I thought I had done a review of the original WiFi2HiFi, but I’d actually just complained about the ordeal getting the copy I’d won in a website giveaway. But the app itself was good enough that when the new version was announced I was interested in trying it. My experience was not very good, with unexplained lost connections and dropouts.
Type of app: Wireless audio app
Platform/where to buy: iPhone/iPad; available in the iTunes App Store
Developer: Clever & Son AG
Description:
Using the WiFi2HiFi application any iOS device in reach can tune in to the music you’re listening to on your Mac. Cumbrous audio cables are replaced with smart streaming technology and specifically designed software for your Mac. Plug your iPhone or iPad into a docking station, connect it to your audio system, or just use its speakers and have your Mac’s entire music collection, audio streams, Spotify, Rdio or and any web radio ready to play.
Major features:
The attraction of WiFi2HiFi is simple: you play music on your Mac, carrying it wherever you want, and listen to it on your home audio system, streamed wirelessly to your iOS device which connects to your Hi Fi.
The real question is WHY you would want to do this. For me, I have all of my music on my Mac, so playing that rather than downloading on my iPhone or iPad makes some sense … or it would if I couldn’t simply stream off of my iPad directly hooked to my speakers.
The app solves a problem that I haven’t had in a few iOS versions. Worse yet, it didn’t do a very good job of solving the problem! I recorded the video review below when there was only a very light load on our WiFi (i.e. no online gaming or streaming video), and I still got dropouts and delays and so on. It took nearly 30 seconds for the song to start playing through the app – and it wasn’t a delay, it just didn’t play that chunk of music!
Ease of use/Overall performance: Getting everything set up and paired is pretty easy – install the iOS app, then the Mac app, start them both up and you should be all set. You’ll see the other device listed in the window indicating you are connected.
Other than that there is little you can do to control things. When I ran into issues I tried quitting the apps, then I removed and reinstalled them.
Would use again/recommend?: No. When I am playing a song that lives on my hard drive and streaming across a network that allows me to stream HD movies, yet I had issues … well, it was enough to kill my interest.
Suggested changes/wish list for updates: There is something funky in the wireless communications.
Source: Publisher provided review code
Price: $0.99 – (Mac companion app is free)
Here is my hands-on video: