AudioCircle
Audio/Video Gear and Systems => Owner's Circles => Bolder Cable Company => Topic started by: Wayne1 on 4 Jan 2012, 06:35 pm
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My daughter gave me a Kindle Fire for Christmas. This is my first experience using a tablet. I enjoy the e-reader aspect of it. Watching videos on it is great. My biggest hope was to be able to use it to control my music library on my various SqueezeBox units.
My first thought was to sideload Squeeze Commander from my laptop. I do not currently have the correct USB cable to interface with the Kindle Fire. I then read about an even easier way.
slideme.org (http://slideme.org/) is a marketplace similar to Android and Amazon. They have a free app that can be downloaded onto your Kindle Fire called SAM. from that app you can then search and download various apps. Squeeze Commander is located under Music. It costs $4.99 and in my opinion is worth every penny. After arranging payment, the app is downloaded directly to the Kindle Fire. When you first access the app, it looks for your network, squeeze boxes and Logitech Media Server. You have no need to input anything at this time. If you want to get into your MySqueezeBox.com account, you do have to enter your e-mail and password. Then you can control everything through the Kindle Fire.
I have used many devices and programs to try to control my Squeezeboxes. Squeeze Commander and the Kindle Fire is by far the easiest, fastest and most convenient way I have yet to find. At 7" the Kindle Fire is the perfect size to hold and operate. All the titles of albums and songs are easy to read. It can be a bit of a strain to see the type on my Android phone.
If you have a SqueezeBox, I highly suggest you get a Kindle Fire and install Squeeze Commander. It will greatly enhance you enjoyment of your music.
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Wayne, thanks for the heads up...I got the Fire for my wife for X-Mas and this sounds like a good idea.
So, this is basically the "navigation" part only, allowing me to navigate the SB Touch from the Fire instead of the SB touchscreen or remote, right? It does not do anything else to the SB Server, which is on my iMac, correct?
Tuan
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Tuan,
Yes, it is an interface to the Logitech Media Server program. It gives a few new options, such as the ability to see multiple SqueezeBoxes on one screen. You can set volume levels, if you wish on each one.
The larger screen is certainly a big help to these old eyes. It is far easier to see exactly what you have in your library by swiping a screen rather than twirling a dial on the DUET remote.
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How about a screen shot of the SB app so I can see how large or small the controls are? I ditched that thing cuz the buttons were too hard to hit on that screen.
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The Kindle Fire does not natively support screen captures. I'll try to just take a photo of it later. I am fairly small but there is plenty of screen real estate with the Fire and Squeeze Commander. It was originally written for use with the 3.9" android smart phones. 7" gives a LOT of room.
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I bought my wife a Fire for Christmas. Now it looks like I am going to have to get one for myself :D
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Squeeze Commander is a great interface, using it on my Droid. Looks like I'll pick up a Fire!
Thanks Wayne
Need to call you about the update to my power supply here soon.
Mark
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I run the Free Android app from Logitech and its also an excellent way to totally lounge out...welcome to my world Wayne!!!! LOL :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb: :thumb:
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The Squeeze Commander app. is better. :D More than $5 better. :thumb:
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Terrific thread...and just what I needed to make the Kindle buying-decision. Thanks, Wayne!
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Ed,
Rajacat is right.
Spend the $5.00 on Squeeze Commander. I have the free Logitech app on my phone and really don't care for it. It is easier to use the DUET remote than that software. Squeeze Commander blows it away. Using it on the 7" Kindle Fire screen is even better.
I have been trying different devices and software since SB 2 days. I started with a Dell X50 PDA. Went to a Nokia 800. Stayed with the DUET remote for quite some time. The Kindle Fire with Squeeze Commander is THE way to go, IMHO, if you don't want to spend the money for an iPad using iPeng.
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I will give it a try....Thanks, you guys are pretty convincing...LOL...awesome stuff :thumb: :thumb:
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Cool, I wonder if there is also a "universal remote" app for controlling Panny TV, Onkyo receiver, Oppo BRP & Verizon FIOS box. If so, I may be able to talk the wife into a Kindle Fire purchase. She's always complaining about our universal remote, even with the macro's programmed in.
NB
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I use this on my Rooted Nook Color - https://market.android.com/details?id=com.logitech.squeezeboxremote&feature=search_result
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I like the fact that with this new app -Squeeze Commander you can download music to your device it looks like!!!
