Nstream for Android

Thanks Pev. I get that problem too. I've tried using a proxy but it doesn't seem to make any difference. Could I be  missing any other settings?

Hi Jeff

I run Bubbleupnp Server on my pc and create a proxy version of both the SU and the upnp renderer (I use Asset free version). Works fine every time if I select both in Devices but if I only select one I get often get some repeating/slow response issues. 

Another approach that works for me is to use Foobar on the pc and run Foobarcon app on the tablet - turns the tablet into a remote for Foobar but it's not upnp - I have a cable connected to the SU. I do find the upnp route via ethernet sounds very slightly better than the fibre optic cable on an a/b comparison but I could live with either (a bit like transcoding flac).

Of course, I just bought a Windows Phone (HTC 8x)...which is rather wonderful actually, but I suspect this platform is not even on Naim's list which is a shame as the units are spellbindingly wonderful from what I have seen in the last 24 hours.

Regards,
Frank.
All opinions are my own and do not reflect the opinion of any organisations I work for, except where this is stated explicitly.

Given that we get pretty good results with bubbleUPnP, what extra features can we expect when Naim do wake up and smell the Android?

Forget it, nothing beats a chocolate scented iPhone :

I'm curious as to whether or not solutions such as the one listed in this article would be of use in getting an Android app out the door. No doubt that cost and complexity are a major factor in the decision at Naim HQ to solely develop iOS app.

link

Android or not, there was one common issue with the Upnp applications I tried.

They all drained the battery of the device used as a controller.

After trying the Nstream Ipad and the Android apps,  I went back to using the Naim remote. 

Has this problem been solved?

I've never found the nStream app unduly heavy on battery usage on either iPad or iPhone.

Quite the opposite, actually, compared to some other apps. It's not overly graphics intensive which Is the usual battery drainer.

Alamamka, you will find the variant of upnp that Naim have implemented is far less battery draining for the controller. With Naim the controller (NStream) loads or cues the tracks, playlist or album into the renderer (NDX/NDS etc) for the renderer to pull from the upnp server track at a time. The cue list is stored in the renderer memory (with Naim its the streaming module memory). This means the controller, Nstream doesn't need to manage and keep cueing the track one at a time thereby reducing significantly the battery drain. This is not the case with many other controllers that cue  each track one at a time to the renderer for the renderer to then pull from the upnp server. Here the controller power consumption will be higher. Naim will however work with these less efficient upnp controllers should you wish.

Simon

Jon and Simon, thank for providing additional perspectives on the battery drain aspect. 

I trust your judgment that nStream is designed better than other generic UPnP applications. 

On my side, I was rather referring to the absolute impact of the application.

I did casual use with the Ipad 3, which is the first generation of Ipad with a retina display. After a few hours of nStream, I always had to plug the Ipad. Maybe this particular model of Ipad simply has a poor autonomy and is not best suited to use with nStream.  

In summary, my experience with UPnP controllers (and with the Ipad) has not been completely conclusive.

I'd have to agree with DQ here.

Admittedly, I'm using an iPad 4 - but even a six-hour listening sessdoes using nStream doesn't see the battery go below 70 per cent.

Are you sure you don't have a number of other apps running at the same time Alamanka?

Alternatively, of course, the battery meter could be less than accurate. Full discharge and recharge is best for recalibration. (Just a thought)

Hi Alamanka, I agree with the two posts above. I use an ageing first generation iPad and no problems with undue battery drain, even though after several years the battery is far from optimum now.

My ipad also sleeps after no input, and of course with Naim the music doesn't stop, thereby extending the battery further.

Simon

Understood. When the Ipad comes back from vacation,  I will give nStream another try.

Until then, I will use the loyal, indefatigable, and always around, Naim remote.

you're absolutely not wrong. I own the Unity Serve, a Sony Smartphone, a Sony laptop and a Kindle-E-book-reader. So I do not need and do not want an I-Pad for 400 bucks to serve as a sheer remote control!

If you use the browser of a Windows-PC, as you suggested, you'll get a quite sufficient user-surface, where you can play, search, manage and backup your stored music. See here: http://www.naimaudio.com/sites..._english_issue3d.pdf

So, no need for an "I-device" of any kind here. 

Well I still have 2 problems with Bubble. Not massive, but it would be nice to resolve.

1. Playlists on the uPnP Server - these are sorted into two alphabetical lists Bruckner - Wagner - Annie Lennox - Wagner. Why can't it just be one?

2. Playlists on the renderer - These just don't work

At the moment I browse to the folder containing the tracks I want and create a playlist on the fly.

Any ideas anyone?

Well, Dom, there's a difference between being 'any good' and 'better than the iPad'.... 

As a first-time tablet user in 2013, I bought an Asus tab (more or less = Nexus 7) for the massive outlay of £129, and I'm mighty impressed with it. I certainly have no intention of 'upgrading' (hem hem) to Apple and I think Naim should take these things on board for the Android army.

Ah - just realised that this thread is about 3 months old - I'll leave my post anyway. 

At the current prices - by amount of built in GB, the Nook HD+ may be worth a look for those after a budget tablet.

If there were that many difficulties involved then why did Naim say that an android app was "on the way"? I do not think anyone is arguing that developing app's is easy but my disappointment is caused by Naims lack of communication as to why it has not happened.

Well Naim are not the only company without an android app but at the same time they are not the first with an android app. I really hope they will come down with an android app soon.

Hi Guys,

Just to reiterate - an Android app is planned however we have no release schedule planned for it - our main development is on the iOS platform as we feel that the iOS platform provides the user experience that we wish to provide for our products.

Cheers

Phil

Hi Phil, Jan has reread that five times (and Erik too), but we remain  

Hi Phil, thanks for posting on the subject. I'm sorry to say though that I find your response disappointing given that i was lead to believe that an Android app was on the way when I bought my Unitiqute in 2012.