I'm sure many people have noticed this, but figured I'd start a little discussion on this.
For those that have not seen or heard about it: Amazon started offering a "cloud" service. Basically functions as a typical online storage service with a few neat features. Using the amazon mp3 player (free download), you can stream music files stored on the "cloud" account to your phone. Obviously this doesn't completely replace the functionality of having music stored on the device, as you wont have access if you don't have a network connection of some sort, but I know I can store more of my music on the cloud server and keep a limited amount of music on the phone for those instances that I wont have a network connection.
It looks like their basic/free service will provide 5 GB of storage, though you can get that upgraded to 20 GB for free with the purchase of an MP3 album. Obviously, not everyone will want to do that, but I had been looking at buying an MP3 album from amazon anyways (finding the actual CD was looking to be impossible or WAY too expensive) so it kind of worked out well for me. I wouldn't say there's a whole lot of innovative features, just a bit of innovation in combining features for convenience I guess. So, with my limited testing so far, I wouldn't call anything groundbreaking, but definitely nifty.
So far, it streams perfectly fine over both wifi and 3G which is to be expected. The player is fairly basic/minimalistic, but gets the job done. The widget also follows the minimalistic design. I feel that both are a bit too simplistic and prefer using winamp, but it's really just a preference thing. I can't really fault anything specific about the amazon player at this point other than being simple in design. The player also functions as an amazon music store so you can purchase music to be added to your cloud storage and you download the files directly to your phone. So far, I'd say the convenience is the best part of the service.
One thing I'm wondering about: Why didn't they combine the app store and music store into one app? I know it's not that difficult to switch between the 2, but it seems like it would be "cleaner" to just put both into one great package. I'm guessing they were concerned about it becoming cluttered, especially with search results, but it still seems like they could have worked the 2 together.
I tried this an it seemed to work good to me. The only thing that sucks is that my upload speed is terrible at home so uploaded 5gbs would take me forever, yet alone more GB.
Be sure to check here for some essentially free space.
http://www.androidpolice.com/2011/03/29/tip-get-20gb-of-amazon-cloud-drive-storage-for-only-0-69/
Related
Simple problem. I have several thousand mp3s at home and want to stream them to my phone so that I have all my songs regardless of my location. Even an 8GB MicroSDHC card will not hold all the songs, so streaming is the next best alternative.
I've tried using ORB, and it's a great idea, but the interface through PIE leaves much to be desired. It's difficult to drive around and click the little links, even on large font. Also there is no easy way to queue songs up without making a playlist prior.
Are there any alternatives to ORB that have a better front-end? It'd be nice to have a touch-friendly scrolling type of "catalog" of my songs, and then stream/queue them when I select them. Doesn't seem so hard.
I even tried creating a home web page with IIS, and that worked to a point, but there's got to be something better.
Thanks!
cpujunky said:
Simple problem. I have several thousand mp3s at home and want to stream them to my phone so that I have all my songs regardless of my location. Even an 8GB MicroSDHC card will not hold all the songs, so streaming is the next best alternative.
I've tried using ORB, and it's a great idea, but the interface through PIE leaves much to be desired. It's difficult to drive around and click the little links, even on large font. Also there is no easy way to queue songs up without making a playlist prior.
Are there any alternatives to ORB that have a better front-end? It'd be nice to have a touch-friendly scrolling type of "catalog" of my songs, and then stream/queue them when I select them. Doesn't seem so hard.
I even tried creating a home web page with IIS, and that worked to a point, but there's got to be something better.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I read in one of the other threads that SanDisk has announced a 12GB micro SD available this summer and they speculate that it may be a 16GB by the time it comes out.
I agree 100%...I love ORB but it is way too difficult to navigate.
They really have it all down except the few things you mentioned
Anyone else??
SelectRadio 4.0.2 ?
This prog has such an option, and I do use the program but have not tried it out for that so I do not know how well it works.