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I've been on the lookout for a cheap 7" android tablet for the last two months just for this purpose. I have Squeeze Commander on my phone but like you Wayne, too small! I did pick up a Nook Simple Touch over the holiday for e-reading. I was considering a tablet, but the displays hurt my eyes, the e-ink is better. Then I found out you can root the Nook Simple Touch, and theoretically run some android apps on it. But the way the screen refreshes would probably make it unusable. And I also got cold feet when I was reading how many people were bricking their Nooks!
Anyone know of a good cheap 7" tablet for this application?
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At the SB forum a similar thread says you can use the slideme site/app to download and install the app to the Kindle Fire, and that it works fine.
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Tuan,
Yes, it is an interface to the Logitech Media Server program. It gives a few new options, such as the ability to see multiple SqueezeBoxes on one screen. You can set volume levels, if you wish on each one.
The larger screen is certainly a big help to these old eyes. It is far easier to see exactly what you have in your library by swiping a screen rather than twirling a dial on the DUET remote.
Wayne, is the screen big enough to be seen/read from a listening position? Say 10ft away? For instance can it display a mode with cover art, album title, and song title? Can you read it from such a distance? I'm asking b/c I have a SB Touch and that's the one thing I don't like about it.
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Here are some pictures of my Kindle Fire running Squeeze Commander.
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=55985)
(http://www.audiocircle.com/image.php?id=55986)
I left the pen in there to give an idea of the size of the picture and the controls.
Firedog, I feel that having the Kindle Fire across the room sort of defeats it's purpose. For me it makes it easy to see and control the Touch from my couch. I keep it next to me.
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Well I picked up a Kindle Fire, nice hand sized tablet with a lot of flexibility.
Loaded up Squeeze Commander and I'm very impressed with the clarity and size of the interface compared to same on my Droid. It's a keeper.
Great find Wayne!
Mark
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Dang it! I just bought my wife a Kindle Touch for X-mas because she wanted a "pure" e-reader. I want this so bad to control my Transporter, but I bet I'll be in the doghouse if I buy myself a Kindle Fire now. :(
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I just downloaded Squeeze Commander for use with my Samsung Galaxy S-II and for some reason my album art doesnt display. Any ideas what happened?
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Ed,
Rajacat is right.
Spend the $5.00 on Squeeze Commander. I have the free Logitech app on my phone and really don't care for it. It is easier to use the DUET remote than that software. Squeeze Commander blows it away. Using it on the 7" Kindle Fire screen is even better.
I have been trying different devices and software since SB 2 days. I started with a Dell X50 PDA. Went to a Nokia 800. Stayed with the DUET remote for quite some time. The Kindle Fire with Squeeze Commander is THE way to go, IMHO, if you don't want to spend the money for an iPad using iPeng.
I have SqueezePad on iPad and the free app for Android. Personally, I can't see spending more money (I believe $10) for the SqeezePad. But it may depend on what you do with the app.
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Just installed Squeeze Commander on my Kindle Fire and liking it so far. However, I have not found how to control the audio. According to the wiki, the device audio controlls should work, but with KF, these are software (and are totally crap) and do not work for me. Anyone managed to control the audio? Really hoping Commander adds big audio butons, inclding a mute.
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Thank you Wayne, :thumb:
Bought the wife a fire for Xmas.
Just downloaded the Apps and it is just wonderful.
My old eyes thank you.
Neil
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Good timing for this thread. I've been kicking around the idea of buying a tablet to control the SB3 and Duet with.
Swimming thought the sea of tablet information has made my eyes glaze over, thereby making a wise choice near impossible.
Is anybody using their tablet with the MiniDSP?
That's the next area I'd like to explore, and if I do, the MiniDSP linking to it would be a "clincher".
Bob
p.s. Hello Wayne, long time no talk to. Hope life is treating you and yours very well, my friend! :thumb:
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Hi all, (Wayne--long time, hope all is well)
Does anyone know if a Kindle Fire will also remotely control an app like itunes or Foobar on a computer? I am thinking about adding a high-rez option and might try a usb option in addition to my main Squeeze.
Thanks,
Gary
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Hiya Gary (long time!)
If you are looking to control something like Foobar, I haven't found an app to do that yet.
That said, I (just in the last 6 mos) switched over to JRiver. The interface is really cool on the music side. They offer a free app called Gizmo that can control JRiver from a pad (Android based). If you look at JRiver, it is a media center which means it can handle all your movies and pictures as well. It's really designed as the front end of a home theater PC but it works great as just a music server front end. If I remember, it was just under $50 to register plus you get about 4 extra seat licenses for other PCs in your house/work. In the past few years I've switched over to a USB DAC so I can feed HiRez into the main system. I still use (and love) my modded SBs in my various other systems around the house.
On the Squeezebox side, I use Squeeze Commander too. Great little free app for a pad.
