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Airplay technology. Supported devices and software. Software and supported devices

Appeared in iOS 11.4 new feature: AirPlay 2. With it, you can play music from your iPhone and iPad on multiple speakers in different parts of your home. In this article we will tell you everything you need to know about the new technology.

AirPlay streams music wirelessly

AirPlay is an Apple proprietary technology that was introduced in November 2010. It allows you to stream music wirelessly from your iPhone, iPad or Mac via Wi-Fi.

Many modern speakers and receivers work with AirPlay. The packaging of devices that support the technology usually has the following icon:

To transmit audio wirelessly, AirPlay does not use Bluetooth, but Wi-Fi. The latter has a much wider channel for information, so the quality of the music is higher.

You can also stream videos to a large TV screen via AirPlay. The mediator in this is Apple TV.

AirPlay 2 adds support for multiple audio devices


On May 29, 2018, iOS 11.4 became available for iPhone and iPad. It introduces the second generation of AirPlay. It allows you to play music on multiple audio devices simultaneously.

For example, you can send a song from your iPhone not only to the speaker in the bedroom, but also to the receiver in the living room. In this case, the sound on them will be perfectly synchronized.

You can also play different music on different speakers. For example, you can simply ask Siri to play one song on the audio device in the first room and another in the second. This is only possible when using Apple Music.

Once you start using audio devices that support AirPlay 2, you'll be able to switch tracks and adjust the volume of each one in Control Center, right from the lock screen or from home screen, as well as from the corresponding menu from Apple Music and third-party applications.

When you expand the AirPlay menu, you will immediately see not only a complete list of speakers and receivers that support the technology that are nearby, but also musical composition, which is played on each of the audio devices.

To start playback, you can select a speaker or receiver from the list with a regular press, and then individually adjust the playback volume using the slider that appears.

AirPlay 2 makes it easy to share music playback control


WITH using AirPlay 2, multiple users can add songs to a playlist at once - each from their own iPhone.

Imagine you're at a party where music is playing via AirPlay 2. You, like other party guests, can add songs to a shared playlist using the Play Next button.

Thus, AirPlay 2 eliminates the need to connect each iPhone to speakers.

With AirPlay 2, your music won't stop if someone calls you


AirPlay 2 makes it possible to use your iPhone or iPad 100%, even if it is the playback source.

For example, the music in the house will not be stopped by the answer to incoming call or launch new game from App Store like Magibot or The Bonfire: Forsaken Lands.

Which devices will work with AirPlay 2 technology?


The following Apple mobile devices running iOS 11.4 and later work with AirPlay 2:

    iPhone 5s and later;

    iPad Air and iPad Air 2;

    iPad mini 2 and newer;

    iPad 2017 and iPad 2018;

    iPad Pro all generations;

    iPod touch 6th generation.

All owners of devices from the Cupertino corporation have ever heard of AirPlay technology.

AirPlay- the name of the technology and protocol developed by Apple, the use of which provides wireless streaming transferring media data (audio, video, images) between devices. (c) Wikipedia

However this technology at one time it was compatible only with “Apple” products and owners could find a use for it Windows computer ov it was difficult. Windows owners had two options for using this technology: either buy an Apple TV or buy a Mac. There are a lot of scenarios for using AirPlay technology: broadcasting a game to a TV, showing photos and videos to relatives, surfing the Internet if you don’t have a laptop at hand, screencasting for your blog, showing slides and presentations, and much, much more. Today we will look at how to stream video, audio and photos from our iOS devices to our Windows computers.

What we need:

  1. Windows XP, 7, 8 and iOS device connected to the same Wi-Fi network.
  2. AirServer or Reflector programs.
  3. Straight arms and 10 minutes of patience.

The whole problem is solved in 2 steps, namely: installing the software and starting the broadcast on an iOS device. Let's get started.

Step 1. Install the required software.

In order for our computer to act as an AirPlay server, we need to install one of the above programs. They will allow our iOS device to see our Windows computer as an AirPlay-enabled device and stream content to it. Both AirServer and Reflector perform exactly the same functions. The only difference is that Reflector takes the “frame” from your iOS device as its design, i.e. if you are broadcasting from an iPhone, then the entire broadcast image will be shown as if on the iPhone. AirServer does not suffer from such beauties and only shows a picture without any iDevice.

Device screen:

I would like to note that both programs are paid, and unfortunately for fans of freebies, I did not find any cracks or keys for them on the Internet, so in the review I will have to be content with the trial modes. You can use AirServer for 7 days in trial mode. Reflector turns off 10 minutes after starting the program. Sadness.