Lobster Tunes will do it for you. It's not free, though.
http://lobstertunes.com
Lobster looks pretty cool. I'm going to check it out and see if it offers a better experience than what I currently use (Andromeda - http://www.turnstyle.com/andromeda/home.asp).
sputnik said:
Lobster looks pretty cool. I'm going to check it out and see if it offers a better experience than what I currently use (Andromeda - http://www.turnstyle.com/andromeda/home.asp).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you find bad about Andromeda? I was thinking about giving it a try...
Here is one I have been wondering about. What software can you use to stream your local radio stations to your phone? I know about tuned.mobi and such, but the problem is that when a game comes on, they usually block the broadcast of the audio stream even though it is playing on the local AM radio station. I want to be able to broadcast my local radio stations (AM and FM) to my phone so I can still get the games.
I wonder if someone could not write a program that integrates everything available through orb into you wmp library i.e. some sort of plugin maybee we could put together a donation pot to get one of the dev's to work on the project
djlenoir said:
Here is one I have been wondering about. What software can you use to stream your local radio stations to your phone? I know about tuned.mobi and such, but the problem is that when a game comes on, they usually block the broadcast of the audio stream even though it is playing on the local AM radio station. I want to be able to broadcast my local radio stations (AM and FM) to my phone so I can still get the games.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you cant...if it isnt streamed, it cant be made out of thin air. get a radio.
dtrell said:
you cant...if it isnt streamed, it cant be made out of thin air. get a radio.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
lol, I have a radio...multiple radios. I think you may have misunderstood me. If I got something like this device would I be able to stream it to my phone? I travel... when I am in another state, I can not stream my local radio station broadcasts through the internet to listen to games (blacked out). However, they are playing on the radio station if I were at home and able listen to my radio.
well I think I finally found my cream of the crop... saw this thread and I have to say, andromeda is the BEST solution I've found for getting my music to my PPC...
it works very well with PIE and is very zippy zippy zippy...
I've tried:
1) lobstertunes - buggy, slow, doesn't work with all ROMs
2) gnump3d - buggy perl script, cool features but crashes a lot
3) orb - as you all have stated, interface sucks in PIE and too hard to navigate
4) andromeda - FAST, stable, and CLEAN... worth every penny of the $20 lol
I like the interface of Andromeda the best, not to mention it's speed. Although you can create a playlist, you still can't just "queue" one up...unless I'm missing something.
Took me some tweaks to get it to work too. Have to rename the asp to m3u and make it executable on the server. I also had to use a third party player.
What player are you using? Also, when I click on a file to stream, it always asks me if I want to overwrite the existing m3u. I say yes and it works fine, but ya know
cpujunky said:
Took me some tweaks to get it to work too. Have to rename the asp to m3u and make it executable on the server. I also had to use a third party player.
What player are you using? Also, when I click on a file to stream, it always asks me if I want to overwrite the existing m3u. I say yes and it works fine, but ya know
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yup gotta do a few tweaks but it ends up workin'... yes same thing with overwiting the file but that's typical... I use TCPMP and it works flawlessly.
Zenoran said:
well I think I finally found my cream of the crop... saw this thread and I have to say, andromeda is the BEST solution I've found for getting my music to my PPC...
it works very well with PIE and is very zippy zippy zippy...
I've tried:
1) lobstertunes - buggy, slow, doesn't work with all ROMs
2) gnump3d - buggy perl script, cool features but crashes a lot
3) orb - as you all have stated, interface sucks in PIE and too hard to navigate
4) andromeda - FAST, stable, and CLEAN... worth every penny of the $20 lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like both mundu and resco radio, but they are streaming only. I may try andromeda, PM me with details please.
Do you have a mac?
I'm not sure this would work for you, but it's something that I'm going to try once the needed adapter comes in.
I feel slingbox works really well on my phone and I use it to stream live TV. For my media files I'm planning on using my mac mini which has an IR sensor for the remote and Front Row. The front row interface is very similar to the interface on an ipod and the commands are supposedly supported by slingbox. Once I get the adapter for vga-svideo I will set it up. The only downside I can think of is that audio when watching TV doesn't come over in good quality unless I have it in audio only mode, but this might not be a problem with Front Row where there will be very little visual data transmitted for audio files.
The reason a mac mini is nice is that it has a built in IR sensor. This bet this will work with windows media center too if you have something to control it with IR. Another potential downside is that the computer pretty much needs to be dedicated to working as a media server lest you forget to put it back into media mode.
been searching the forum and came across cases where some owners of PPCs have gotten WMP to transfers DRM music downloaded from Rhapsody on to their PPCs.
I subscribe to RTG and tried to transfer downloaded DRM protected music to my mogul's SD but had no luck. WMP can't sync "Windows Media Player cannot sync the file because the device needs to be updated"
The WMDRM, MSMETADATA, and PLAYLIST folders were created so i know the SD was prepared for DRM music but i can seem to get it to work on the mogul.
maybe it's not compatible how did those other people get it to work??
I will tell you from my own personal experience, DRM content does work on the Mogul. I work for Napster's call center and I am able to get my music from Napster to my Mogul, very easily! Napster recognizes it, and the card, then all I have to do is transfer to the storage card and I'm done. Don't even have to use Windows Media Player.
Just FYI, you might want to check it out. 7-day trial available during registration. Make absolutely sure you get Napster To Go.
EDIT: Please remember, the phone is not officially supported by Napster. If you can't get it to work, there is nothing that anyone in the call center can do, so please do not call looking for support.
eXplicit815 said:
I will tell you from my own personal experience, DRM content does work on the Mogul. I work for Napster's call center and I am able to get my music from Napster to my Mogul, very easily! Napster recognizes it, and the card, then all I have to do is transfer to the storage card and I'm done. Don't even have to use Windows Media Player.
Just FYI, you might want to check it out. 7-day trial available during registration. Make absolutely sure you get Napster To Go.
EDIT: Please remember, the phone is not officially supported by Napster. If you can't get it to work, there is nothing that anyone in the call center can do, so please do not call looking for support.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
now i'm jealous. who's rom/version are you using? did you need to prep the device or SD before you could transfer the music?
anyone done this with rhapsody?
I've been using rhapsody to go for some time. Works very well with a bluetooth enabled car stereo.
In rhapsody, you should have two devices listed:
One for your phone itself
One for the memory card
You need to put at least one song on the phone itself so that it licenses the phone to accept the drm. Since I like to use songs for ringtones, dropping the selected song to the phone will usually do the trick. After that, I use the memory card for the main storage of music.
Hope this helps
Haha...napster....the original CEO of napster, shawn fanning, was my roommate in college at Northeastern. I remember him sitting in our room for hours and hours developing the original napster...i miss the original napster lol.
Napster got its name from his nappy hair, which is why he always wore a hat.
schoalz said:
I've been using rhapsody to go for some time. Works very well with a bluetooth enabled car stereo.
In rhapsody, you should have two devices listed:
One for your phone itself
One for the memory card
You need to put at least one song on the phone itself so that it licenses the phone to accept the drm. Since I like to use songs for ringtones, dropping the selected song to the phone will usually do the trick. After that, I use the memory card for the main storage of music.
Hope this helps
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What rom are you using?
ME: WinXP SP2, WMP11, Lastest Rhapsody....DCD 3.0.1
is WMDRM supported in DCD's 3.0.1?
My computer is "Authorized" already
I plugin my mogul
I start Rhapsody. It's finds and scans the PDA and Storage Card.
There is a WMA file on the device.
The WMDRM files and folders are created on the PDA and Storage Card
In Rhapsody, I try to drag a song from my library to the Storage card and get
"You cannot transfer this subscrition content because this device is not a subscrition device"...blah blah blah...pay. I already pay $15/mo
There's no option to "Authorize" my mogul...What exactly did you do to get it to work? what rom are you using?
ROM's really have nothing to do with it. It just recognizes it as a Windows Mobile device, and the rest goes from there. You can use any ROM with any configuration.
Give it a shot, let me know your username and I'll make sure everything goes smoothly on the back-end.
Rhapsody has worked OK (complaints below) for me on the three different devices I've tried (1 Mogul, 2 Touch's).