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I was using the free Logitech app on my Android tablet-Acer Iconia Tab- but these guys told me Squeeze Commander was better so I tried it and agree, its a good app, solid and well laid out. :thumb:
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Would like to use Kindle Fire. But currently, Kindle is not available in Europe. Firstly, it is not unusual for American companies like Amazon, Apple and others to have some of their products available in the U.S. before they are exported to other countries.
Secondly and more important, there is a controversy between Amazon and the EU (European Union) on the browser used in the Kindle Fire. It stores all information about the user's Web browsing on Amazon servers in the U.S., something the EU will not accept.
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All,
Just a bit of info regarding this thread. I did end up buying my wife a Kindle Fire HD for Christmas and I tried to download Squeeze Commander without success. Due to my issues, SlideMe has placed a note on the download page stating that this app is not compatible with the Fire HD. I was rather bummed until I found (also on SlideME) Orange Squeeze for $2.99. This app works very well with the kindle and I have nothing but praise for it over the SB2 remote. Now I have my own library, Pandora, and Tunein at my disposal. I have been unable to use MOG, but I think I have to pay for the Primo in order to use it through MySB.
I certainly hope they maintain support. If not, here comes Sonos. :duh:
I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Happy New Year!
Gary
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Ditto here.
I downloaded the Logitech Commander (on my Andriod), and to date, haven't figured out how to make it work.
Out of frustration, I started a thread on the Logitech website. The owner/founder of Orange Squeeze popped in and introduced himself and told me about his product. I'm VERY happy with Orange Squeeze. I explored all the bells and whistles yet, but I was playing music a few seconds after installing. Great product, highly recommended.
Bob
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I use Logitech Squeezebox Controller for my android with no issues. :thumb:
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I use Logitech Squeezebox Controller for my android with no issues. :thumb:
same here. linky- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.logitech.squeezeboxremote&hl=en
Though i don't think this helps Gary with the Kindle Fire.
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Are you all using Kindle Fire or Kindle Fire HD?
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I'm using a Fire HD 8.9. It works well, and my wife loves it. :D
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All,
Just a bit of info regarding this thread. I did end up buying my wife a Kindle Fire HD for Christmas and I tried to download Squeeze Commander without success. Due to my issues, SlideMe has placed a note on the download page stating that this app is not compatible with the Fire HD. I was rather bummed until I found (also on SlideME) Orange Squeeze for $2.99...
Not sure what the problem was, but here's new info on the topic. I'm using a Kindle Fire HD 8.9 tablet here, bought Dec. 2012.
Just bought and loaded Squeeze Commander, it runs fine on my Kindle HD tablet. Appears very similar to IPeng on my Iphone, and it works great. Extremely fast, faster than using a PC browser.
I downloaded the slideME SAM app to my PC computer, USB'ed it the Kindle, used the Amazon supported ES File Explorer app find it and to launch/install, then directly loaded Squeeze Commander to the Kindle Fire. Possibly the "hard way", but it worked fine and went fast.
One tip - You need to remember to go into settings > device > "allow installation of applications from unknown sources".
Any experience on using the app to play music on the Fire HD (Squeezeplayer) would be appreciated. It's not on SlideMe, but apparently is on Android Pit.
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Thanks Wayne and others for posting this! My 10yo daughter got a Kindle Fire (not HD) for xmas and loves it. She is a pianist and loves music. She listens to her pop CDs on a pink Barbie Karaoke CD player. She wants to play my CDs in her room (not.) I have a spare SB3, speakers and receiver that she could use to stream from my NAS. I'm already running the SB server on my NAS.
How do you put Squeeze Commander on Kindle Fire? I thought you have to buy all Kindle apps from Amazon, but I don't see it listed on the web in the Amazon store. I tried looking on the Kindle itself but still don't see it.
Thanks!
Rich
EDIT: OK duh, I read Wayne's post again and saw how to download it! False alarm... Thanks
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As an alternative to SqueezeCommander, give "OrangeSqueeze" a try.
Highly recommended.
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As an alternative to SqueezeCommander, give "OrangeSqueeze" a try.
Highly recommended.
Will OrangeSqueeze display song lyrics like IPeng? I really like that option, don't see it on SqueezeCommander. I have installed the needed 3rd party "Song Info" and "Song Lyrics" plug-ins on the server.
BTW, I did download "SqueezePlayer" through Android Pit, and it works well on the Kindle Fire HD 8.9. Now I can control, and listen on the device itself. It was again work, but tested out fine and works well.
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I've not seen that option on OrangeSqueeze, so I'll have to say "No".
But I've been wrong before.