Let's start with AirServer. Download the program from the developer's website. In order to get the Trial version, you need to enter your e-mail (you will receive a download link). So, go to the website www.airserverapp.com/ru/Download and download to your computer free version programs. The site has tips in Russian, so I won’t waste time on screenshots. Everything is clear. Install the downloaded program. Let's launch. In the Trial version, an Internet connection is required at startup, because... every time you start you will be asked to enter the e-mail to which you ordered your link to free copy programs. (Here’s a little life hack: you can create a bunch of emails and endlessly order links to them and then enter them into the window when you start the program. Thus, for a year of freebies you need 12 months x 4 weeks = 48 left emails). So, after launching, the program immediately minimizes to tray and starts working.

It's exactly the same with Reflector. We go to the website www.reflectorapp.com, download, install, launch, click Try Reflector, read the redneck warning that after 10 minutes your broadcast will end, and proceed to step 2.

P.S. On Windows 7 and Windows 8, run programs as an administrator. Out of harm's way. And just in case, Windows RT does not support these programs, like all desktop ones, if anyone didn’t know.

Step 2. Turn on broadcasting on your iOS device.

Let's pick up our iOS devices. If you need to show your parents photos or videos from a New Year’s corporate party, but there is no need to completely duplicate the iDevice screen, then immediately go to the corresponding “Photo” or “Video” application and open required file and look for the AirPlay button there. Click it and choose where to broadcast. It's exactly the same with music. Actually, we figured out the multimedia broadcasting.


Now many people will have a question: “Is it possible to play games like this?” Yes, I can answer you. To do this, call up the multitasking panel, scroll left to the volume slider and press the treasured button there again, select our PC and do not forget to turn on “Video replay”. (Careful! You might burn an unwanted SMS or something.) Now everything that happens on the screen of your iPhone or other device will be displayed on your PC. Let's go into our favorite game and let's go!

Apple has developed for its devices unique technology AirPlay, which allows you to quickly and easily transfer audio, video, documents, photos and other files. After enabling the protocol AirPlay device can receive and transmit sound signal from iPad to a compatible object. That is, to exchange information, AirPlay must be activated on both the client’s device and the recipient’s device.

System requirements to use AirPlay

In order to download and use AirPlay, the following parameters are required:

  1. Access to the Internet, availability of a Wi-fi module;
  2. iPhone 4 or iPad mini, iPod touch 4 and later, iPad 4th generation and all subsequent ones.
  3. Apple TV from 2nd generation for transferring photos, videos, music;
  4. AirPort Express;
  5. Receivers with AirPlay support.

How to install AirPlay on your device

During the development of AirPlay, Apple made it available only to iPad devices, iPhone and Macbook Pro. Therefore, to use the protocol, you need to buy an Apple TV or Mac. However, this is an expensive solution to the problem. It's easier to install and enable AirPlay on your device.

To do this, perform the following steps:

  1. From the website www.reflectorapp.com download and install the Reflector application. Click on the file and launch Try Reflector. The terms of the agreement will appear. We accept them, click “Next” and give the program the opportunity to complete the installation.
  2. Open the control center in the device. The AirPlay icon will appear here. Click on it and select required device(TV, Macbook or AirPort Express). It all depends on what you are going to play or transmit.

How to enable AirPlay on different Apple devices

iOS 6 and earlier devices

Connecting iOS device 6 to one Wi-Fi networks and establish contact with Apple TV. Open “Video”, “Music” or “Photos”. Click the AirPlay icon. If you want to watch a movie, select the “Play” function, then paired Apple device TV.

To listen to music, we connect speakers with AirPlay support. Select the AirPort Express icon and click Play.

Using AirPlay in iOS 7

  1. Activate and enable AirPlay;
  2. Click on required function. If it is a PC or TV, then it becomes available function"Video replay." Let's select it. Press the “Home” key, move the volume slider in the multitasking list, select the AirPlay function, broadcast device and check the “On” box next to the “Video repeat” mode. This mode works best when landscape orientation, so it is recommended to turn the device into a horizontal position.

Phone 4S, iPad 3, iPad 2, TV and AirPlay

I often want to watch the broadcast on big screen. This is available with AirPlay Mirroring, subject to availability Apple consoles TV.

Configuring AirPlay Mirroring Settings

  1. Connect iPad 3 or iPad 2 to the Wi-Fi network. Turn on Apple TV;
  2. Click Home button. The multitasking panel will open;
  3. Scroll the menu to the right (2 clicks). A volume control bar and device selection will appear. Click AirPlay, select Apple TV and switch to “Mirroring”. The broadcast is ready.