The particular ROM you are running can make a difference, as some custom ROMs leave out Lockstream DRM.
In my experience Rhapsody's online player is great. The software that you have to run to download music on the other hand has given me nothing but headaches. In my experience it is buggy, bloated, unresponsive crap. I've spent hours troubleshooting issues (some might be related to Vista, but come on, it's been out for a long time now), uninstalling/reinstalling Lockstream components, etc. And for some reason it never recognizes my storage cards the next time I try to transfer music. I have to deauthorize the card in my account settings, and then reathorize it in order to transfer music. There are just way to many issues for it to be a useful service for most people. I'll probably give it another month, but I will likely be looking into trying Napster and some others if their selection is comparable to Rhapsody.
I use rhapsody on my Mogul/XV6800 with no issues. I just plugged it in, authorized it, and started adding music.
J Shed said:
I use rhapsody on my Mogul/XV6800 with no issues. I just plugged it in, authorized it, and started adding music.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It's all great that all of you can use rhapsody on your mogul..at least i know it works....
BUT I HAVE NO OPTION TO AUTHORIZE MY STORAGE CARD!!!!!
can anyone please give me a solution/procedure...
Fr3nZy said:
It's all great that all of you can use rhapsody on your mogul..at least i know it works....
BUT I HAVE NO OPTION TO AUTHORIZE MY STORAGE CARD!!!!!
can anyone please give me a solution/procedure...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I FIXED IT!!!!!
looks like I have to install MS-KB929399 DRM hotfix. I can authorize now...
BUT now i have another problem!!!
after a few seconds of playing the song it stops and i get..."Not enought storage space is available to complete the operation"
I got 142MB free space in my rom and 350mb free in my SD...this would happen to any file i played in MediaPlayer..
Is it talking about RAM?
CrayDeng said:
There is a useful guide including:1. How to free download DRM Music 2. How to convert the DRM music to play them with any players.
http://www.crapware-link.html
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks, but those methods currently no longer work in XP
MS and Rhapsody are pushing a different version of the DRM IBX in XP and the keys can't be retrieved with those methods anymore.
(are we allowed to talk about this on XDA forum)
Anyway i got Rhapsody to work with my mogul.
Rhapsody + HTC Audio Manager + 8GB SDHC + Dopod remote control + Sony Fontopias + SRS WOW HD = pretty decent portable music player
but this thing has some serious issues with RAM...64MB SUX!!!
can't multitask with the Audio Manager running..even WMP has problems with running out of RAM
There are legitimate reasons to want to strip the DRM from protected Rhapsody tracks. The lack of a universal DRM system means that iPods, etc. can't play the Rhapsody tracks that you legally have the license to use. Granted, stripping the DRM is not legal, but morally I don't have a problem with it in this case. If you were to keep using the files after canceling your subscription that would be another story of course.
All that said, I've been using a program called MuvAudio to "strip" the DRM from my Rhapsody tracks. It actually doesn't strip anything, but instead runs the file through your sound card and digitally records the output into a new (and not copy-protected) MP3. The benefit of this system is that anything you can play on your PC can be converted into an unprotected MP3/WMA/etc. All the tag data (artist, album, year, etc) is preserved, and it will even search for and attach album art. I was a little worried there would be some quality loss, but it turns out that is not an issue. The quality of the MP3 output is excellent. The program can also be set to monitor your Rhapsody download folder so that new downloads are automatically converted. The best part is that you can get the program for free with TrialPay. Basically, you sign up for a trial of some other, unrelated service, and you get a free license for MuvAudio. You can then cancel your trial of the other service without ever paying a dime. Pretty cool. And now my wife can load up her iPod with Rhapsody tracks.
Now if Rhapsody would only offer a Pocket PC client so that I could bypass my PC all together...
bedoig said:
There are legitimate reasons to want to strip the DRM from protected Rhapsody tracks. The lack of a universal DRM system means that iPods, etc. can't play the Rhapsody tracks that you legally have the license to use. Granted, stripping the DRM is not legal, but morally I don't have a problem with it in this case. If you were to keep using the files after canceling your subscription that would be another story of course.
