Use Airplay under Windows - how it works
In this article we will show you how to use Airplay on Windows. This is because content can be wonderfully received and sent with Airplay via the Microsoft operating system.
Receive and send Airplay content on Windows
Depending on the Airplay functions you want to use under Windows, you have to consider different things.
- You don't need iTunes to use Airplay under Windows, but you should install Apple's printer service "Bonjour" in any case. The enables Windows computers to communicate with Apple devices and can be installed separately or together with iTunes.
- With the free software "Shairport4w" you can stream music from your iPhone, iPad and iPod to a Windows computer. After starting, create your profile in the settings window and then you can start streaming music straight away.
- The media center program "XBMC" is also free of charge. In addition to the television-compatible sorting and processing of media content from your hard drive and from the network, the freeware also understands the reception of image, sound and video content via Airplay. However, this must first be activated in the program settings.
- For around 13 euros (14 dollars), the AirServer app gives you an Airplay solution for Windows that specializes in recording streams. You can find the app in the Windows Store.
Airplay: Streaming from a Windows computer - how it works
Streaming content to an Airplay device is not difficult and can be done quickly.
- Basically, all you need to distribute Airplay streams is iTunes. If there are Airplay-compatible devices nearby, the Airplay button appears next to the volume control (see picture). Click to select the device you want to stream to.
- Unfortunately, this only works with iTunes-compatible content. These are among the video formats MOV, MP4 and M4V files. MP3, AAC, WAV and AIFF files can be transferred to audio formats.
- With the "Airfoil" tool (around 18 euros) you can leave the audio format limits behind and send any audio signals to Airplay-compatible devices (including speakers).
In the next practical tip, we will show you how you can use Airplay with Spotify.