Some of our readers will remember the AirPlay Hack that let you turn your Mac into an Apple TV. This innovative hack was created by TUAW editor Erica Sadun. Now, we have another cool AirPlay Hack, this time from digsimhomelinuxorg.
This new hack showcases AirPlay running on an iPad with XBMC installed on an Ubuntu Linux Box. You can see it in action in the video below.
This video shows XBMC as an AirPlay target. The hack is actually running on a Ubuntu Box. It involves XBMC (of course), Avahi for broadcasting the AirPlay service, and a custom Python script which handles the interaction with the iPad.
Understanding the Components
To fully appreciate this hack, it’s important to understand the components involved. XBMC, now known as Kodi, is an open-source media player and entertainment hub that can be installed on various operating systems, including Linux. Avahi is a system which facilitates service discovery on a local network via the mDNS/DNS-SD protocol suite, which is a key part of making AirPlay work in this setup. The custom Python script acts as the glue, handling the communication between the iPad and the Ubuntu box.
This setup allows users to stream content from their iPad directly to their Linux-based media center, effectively turning it into an Apple TV-like device. This is particularly useful for those who prefer using open-source software or who want to repurpose an old computer as a media center.
Expanding the Possibilities
The implications of this hack are quite significant. For one, it demonstrates the flexibility and power of open-source software. By using XBMC/Kodi, Avahi, and a custom script, users can create a highly functional media center without the need for proprietary hardware. This can be a cost-effective solution for those who want to enjoy AirPlay functionality without investing in an Apple TV.
Moreover, this hack opens the door for further customization and enhancements. For example, developers could potentially expand the script to support additional features such as streaming from other devices, integrating with other media services, or even adding voice control capabilities. The open-source nature of the components involved means that the possibilities are virtually limitless.
Additionally, this hack serves as an excellent example of how different technologies can be integrated to create new and innovative solutions. It highlights the importance of community-driven development and the sharing of knowledge and resources. By building on each other’s work, developers can create more powerful and versatile tools that benefit everyone.
In conclusion, this AirPlay hack is a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the tech community. It not only provides a practical solution for streaming content from an iPad to a Linux-based media center but also showcases the potential of open-source software and collaborative development. Whether you’re a developer looking for a new project or a user seeking a cost-effective media center solution, this hack is definitely worth exploring.
TUAW via Engadget
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