Calling all iPhone users with a SlingBox. You could soon be watching tv streams over on your pride and joy. AT&T who previously blocked the idea have announced they have no objection to Sling Media’s SlingPlayer app for the iPhone using its high-speed data network.
Sling have created an app for iPhone that is pending a review. The Sling technology lets viewers view tv shows and recorded streams using a PC or one of the million mobile devices using either the internet browser option or the SlingPlayer program.
Sling On iPhone
Originally Sling created its iPhone application in 2009, however Apple prevented the app from receiving signals over AT&T’s 3G network, because AT&T prohibited such a feature in its terms of service. As a result, when Apple finally approved the application last May, the
iPhone could receive video only via a Wi-Fi connection.AT&T’s stance put it and Apple in an difficult position. The SlingPlayer application had previously been available on other phones from AT&T and they did not block those customers from downloading or using the application. In the meanwtime, AT&T had allowed other iPhone applications to receive video over its network.
The situation got the attention of federal regulators last summer. Prompted by Apple’s refusal to approve Google’s Voice application for the iPhone, the inquiry also looked at what other applications were being barred or limited by Apple or AT&T.
AT&T spokesman Mark Siegel said the regulatory scrutiny didn’t prompt the company to change its mind about allowing SlingPlayer to use its network. Instead, the decision came after the company worked with Sling to test the application and to ensure that it wouldn’t degrade service for other users. “We wanted to make sure that we looked at the app thoroughly (to make sure) that it does not pose a problem in terms of congestion,” Siegel commented.
But Sling’s technology has long had the ability to adjust the amount of bandwidth it uses depending on network conditions. And that technology has been used for years by SlingPlayers running on other AT&T phones, noted Santoro, who suggested that the regulatory probe helped push AT&T to change its mind. “Logic says it must have had some effect,” he said.
Last year, AT&T changed its mind on another matter that had come under scrutiny in the regulatory inquiry: the ability of iPhone applications to make phone calls over AT&T’s 3G network. Previously, AT&T had barred that feature, seeing it as a competitive threat to its voice service. Late last month, Apple began approving applications that have the feature.
Sling charges $29.99 for its SlingPlayer Mobile application. The company will offer its upgrade that includes the 3G capability for free to current application owners. In order to use the application at home, consumers will have to have one of the company’s SlingBoxes attached to a set-top box or DVR device.
Those pesky iPhones are getting harder and harder to resist. Maybe an early Christmas present.
