they offer and have offered in the past. We asked them to give us a reason as to why the iPhone app was different, but never got a response. If there was a technical reason that we could qualify then I might be more understanding in that regard.
The Verdict
Although the price of this app may put it out of reach for the average iPhone user, I believe it is a great addition to the phone for any user that owns a Slingbox. The design and implementation of the application was well planned and executed. If you have a Slingbox, or plan on getting one, and can save up the $30 bucks for the app, I can’t say it’s not worth it. I hope Sling sees that compared to other offerings in the App Store it’s overpriced though. We’d like to see a sale or price drop on this app in the next few weeks.
Our Rating
SlingPlayer
- Developer: Sling Media
- Category: Entertainment
- Released: May 12, 2009
(currently 1.2)
(currently 29.99)
Glad to see this app is available. Feels like a rushed first version app, but it does do its main purpose in watching your slingbox with no crashes. I have a slingbox AV and it worked flawlessly. Does seem a bit more ‘choppy’ then the desktop version when I am using the same wifi network connected to the slingbox. Would love to see 3G support, but that wont happen until Apple partners with Verizon after the Apple contract expires with AT&T.
Might need to wait until this one goes on sale. Sleeping on it.
What exactly does this Slingplayer app do for someone with a Slingbox AV? I don’t want to waste $30 on it if I can’t control anything.
According to sling, the released version WILL control the Slingbox AV, it’s just not supported on there. However you are in luck, I have a Slingbox AV at home, I will hook up tonight, and report back tomorrow on how well it works.
Thanks Nick. I’ve got an A/V as well and have been looking for a review / article from someone who actually hooked their iPhone up to the A/V. I’d like to see how well it does. Also, since it isn’t “supported” hardware anymore, what are some of the glitches.
Does any one know if this application will work on my Classic Slingbox ? I don’t want to buy the app and find out that is doesn’t work. Can anyone help please.
According to sling the player will work with all legacy boxes, however they will not support it technically. So it should work with your box. I’m testing it w/ the slingbox AV tonight and will report back. The AV and classic are technically the same just have 2 different input types, so your results should be the same as mine. I’ll let you know tomorrow.
I tried out the app with my legacy Sling AV last night, the results were as expected. It streamed the picture and audio flawlessly over wifi. I also tried it over 3G using the VoIPover3G hack and it streamed fine over 3G as well. Your mileage may vary, and we can’t be held responsible for any action AT&T might take for using the app on their 3G network.
Nic
I’m just curious if you are still using the Sling AV? I saw your post at http://appadvice.com/appnn/2009/05/slingbox-its-here/?replytocom=14645#respond where you mentioned that the SlingPlayer mobile works for the AV and I’m a little apprehensive at purchasing the mobile player for my IPOD Touch, especially at $30+taxes for nothing if it turns out that it will not work!
I want to watch Hockey from my Canadian home as I’m currently working in the States and will be travelling overseas for a vacation.
hi guys,
I downloaded the sling app, but it keeps on crashing, any idea?
i’m using firmware 2.1, do I need to update that?
Thanks!
first thing to do is try rebooting your phone, if you still have no luck, then the only advice I can give is try upgrading. Any reason you are still on 2.1 btw?
I’m having the same issue. I’ve rebooted my phone. I’m on firmware 2.30.03 (non-jailbroken phone) … If i have my DVR turned on, the app will start, go through connection process, and crash back to home screen. If my DVR is turned off, I can connect and get my d-pad or number controls, but there is no video or DVR control.
2.30.03 is baseband firmware I assume that means you are on OS version 2.2.1, app crashing is usually a sign your phone is out of memory, if you are not jailbroken, I would recommend restarting the phone (hold power+home until the phone turns off then hold power for 3 seconds till it turns back on). Then try running the app again.
I just didn’t upgrade it, no reasons!!!
okay I’ll upgrade it to 2.2.1 and then try it…
thanks!
I upgraded it to 2.2.1 and still it’s crashing? please help
Hey Nic,
What is the VolPover 3G hack ? Do I need to jailbreak my iphone to use it?
Yeah, on a jailbroken phone you can install a mobilesubstrate extension called VoIPover3g, this extension makes “most” apps that ask for “do I have a wifi connection” think the answer is yes, even if it is only a 3g connection.
I don’t understand why this app was given 5 stars and ranked as a “must have” given that it has limited usability (wifi only), and doesn’t seem to play video in full screen on the iPhone. That, and the fact that this app is overpriced given the limitations should be considered.
Can you tell me if this supports video out. If I hook it up to my TV via the Apple AV cables will that work? (really asking for my car but you get the point)
Can you tell me if this supports video out. If I hook it up to my TV via the Apple AV cables will that work? (really asking for my car but you get the point)