HomePod from Macsense

[GlooLabs]

As requested, here is a separate thread about the HomePod…

I’ll highlight a few of the features that make it unique, but you can also get the full specs here:
http://store.yahoo.com/gloolabs/homepod.html

Basics:
The HomePod is an audio player/adapter that moves media around the home over a wired or wireless network. It supports MP3, AAC and support for WMA and WAV are also in the works. It’s about 7” x 5” with a build in backlit LCD.

Cool Features:
Supports Windows, Mac and Linux
Java source will be available (developers can extend/modify functionality)
Can plug in additional CODECs
Has RCA output as well as coax and spdif digital outputs
Has USB port for external drive (PC doesn’t have to stay on)
Has built-in speakers for stand-alone use
Device control via IR, IrDA, LCD interface or software remote control running on a PC.
Works along-side your music management software and doesn’t force you to change apps.
Doesn’t require you to turn on your TV to listen to music
Supports Internet Radio
Has built-in FM tuner with configurable presets

The HomePod runs the GLOO software platform developed by GlooLabs. You can read more about GlooLabs here: http://www.gloolabs.com/

[jfila]

Hey GlooLabs - can you tell me what we're looking at in the different pictures on that page?
The image top left shows some kind of cover over most of the LCD screen, while the images below show a larger screen.

[GlooLabs]

The photos all show the device with the same size LCD, I think it's just difficult to make out the edges of the LCD in some of the images (here is a larger version of the bottom image: http://www.gloolabs.com/homepod.html). The HomePod has an 8-line, 128x64, bit-addressable backlit LCD.

[Ioman]

So when are we going to get one of these for review Mr. Gloo labs? :)

[GlooLabs]

Had a feeling that was the next question...

Send me a note to info@gloolabs.com and I'll give you all the details.

[Ioman]

Originally posted by GlooLabs
Had a feeling that was the next question...

Send me a note to info@gloolabs.com and I'll give you all the details.

Will do. I am sure you were looking for the attention though right? ;)

[jtfields]

When is it due to be released?

I'd also be interested in reading some reviews of this product. It sure does seem to promise a lot. I'd like to know how well it delivers.

A review would also tend to answer detail questions about it's interface that I have (does it display album art, does it use file as well as tag navigation, etc.).

Looks very cool though.

[GlooLabs]

The Developer Edition will be available in about two weeks. The consumer version will be available about 3-4 weeks after that.

To answer your questions...

The LCD doesn't have the resoution to display album art.

Currently, the navigation is tag based, but you could certainly modify it to do file navigation as well. I would want that feature myself.

[neuroking]

Oo! Oo! I'll review it! Hehehe. Whoever gets it, I wanna play with it too!

B

[pthomsen]

I've been scowering the websites of both GlooLabs and MacSense, and while the sites all say that AAC is supported, I'm curious about support for Protected AAC files (iTunes Music Store (ITMS) downloads).

This is my main concern, since almost all of the products on the market support MP3, WMA, etc., but I haven't found any that support ITMS files.

I'd buy a couple of HomePods if that support is there.

Can anyone enlighten me?

[GlooLabs]

Unfortunately, while the HomePod will play standard AAC files, it will not play ITMS AAC files. Despite our best efforts, Apple will not license its DRM (nor will they license to any other third parties at this time). So, only iPod and iTunes will be able to play ITMS files for now.

[pthomsen]

OK. So, the next question is (of course): how easy is it to add new codecs to the HomePod if/when ITMS files are supported?

[GlooLabs]

The HomePod was designed so that new CODECs can easily be plugged in to support new (or old) formats. If you can program in Java, it won't be a major effort. GlooLabs will be releasing the Java Source for the HomePod software, so that developers can modify the interface, build new applications, and add backend services.

[jtfields]

I just checked the MacSense website to see how this little device was coming (it seems they've pushed back the release date several times.)

I noticed that it states that it's shipping January 15. Did this happen?

Also, it's been awhile since I checked out the website but it seems like the final version looks somewhat different than what was there when this thread began. Is this just my imagination?

Finally, anyone reviewed this thing yet? It seems to promise a lot. I'm anxious to see if it can deliver.

[jfila]

Originally posted by jtfields
When is it due to be released?

I'd also be interested in reading some reviews of this product. It sure does seem to promise a lot. I'd like to know how well it delivers.

A review would also tend to answer detail questions about it's interface that I have (does it display album art, does it use file as well as tag navigation, etc.).

Looks very cool though.

Has it been 3-4 weeks yet? :D

The display does look a bit smaller. We haven't received it for review but hopefully we'll get one soon.

[GlooLabs]

The HomePod did ship prior to Jan 15 and units are now in the field. Demand is high so the next batch probably won't go out for a couple weeks due to availability and priority distribution.

Here is a review from someone who has one:

http://weblogs.java.net/pub/wlg/906

[jfila]

That's a review? When does a real review site like DT get to play with it?

[GlooLabs]

Cute! ;-)

MacSense is in charge of sending out demo units for review, so drop them a note. Currently, many of the units have gone to developers interested in playing with the device. I think the next shippment will go out the reviewers, etc.

[jtfields]

I'm not sure why I thought of this product today. I'm assuming this thing just flopped?

http://www.gloolabs.com/homepod.html

[Ioman]

Yeah doesn't seem like they went anywhere, that's for sure.