The AirPlay 2 system is intended to be Apple's breakthrough in the multiroom segment; it has already been supported by other well-known companies. How does it work? Will I have to buy new devices? We will tell you about all this and much more.

At Apple's 2017 Worldwide Platform Developer Conference, WWDC, a whole series of innovations were presented - and one of the most important events for hi-fi fans was the company's entry into the multi-room audio segment. This opportunity is provided by a new version of AirPlay technology, called AirPlay 2, which became part of the update operating system Apple iOS 10 to iOS 11.

So what do you get when you upgrade to AirPlay 2? Which manufacturers and devices support this technology? If you already have a product that supports AirPlay 1st generation, can you upgrade it to support AirPlay 2 or will you have to buy new model? Read on and you will find the answers to these questions.

What is AirPlay?

Before turning to AirPlay 2, it’s worth remembering the original AirPlay technology. It was presented to the world in 2010 as part of an operating room iOS systems 4 (around the time iPhone release 4) and gave users the ability to stream audio, video and photos via wireless channel on Apple TV - and subsequently on compatible audio products.

It was based on software provided by Apple AirTunes from 2004, which was used primarily to stream audio from iTunes to the AirPort Express, allowing you to listen to music from your Apple device anywhere over your home wireless network.

The content was transmitted directly over the network, rather than via Bluetooth, but the device turned out to be very difficult to set up. In addition, early models could not boast of connection stability, which is why playback was often interrupted.

After updates, AirPlay technology has become much simpler and more reliable, and if your Apple device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network, you can start streaming with just the press of a button.

What is AirPlay 2?

AirPlay 2 technology was first presented to the public at WWDC 2017. The presentation focused on the main difference new version– the ability to stream music from an iOS device to more than one compatible device.

This is Apple's first real step in the direction of multi-room technology and the first major update AirPlay for last years. Many users believe that how wireless protocol AirPlay has long been unable to compete with Bluetooth and Chromecast.

How it works?



AirPlay on iOS 10

Judging by what we saw on Apple presentations, AirPlay 2 enables wireless music streaming to compatible devices, located in the same Wi-Fi network, and between them. Broadcasting is carried out using the control center on devices on iOS, Apple TV and iTunes.

Here you can indicate exactly where in your house the speaker is located, designating the room as “kitchen” or “living room”. You can control music playback on specific speakers at any time, either individually or as a group.

In addition, you can pair AirPlay 2 compatible speakers with each other different manufacturers, which expands the choice of multiroom system components.

Which Apple devices support AirPlay 2 technology?


Any Apple device running iOS 11 will support AirPlay 2:

    iPhone
  • iPhone 7 Plus
  • iPhone 7
  • iPhone 6S
  • iPhone 6S Plus
  • iPhone 6
  • iPhone 6 Plus
  • iPhone SE
  • iPhone 5S
    iPad
  • 12.9in iPad Pro (first generation)
  • 12.9in iPad Pro (2nd generation)
  • 9.7in iPad Pro
  • 10.5in iPad Pro
  • iPad (fifth generation)
  • iPad Air 2
  • iPad Air
  • iPad mini 4
  • iPad mini 3
  • iPad mini 2
    iPad touch
  • iPod touch (sixth generation)

It is assumed that everything MacBook versions and others Mac computers will support AirPlay 2 after updating the operating system to MacOS versions High Sierra.

Who else supports AirPlay 2?


Many well-known manufacturers of hi-fi components have already announced support for AirPlay 2 - names such as Naim, Bose, Bang & Olufsen, Devialet, Dynaudio, Bowers & Wilkins, Bluesound, Libratone, Denon and Apple-owned Beats company.

In addition, the recently announced Apple wireless The HomePod speaker with built-in Siri will also support this technology.

Can AirPlay-compatible devices be updated to support AirPlay 2?

An update will be released for some speaker models that will allow you to switch from AirPlay to AirPlay 2.

Libratone has announced an update for its Zipp line this year, but there will be no update for the AirPlay-compatible Diva soundbar and older models.

Naim has promised firmware updates for some of its Uniti range - Uniti Atom, Uniti Star and Uniti Nova - adding support for AirPlay 2 "in parallel with Apple's launch schedule".

A post on the Bose community forum says the company is “actively preparing information to respond to inquiries regarding Airplay 2 and Homekit. Stay in touch".

It looks like your current components will need an update. We will keep you updated with any known product-specific details.

Is there an alternative?


AirPlay 2's main competitor is Bluetooth, especially the recently announced Bluetooth versions 5, which supports the function of transmitting a signal from one source to multiple recipients.

