Request: Naim UPNP server software

quote:

2) Implementation of applications such as "n-Stream" and "n-Serve" on other platforms is not planned at this stage by us. We have no "deal" struck with Apple (as was suggested in one posting) beyond that of a developer selling an application on the iTunes store.

Hi Phil
You should post this in the appropriate discussion HERE
This way we could discuss separately this question which is different than this one about the impossible version for a stand alone Naim Upnp server software.
In example let us know if the "at this stage" authorizes to think this is not so definitive.

Sorry to have contributed to the hijacking of this thread. And let me be more precise about the suggestion about a "deal" struck with apple. Because I haven't any of this kind of product, it's simply a little frustrating to haven't other solution for a better and full control of my uniti (other than the remote, and a limited upnp control point) than buying an Ipod (or something like that) for Christmas in addition of my actual mobile music player and my home computer.
We (and probably others) are enthusiast customers really happy with naim products.
I would like to contribute to their improvements.
That's why I participate to this forum. As you already said Naim listens us.

Thanks to you to contribute to this discussion and on this great forum.

Jean-Luc

quote:

Originally posted by JLD:
In example let us know if the "at this stage" authorizes to think this is not so definitive.

Let me be absolutely clear by what I meant here so as not to encourage another "feeding frenzy"...

We have a Uniti, UnitiQute and NDX (NDX is just about ready to go).
We have a UnitiServe, HDX and NS0x

For both those series of products we have an i-application which allows for their control. Those applications are being developed and maintained on the iOS platform.

We are not developing any applications for Windows 7 Mobile, Android or any other mobile OS at this time however that is not to say that we wouldn't in the future *IF* the decision were taken to do so, however, developing for another platform is a pretty major undertaking and is not just a simple case of cross-compiling so would have to be a decision taken for appropriate reasons at the appropriate time.

Hope that clarifies things...

Phil

quote:

Originally posted by JLD:

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Likewise–the support headaches with releasing a Windows (or Mac) desktop app into the market, especially one that provides similar or partial functionality to existing server products in the market, far outweigh, in my opinion, the minor bits of whining that emanate from those who want something for cheap (or nothing), but want full support.

M Dever, with all due respect, again I'm strongly disagree with this kind of statement.
As Okli said :
1) Naim server software: won't be available (supposed for other system than iOS)
2) n-stream support for other systems than iOS: won't be available

n-serve and n-stream havn't anything to do without any Naim products.
I (and other like Okli) are ready to pay directly or indirectly to have these products available for other platform than Apple mobile devices.

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especially one that provides similar or partial functionality to existing server products in the market

Pprecisely the term "partial" indicate that no products are completely equal to original Naim solutions (Thanks to Phil we know why.)

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in my opinion, the minor bits of whining that emanate from those who want something for cheap (or nothing), but want full support

Excuse me, but this is extremely wrong and personally for myself I find this affirmation quasi defaming!
"the minor bits of whining" I've abandoned my diaper for a long time and I'm far than using adult models!
"but want full support" where you've seen naim support other products than its wonderful
hifi systems?

I'm surprised to hear this kind of things from a trade member!

I spent a few years in the computer industry, long before I became a "Trade Member", but the sentiment remains inasmuch as products are the sum total of development / R&D effort, sales messaging and support. Anyone willing to forgo one of these components should be wary of the results.

Phil

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Hope that clarifies things...

Yes this is very clear. Thanks you very much
Seeing the hour of you message, I'm sure for one thing: you're as enthusiast than your final customers!

David

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but the sentiment remains inasmuch as products are the sum total of development / R&D effort, sales messaging and support. Anyone willing to forgo one of these components should be wary of the results.

I'm completely agree with you on this point.
By the way, (about sales messaging) I've found these informations on website which you probably know very well
But Haven't found this similar page on the Naim UK website. I've perhaps missed something.

Best regards
Jean-Luc

Just to add my opinion, i'd REALLY like a better interface to control my Uniti and I don't own any Apple products.

I know there are arguments for and against Apple/PC/Android, but the bottom line is that i don't own any Apple products.

I stretched myself financially to buy my Uniti, and I don't want to buy any more hardware.

It's also pretty clear that soon there will be far more Android devices in the market place than iOS products.

sighs....

