SlingPlayer Mobile for iPhone coming shortly: $29.99, no 3G support
by Chris Ziegler 
posted May 12th 2009 at 12:36PM
We've had a chance to play with the app, and it certainly gets the job done -- we just wish it worked a little better. Even on WiFi, control feels laggy, and there's no native guide (though there's an icon to quickly pull up your set-top box's guide). When you're in letterbox mode, you've got black bars around all four sides of the image, meaning that the app isn't taking full advantage of the phone's display; we're hopeful this'll be fixed in a future release, though. Happily, we think Sling really nailed the app's UI -- the on-screen translucent controls are pretty cool and generally work well without obscuring the view. Look to grab your own copy some time between 12:01AM and 6:01AM EDT tomorrow morning, and in the meantime, check out our gallery.
Update: The app's now available, so get ready to part with $30 (and to not part with your 3G bandwidth -- you certainly won't need it here). Thanks, everyone!
Filed under: Multimedia, Software, Apple, iPhone OS
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jas @ May 12th 2009 12:50PM
Wow,
I have been excited about this for months, and now it's pretty much a kick in the crotch. $30, no 3G, AND they don't even let a 16:9 image go all the way across the screen??? The no 3G thing is what it is. AT&T obviously sucks ass, but the other things are on Sling. COME ON!
m3tric @ May 12th 2009 7:16PM
What do you expect? Apple owns at crippling devices/computers.
Al @ May 12th 2009 1:05PM
WinMo, PalmOS, S60
Sling apps for those OSes all work on 3G.
John Evans @ May 12th 2009 1:16PM
Why is it if I am not on AT&T I have to suffer. This is not the first time and it's not the last. Here in europe I am allowed to tether my mobile, all my Nokia's have done it for years, but Apple seem to think it's ok to keep treating the rest of the world like we are 2nd class mobile citizens.
Sigh
Bill @ May 12th 2009 5:04PM
it's not apple's fault here, it's AT&T
John @ May 13th 2009 1:59AM
Sorry Bill maybe you misunderstood.
I am complaining that when Apple complies with AT&T they do so globally and not locally. What Apple enforces upon me outside of the US is totally and undeniably Apples fault.
Apple has the tools to enforce regional rules on apps so why don't they allow 3G for us and not for AT&T? My guess is probably because US subscribers would be up in arms about other countries getting a better deal. Anyway.....
Bats @ May 12th 2009 1:19PM
Chances are if you are in an area with wifi you can watch your programs on a T.V. AT&T needs to step up and come to the party. Otherwise apps like this are pretty much useless.
Chris @ May 12th 2009 1:26PM
Looks like I will not be wasting $30 on this piece of crap software. What is the point of using this program ONLY on WIFI? Use your laptop with a much bigger screen if you want WIFI. The point of a cellphone is the mobility it offers.
mingkee @ May 12th 2009 1:58PM
I'd stick with WM version, at least I can use it with 3G (Fuze or Tilt)
Scott Greczkowski @ May 12th 2009 2:02PM
It will work on 3G but you will need to Jailbreak your iPhone. There are a few apps in CYDIA that will allow you to trick the iPhone into thinking its on a WIFI network when it's not.
BTW I was using this application last week at Dish Network's Team Summit event in Denver, and with a HD Slingbox the picture was a full 16 x 9.
jamaal baksh @ May 12th 2009 2:05PM
of course att and apple have another let down... i was think about switching to the new iphone when it comes out later this year but this just ruined everything... I usually sling about every day cuz i have so much down time at certain places that i'm at... If there is wifi available I would usually have my laptop to sling and that shows great, so why would i then sling from an iphone... Face it people Att right there just showed us that their network sucks lol... I'll just stay with my Sprint Touch Pro, I have no problems with this and just wait for 4G to come to the New York area, thanks
tnkgrl @ May 12th 2009 2:08PM
Epic fail! I wager most people use SlingPlayer mobile over 3G...
jop @ May 12th 2009 2:35PM
no 3g. this app is pointless. I also have a BB Bold. sling works well over 3G
boo @ apple / ATT / and probably o2
JNGold @ May 12th 2009 5:00PM
Grab my copy? I wouldn't pay a nickel for this crippled garbage! Who in their right mind things WiFi is ubiquitous to even consider this app? I am am around a WiFi coverage area, it's usually when I have a laptop handy or at home. Sorry Sling/Apple, you wont be getting my money for this. Since I used Sling on WM before my iPhone to watch mainly sporting events, I'll stick to audio feeds via MLB At Bat 2009 to get my baseball fix.
Bill @ May 12th 2009 5:03PM
F U AT&T
nader8055 @ May 12th 2009 7:26PM
It is a weak move by Apple/AT&T
Thanks goodness for the jailbreak!!! I use that jailbroken app for VoIP on Skype and I'll add Sling to the list now too. I wouldn't be surpised to see an update down the line opening it up natively though
semlohde @ May 12th 2009 9:28PM
No need to upgrade to the new iphone. Who needs the faster cpu and graphics to search the net just for text? We can't FLASH, we can just watch movies we load to it.Too many other phones coming out. Get on our side Apple and get this changed, or sit on your June machines on a crippled carrier.