HomePipe Premium – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: HomePipe Networks Inc.
Version #: 1.1
Date Released: 2010-03-16
Developer:
Price: 2.99
User Rating:
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One built in feature that has been missing from the existing iPhone or iPod touch that I have yearned for is the ability to stream one’s iTunes library to the device. Oh sure, there are free apps to use it as an iTunes remote, but you still have to transfer music to the device itself in order to listen to it. Fortunately, there are apps like HomePipe which just became available for free in the App Store.
You can stream music, movies and photos to your iPhone or iPod touch provided you are on the same local WiFi connection (in short, you can’t do it when you’re traveling but you can at home). The nice aspect of HomePipe is that it provides both a client and server application for what becomes a media server from your computer to your iPhone. On a PC, you can browse your "My Documents" folder for media files and play them via a stream.
Even though this is a good start, there are a few things that I think need to be added to make this app truly useful. To begin, you can’t designate folders to share. What if you don’t want "My Documents"? What if you have another preferred media folder on your computer? The server program for HomePipe doesn’t let you change that. Also, why can’t it include the iTunes library?
For the price, HomePipe is very useful. Assuming you don’t mind running media server software on your Mac or PC, it is recommended.
Quick Take
Value:Medium.
Would I Buy Again:For free? Yes.
Learning Curve:Low.
Who Is It For:Those that want to use their iPod touches or iPhones at home without taking up space on it.
What I Like:Good concept.
What I Don't Like:Can't change media folders on the server. Still can't share iTunes.
Final Statement:HomePipe is a good start and I look forward to someone taking the idea and improving on it in the future.