All that said, I've been using a program called MuvAudio to "strip" the DRM from my Rhapsody tracks. It actually doesn't strip anything, but instead runs the file through your sound card and digitally records the output into a new (and not copy-protected) MP3. The benefit of this system is that anything you can play on your PC can be converted into an unprotected MP3/WMA/etc. All the tag data (artist, album, year, etc) is preserved, and it will even search for and attach album art. I was a little worried there would be some quality loss, but it turns out that is not an issue. The quality of the MP3 output is excellent. The program can also be set to monitor your Rhapsody download folder so that new downloads are automatically converted. The best part is that you can get the program for free with TrialPay. Basically, you sign up for a trial of some other, unrelated service, and you get a free license for MuvAudio. You can then cancel your trial of the other service without ever paying a dime. Pretty cool. And now my wife can load up her iPod with Rhapsody tracks.
Now if Rhapsody would only offer a Pocket PC client so that I could bypass my PC all together...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Analog rips aren’t really what I want, I may sound like a stickler for quality but I can notice the difference, especially with high quality headphones or rips using low quality sound cards
But this automatic monitoring and converting sounds intriguing…I’m gonna give it a try
Amazon provides 5 GB of cloud storage Free, 20 GB BONUS with Album purchase. The service bills annually instead of monthly. Doubles as a nice backup. Especially nice on the go. What do you all think? Check it out here...
http://goo.gl/oVc7C
Pretty good. But Subsonic is a better choice IMO. A one time fee of around $10-20 and a free app for your phone. Just open a static port on your PC and it's good to go. I can stream my entire collection to my phone via wifi or 3G. Does video as well.
Also no one is going to be poking around my collection wondering if I'd obtained mp3s legally or ripped from a friend or downloaded from mediafire etc. I'm really not hip on giving control to a company like Amazon like that.
get upgraded to 20GB for a year for only $0.69
http://tinyurl.com/4jqaqdq
i followed the instructions and can confirm it works.
I guess I am not seeing it in the link, but what album is $0.69?
its a ok deal, but Audio galaxy does a better job and its completely free and unimited room.
s15274n said:
I guess I am not seeing it in the link, but what album is $0.69?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's the link i bought Link
What i did:
Sign up for the 5gb first >
get into your cloud storage and click upload file >
accept the terms and conditions > (no need to actually upload a file)
go to the glee album page and in the top right click Buy MP3 Album with 1-Click >
then confirm >
then look for the button that says something like "play in cloud storage now">
that should be it.
I even uploaded my music files and was able to stream it on my phone....
Pretty good. But Subsonic is a better choice IMO. A one time fee of around $10-20 and a free app for your phone. Just open a static port on your PC and it's good to go. I can stream my entire collection to my phone via wifi or 3G. Does video as well.
Also no one is going to be poking around my collection wondering if I'd obtained mp3s legally or ripped from a friend or downloaded from mediafire etc. I'm really not hip on giving control to a company like Amazon like that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Agreed.I have over 200gb of music alone. Wonder how much that would run me.
i just signed up , hopefuly it actually works pretty good and doesnt cost a ton!
Just getting started with in the world of android. For the last 5 years I have been using WinMo and loved it but don't care for the new Win Phone. So I came this direction.
Just looking to see what peoples must have apps and tools are. I don't really use my phone for games. Mostly web browsing, light social networking (but hate it being an infestation through out my phone), tools for day to day life with networking and Audio/Video presentations and entertainment.
I have read a bunch of other areas on here, just thought I would ask the people using my same device.
Also wondering about the security apps. I have read alot of different opinions on where to use them or not.
But I do like the idea of blocking some apps from getting to things like phone ID contacts and things like that where it makes sense.
I use plume for twitter. Customizable skin, keeps your place pretty well across multiple devices (phone and kindle fire for me).
I use vplayer for playing avi videos. Apparently it doesn't handle 720p videos the best, but I don't tend to download those anyways. I've heard MKV player plays those best.
