Boxee for iPad Review – Not worth the time
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: BOXEE, INC.
Version #: 1.0.1
Date Released: 2011-08-09
Developer:
Price: 0.00
User Rating:
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I wish I could give Boxee for iPad a better review, but there were issues that have to be mentioned. The iPad app requires a server component to be installed on the same WiFi network on either a PC or a Mac and I had problems with the PC installation on my Vista machine (go ahead and laugh, but despite Vista’s reputation the installation should have been smooth) and the iPad couldn’t see the server component after installation.
I had the same problem using the Boxee Media Manager for Mac. The app installed fine but the iPad app couldn’t see it on the network. There is also the poor interface for the Boxee server application for Mac and PC. In order to go to the previous screen, you have to hit the Escape key and there is nothing on the app to indicate that (I had to figure it out on my own). Plus it takes the full screen and it’s difficult to shut it off unless you know the shortcut keys for doing so.
The iPad app itself is okay. You can play videos from sources such as YouTube (which you can do easily without the app) and the interface is nice and simple. I don’t own one, but from what I understand you can also stream audio, video, etc. to your Boxee hardware if you own the device.
Overall, I cannot recommend this app based on my experiences with the server software. This is disappointing since I wanted this application to be better as it is a good idea. I can only hope that future releases of the PC/Mac software and/or the iPad app fix the issue of connectivity.
Quick Take
Value:Low.
Would I Buy Again:Not unless it works properly.
Learning Curve:Medium.
Who Is It For:Those who want to stream video to their iPad
What I Like:Decent interface.
What I Don't Like:Doesn't work as it is described. Having connectivity issues between PC/Mac and the iPad.
Final Statement:Boxee needs to work on it's software box.
Boxee for iPad brings videos from Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and your computer all onto your ipad so you can find and watch new videos or favorites on the train, in bed, on the couch, on the john, during boring conversation, on the patio, from the roof deck, in an abandoned bunker, on the side of a mountain....
SOCIAL
Never miss a hilarious or inspiring new video from your friends again. Boxee connects to your social life and delivers every video your friends share on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr to your iPad. Return the favor and share favorites with two taps. Boxee brings video sharing to the iPad in a way that’s simple and unique.
WATCH LATER
Each day, we’re bombarded by video from everywhere. Collect them in one place and save them for later with Boxee. Queue YouTube videos, TED talks, and, well, whatever you want to watch on your iPad, whenever you want. Your commute just got its own video playlist.
MEDIA STREAMING
Stop wasting hours converting and syncing videos to your iPad. Boxee streams videos from your PC/Mac to your iPad over WiFi. You pick the video, we handle the rest — no cables or wires necessary.
SEND TO BOXEE BOX
Watching video on your iPad and want it on the big screen? Send videos straight to your TV via a Boxee Box so everyone in your living room can enjoy. Now you can go back to playing Angry Birds on the iPad while you watch : )
Learn more at https://boxee.tv
Here's what press have said:
"The reason Boxee’s iPad app rules, is because it’s two steps ahead of the rest in the Web TV game, offering the ubiquitous convenience of syncing with your computer, iPhone and Boxee on your TV."
- TheNextWeb.com
"Boxee's iPad App is (almost) like Flipboard and Instapaper for Web Video"
- ReadWriteWeb.com
"If it sounds like I'm excited about trying this one, I am… If Boxee works even half as well as advertised, it's well worth the investment."
- Padgadget.com
"The Boxee iPad app’s coolest feature is the ability to send videos from your PC to your iPad wirelessly without having to slog through conversion processes."
- IntoMobile.com
"Do you love watching videos on your iPad or iPad 2 but get frustrated by the long conversion process or transferring, especially if you constantly update your tablet with new shows? Well, you no longer have to do all that anymore. Boxee has just launched its iPad app that will allow you to stream just about any video format from your computer to your iPad and if you have a Boxee Box, you can even push video from your tablet to it – talk about useful!"
- Gizmodo.com
"We tested the app's Mac-to-iPad streaming and it works exceptionally well. If you're looking for a free way to stream video (of almost any kind -- we tried AVI, WMV and MP4 and all did well except when certain older codecs hammered the CPU causing the fans to blow) the Boxee app is quite good.
The bookmarklet is also great as it's like Instapaper for video."
- TUAW.com - The Unofficial Apple Weblog
"If you haven’t played with Boxee yet, you’ll love its first iPad app, which just hit the Apple store today. And even if you are a Boxee pro, this is one more way to enjoy the Web’s entertainment while you’re on the go- whether from your bed, couch, or 30,000 feet in the air. In case you haven’t heard of Boxee, it’s one of the most awesome ways to bring movies, TV shows, photos and music from the web to your TV– and now it’s on your iPad."
- TheNextWeb.com
What's new
In 1.0.1:
√ Improved navigation to 'My Media' content