It is impossible not to mention Google technology– Chromecast. If you use a Chromecast Audio stick or Chromecast video module, you can cast content from iOS and Android devices to your hi-fi devices. Some models already have Chromecast support built-in.

According to the principle of operation, Chromecast differs from AirPlay - in the first case, your smartphone or tablet acts as a remote control, while the speaker plays a track from an Internet resource; in the second case, the audio file is sent over the Internet from the smartphone itself - but some applications third party manufacturers Allows you to stream using Chromecast local file from smartphone to speaker.

When can I get AirPlay 2?

iOS 11 will be released in the fall of 2017, with an update to AirPlay 2 coming soon after. Other manufacturers will probably adjust their update schedules to the release date, but in any case we will keep you up to date.

Apple stands for wireless technologies. At the first opportunity, the manufacturer cuts the wires. The announcement of AirPlay became one of the most important steps on the way to wireless transmission data. How does it work? What is it for? Surely these questions have been asked by everyone who is at least a little familiar with devices from Apple. In this article we will try to find answers to these questions.

What is AirPlay?

AirPlay is a technology for transmitting video and audio content from a computer, mobile phone or tablet on external source. A stereo system or TV screen can be used as an external source. This technology was developed by the Bridge Co development team and Apple. AirPlay technology was first introduced in 2010 at the September event. Then Steve Jobs stated that AirPlay technology will become the most accessible and simplest streaming technology of all. AirPlay operates in automatic mode. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth is used to search for receivers and connect. To work with AirPlay key device is AppleTV. However, are there many other players that support this technology? How does AirPlay work on iOS? Despite the maximum simple implementation functions, many users still have questions about the implementation of AirPlay. How can I activate this technology? In what modes does it work? On mobile devices manufactured by the company Apple given technology works in three various modes. The first mode is a simple demonstration of the image on the screen.

To activate this mode you need to turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and then open the control center and select the AirPlay option. As a result, the device will go into receiver search mode and show all available devices. Thus, it becomes possible to broadcast running full screen mode games. Also, if the developer took care of full support given technology, a modified interface and access to cooperative game. The second mode is a video demonstration on external display.To do this, you will need to enable video on your mobile device that has built-in iPad support, iPhone or AirPlay. First, you need to launch this video file on your tablet or phone, then you need to find the AirPlay logo at the bottom of the display and click on it, and then select the desired receiver. The third mode is broadcasting audio to an external source. To implement the broadcast, you need to open the control center. Swipe to go to the player screen. Then click on the AirPlay button and select the appropriate stereo system. The peculiarity is that the stereo system you choose does not have to support AirPlay. Enough for her to support Bluetooth technology 4.

How does AirPlay work on Mac?

AirPlay on desktop Mac system works on the same principles as in the previously described modes. The first mode is a simple demonstration of the screen image. To enable screen sharing, you need to click on the AirPlay logo present on the toolbar at the top of the display and select the appropriate receiver. The second mode allows you to demonstrate video on an external display. To do this, you need to launch the video on a resource or program that supports AirPlay. Today, most popular sites support this function. Then you need to find the AirPlay logo in the player and select the receiver. In the third mode, it is possible to broadcast audio to an external source. To work, we will need a player that supports this option. Streaming can be done to Apple TV or any other compatible stereo system. In this case it will also be sufficient Bluetooth support 4th version. The fourth mode involves using AppleTV as a second screen. Once connected to the TV, it is possible to configure it as a second functional display with a desktop and other attributes.

AirPlay for Android and Windows

Apple developers rarely share their technologies and rarely open access to them. But this rule does not apply to AirPlay technology. For operating room Windows systems similar technologies alien. One hope is for third-party players. One such player is PlayCast. This player can work on both desktop and mobile version Windows operating system. The program is also available in the store Windows applications. You can buy it there for $4. If someone is not ready to pay for using this program, they can download it from the website Apple official iTunes version and stream video and audio content to compatible receivers. There is another advanced solution for users who want to use AppleTV as a second display for the Windows operating system. This is the AirParrot utility, which costs $13. Several successful programs for broadcasting media content via AirPlay are also available for Android. One such solution is the AllCast program, which is distributed completely free of charge.

Software and supported devices

To use AirPlay, you will need a mobile device running iOS 5 or later, or iMac computers(before 2011), Mac Book (no later than 2015), Mac Book Air (no later than 2011), Mac Book Pro (no later than 2011). Any computer based on the Windows operating system that supports wireless networks Wi-Fi.

Conclusion

IN this review basic information about the operation of AirPlay, operating modes and connection options was presented. This option allows you to expand opportunities mobile device And personal computer. In addition, it allows you to create a unified home multimedia system.