I use plex media app to stream videos from my pc. With their new myplex, setup is much easier than it used to be.
Sling mobile was working well until my slingplayer died.
---------- Post added at 01:14 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:11 PM ----------
shermanpat said:
Also wondering about the security apps. I have read alot of different opinions on where to use them or not.
But I do like the idea of blocking some apps from getting to things like phone ID contacts and things like that where it makes sense.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've installed a couple of security apps, always uninstall them. Not doing anything that exciting on my phone and always install apps from secure sources.
Easy Profile Switcher - Setup profiles to increase battery life and automatically change settings (Ringer, WiFi, Bluetooth, ect.) based on Location or time.
Dolphin Browser-fast with lots of useful addons
Angrybirds - Good game to pass time on train to work ect.
ES File Explorer - Like Total Commander on WinMo6.5
Wol Wake on Lan Wan - Sends Magic Packets to wake a computer even over net.
Subsonic Music Streamer - Stream from PC across the web, also video, tweakable.
Zumocast - Not in VZ's Market, Stream Music and some vids from PC, easy setup.
Team Viewer for Remote Control - Client to remote control a PC with TeamViewer server, easy setup.
TITANIUM BACKUP PRO - Backup almost every aspect of your phone, needs root.
Dood's Music Streamer - Free GrooveShark Client, no Grooveshark registration req.
Netflix - Streaming Netflix, HD not supported on Rezound yet.
My Verizon - Bloatware app that gives you account / usage details.
Amazon Mobile - Amazon.com shopping made easy on a mobile phone.
GotYa! Face Trap - takes pic of anyone trying to unlock your phone, emails pic /w GPS Map Location.
Lookout Security and Antivirus - Virus and Malware protection, Remote phone lock, GPS locator, Remotely ring phone even with ringer off, remotely disable phone.
If this was helpful hit the Thanks
Good list... Gave me a couple new apps to try out.
Sent from my ADR6425LVW using Tapatalk
Mc_365:
Great list I have found a few and sounds like a great few more to try out. I am running Scotts Clean rom1.2 and love it and found a few of those in there.
I'm sticking with Temp Root for the time. I've had some issues with my audio jack and may need replacement.
The Wake on Lan app is simple but it will take propper configuration of your router if you want to use it over the net. I'm using dd-wrt flashed on my router you can also use tomato or other 3rd party firmware to get the setup.
The wake on lan app lets me keep my pc asleep until I need it for streaming and such.
I not ready to put my stuff in the cloud yet, and I'm trying to cut my carbon footprint down. Subsonic can be configured to transcode audio/video to lower bitrates to make streaming from home easier. I have 5Mb upload and I had no problems streaming vids of reasonable quality.
I'm also using WiFi Tether, root required.
Hey guys I am contemplating on developing a media play that will be able to play both audio and video within a single app and designing it partly around the vanilla KitKat experience. I was thinking I would list it anywhere between $1 to $3. What do yall think. Is it a good idea? Do you think it would sell? Would you buy it?
Bump
I think people use their phones differently when listening to music or watching media, at least I do and the people I know do as well
So if I'm to listen to music, be it with head phones or streaming I go to one app, and I don't keep videos on my devices so all streaming is done through various apps
If you really want to do this I would suggest a free version with either limited options or ads so users can test and you will see if there is a market for it
But I think this is a case where you need to sell the user the idea that one app is better than two or three or....
Sent from my Nexus 4 using XDA Premium 4 mobile app
yeah i think this is a great idea especially with the kitkat UI implemented into it, and the idea to be able to have both music and videos within one app is great but what i think you should do is have different section for music and videos such as having a sub menu or something where you can select what you want to do and from that you could also implement a photo viewer and maybe even a stream type thing or something
I think a very simplistic "android player" with the new kitkat UI that plays all major video and audio would be useful. Possible features like playlists and album art would require the paid version. The focus of it would have to be the modern theme and simplicity since one app is simpler than two. It can still be very powerful without all the extra options that are in many applications.