iPhone SlingPlayer App Available, But Only with Wi-Fi
Since the iPhone was first launched, consumers have been eagerly waiting for one application to appear in Apple’s App Store. That is SlingPlayer Mobile, and it became available for download on Wednesday.
The app allows users connected to a Slingbox SOLO, PRO or PRO-HD to access anything they can watch at home — on an iPhone or an iPod touch. The app, however, was missing one significant piece, access to AT&T’s 3G network.
SlingPlayer’s developer, Sling Media, made the app available for $30 in the App Store but had to block its access to AT&T’s 3G network after the carrier objected. Apple and AT&T voiced concerns about the application allowing users access over the AT&T 3G network, but there are streaming video sites accessible with the iPhone and a similar application, Orb, which allows streaming to the iPhone, didn’t draw AT&T objections.
“I think if you look at the application it still provides a lot of value if you use it around the house on a Wi-Fi connection,” said Michael Gartenberg, a vice president at Interpret. “Does it provide the same set of features that the client has on other devices like Windows Mobile or BlackBerry? No.”
Only Time Will Tell
SlingPlayer, which has been in limbo for some time, is now available, but will consumers be willing to pay $30 without 3G access?
“At $30 it is on the high end, but cheaper than Sling on other platforms, which is $39,” Gartenberg said. “But as a portable TV you can use around your house or at Starbucks, it is still a pretty good value if you have a Sling box.”
Sling and Apple will be watching the purchases closely. “My guess is there are probably any number of conversations on this particular subject between carriers, developers and Apple,” Gartenberg added.
Already, potential users are voicing opinions, saying…
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