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Just to add my opinion, i'd REALLY like a better interface to control my Uniti

Not to be a total smart ass but....

1) You did demo/look at the thing before buying it right?

2) What is wrong with the desktop browser?

Yes i did demo it.....and now i'm being dragged into the debate. Really my post was just to say "Naim, here's another person who doesn't fit into your current customer profile i.e. i'm not an iOS user"

quote:

Phil Harris: We are not developing any applications for Windows 7 Mobile, Android or any other mobile OS at this time however that is not to say that we wouldn't in the future *IF* the decision were taken to do so, however, developing for another platform is a pretty major undertaking and is not just a simple case of cross-compiling so would have to be a decision taken for appropriate reasons at the appropriate time.

So...

At the time I bought my Uniti there were hardly any alternatives. I thought the interface was satisfactory, but for my use scenarios this was always one of it's weaker points.

A) Consumer expectations never stand still, and are shaped by the market as a whole.
B) Many people on this forum have trouble reading the small screen on the Uniti from their armchairs, and/or find it inconvenient to browse large media collections from the same interface. I am one of them.
C) Since the 1980's the most fundamental basis of UI design is to take a user-centred approach; i.e. fit the product to the user, not the other way around. This is done by including the user in the design/development process, hence the usefulness of these forums.
D) I don't have a desktop in my living room - and I wasn't aware of a browser for the Uniti either.
E) Without question, the general trend for interaction with consumer and automotive electronics is towards re-configurable screens that allow users to access information in the way that suits them. In many cases this will be through touch screens.
F) Like it or not, with digital audio, the customer's interaction experience with the hardware will come to define their overall perception of the product.

Ok, i'll stop now

BTW, I do still love my Uniti.

Agreed - the Uniti is lovely which is why people put up with the user interface - which in my case is n-stream.

However, once you use Remote 2 on the ipad it is very hard to go back to n-stream (even with a good UPnP server) - Apple somehow just get the way I want to view my music collection and its quick.

n-stream 2 is needed soon - with bells on

Tog

I would imagine that Naim could resolve a number of issues by converting n-Stream to a web-based UI.
The Uniti/Qute already run web servers.
The code already exisits.
It will work on Android smartphones and pretty much anything else (laptops, Wii, connetced TVs, etc).

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Really my post was just to say "Naim, here's another person who doesn't fit into your current customer profile i.e. i'm not an iOS user"

Perhaps, they may not be that bothered.
Strangely, I don't fit into Microsoft's customer profile - as I prefer Apple.
Don't fit into Rolls Royce's either, as I don't have the money.
Luckily (as I'm a fellow Uniti user) I fit into Naim's as I appreciate what it does and am very happy with what I've bought.
You cannot expect them to do everything on demand.

quote:

Without question, the general trend for interaction with consumer and automotive electronics is towards re-configurable screens that allow users to access information in the way that suits them. In many cases this will be through touch screens.

Exactly the reason why, with limited development resources, the focus should be on a mature, class-leading development platform with good hardware integration.

For what it's worth, in the United States, the majority of Naim Audio owners are Mac users, with a slightly larger number owning an iOS device.

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i'm not an iOS user

...yet

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in the United States, the majority of Naim Audio owners are Mac users, with a slightly larger number owning an iOS device

Exactly. I will most likely NEVER own a Mac. But I do love almost all other Apple products and the iOS.

I still do not get along with the Mac OS. But I think the iOS platform is the perfect evolution of what Macs have always been about.

I am a PC. But I am also an iPhone and now an iPad (just picked one up last week).

-p

quote:

Originally posted by pcstockton:
....and now an iPad (just picked one up last week).

-p

And doesn't it frickin' rock? Not just a bloody big iPhone. Nosiree, Bob. Nosiree.

it does rock!

I must say though that the iPhone4 is noticeably faster and has a better display (retina), if you dont need the extra real estate.

It is nice to have the playlist and "Now Playing" on the same screen on the iPad though.

-p

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Originally posted by pcstockton:
it does rock!

I must say though that the iPhone4 is noticeably faster and has a better display (retina), if you dont need the extra real estate.

It is nice to have the playlist and "Now Playing" on the same screen on the iPad though.

-p

Agree on all points. The iPhone4 also works great. The fact I usually have it with me (kids have often "borrowed" iPad) means it gets used a lot as a remote.