Sling Blames Apple for Lack of 3G on iSling

By URPREY, posted Wednesday, May. 13th, 2009
Reader Comments: 6

According to an email from SlingMedia, the lack of streaming over 3G was at Apple's request (although AT&T officially already took the blame?) In an email I received today, Sling points the finger at Apple for this fiasco of an app launch (emphasis mine):

[quote]

To all you iPhone/Slingbox fanatics:

The wait is over. We are proud and excited to announce that SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone is ready to download from the iTunes App Store. When connected to a Slingbox SOLO, PRO, or PRO-HD, the award winning SlingPlayer Mobile software will play anything you can see on your TV at home on your iPhone or iPod touch. Change channels, control your DVR and watch your favorite shows right on your phone.

This is one of the best mobile players we have ever developed and we're offering it for just $29.99. It sports a super slick interface, great video quality, plus lots of new features. SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone is Wi-Fi only at Apple's request.

Of course you'll need a Slingbox to enjoy SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone. To learn more about Slingbox, the latest hardware requirements or how to upgrade from the Slingbox you already own to the latest and greatest click here.

We really think this app is one of the best reasons to own a Slingbox – a seamless, high quality experience that shows off the magic of Sling technology and the iPhone.

Best regards,

The SlingPlayer Mobile Team

[/quote]

Whoever is to blame, I want to thank the developers of VOIPover3G and TrickerThreeG for allowing us jailbreakers to Sling over 3G without the Draconian constraints of Apple and AT&T. If you're not jailbroken, you'll be limited to WIFI streaming only (even though every other Sling client on other platforms allows both). Happy jailbreaking!

Works with EDGE on jailbreak 1st-gen iPhone or iPhone 3G on T-Mobile. Slow, choppy, and not suggested, unless next update allows 1 fps "slide show" mode like Windows Mobile version.

Posted by nutzareus, Saturday, May. 16th, 2009

jompao, TrickerThreeG was updated the same day of the SlingPlayer release. no need to SSH.

Posted by interstink, Thursday, May. 14th, 2009

Well you will have to Jailbreak and use the hack to trick the iPhone into thinking it is on Wifi even though it is on 3G. Same app in Cydia as used to run Skype over 3G, but you need to edit the config manually to add Slingplayer to the list of apps. I'm geussing it will be in the list by deafult later on.

Posted by jompao, Thursday, May. 14th, 2009

Not happy 3G connectivity was left out. AT&T is a complete joke! The AT&T 3G network (In Chicago) is slower then advertised and I hope all there "planned" upgrades do us justice.

As for Slingplayer on the iPhone, all I can say is NICE! Best slingplayer mobile experience yet. I used the Windows Mobile version for over a year, it worked... but thats about the only good thing I can say about it. The iPhone version offers great performance over Wifi and 3G. The interface is smooth and takes advantage of the iPhone's touch interface nicely (Swipe to change channels and favorites).

Yes, I run "Tricker ThreeG" on a Jailbroken iPhone. The 3G performance is really good, but Wifi is the way to go.

GREAT WORK Sling Media! Apple and AT&T need to rethink whats important.

Posted by interstink, Wednesday, May. 13th, 2009

Tail Wag's Dog

http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/atandt-issues-official-statement-on-slingplayers-3g-blackout-for/#continued

Posted by StellaDel, Wednesday, May. 13th, 2009

it isn't surprising that Apple would make the request (demand); it is unlikely that att would communicate directly with an app vendor since Apple controls the app store.

Posted by Shawn Roberts, Wednesday, May. 13th, 2009

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