free alternative to airfoil?
Got Airtunes working with my new Airport Express. However just wondering if there is a free (Win) alternative to Airfoil, or do I have to fork out $25.
Also, if I have to fork out for Airfoil, it gives two options:
single user - one user on multiple computers
family package - up to 5 people in a family
both myself and the wife will want to stream our separate Spotify accounts, from separate users on our computers, so do we have to fork out for a Family Package, or will a single license do the trick? they must be raking it in!
thanks for your really helpful reply.
It's not a bad point though is it? Would you like everything you want to be given away for free?
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How's about we say, "no there aren't any free alternatives", would that sugar the pill at all?
As a member of the general public, I'd say try installing it as administrator available to all users and see if it works for all.
As someone who tries to make a living developing software, I'd say it's an extra $21, stop being such a meanie*
*self-moderated.
Bought a single license and it seems to be happy on both user accounts. Haven't installed it on the other PC, but seeing as I'm using it for Spotify there's little point really as that's a PC stuck in the other room and just installed it on the laptop.
I'm more than happy to spend money on software, however my question was simply if there was a free product which did the same thing. Airfoil is good (not perfect though) and I personally feel that £21 is a little steep for it. Just my opinion...
mogwai84:I personally feel that £21 is a little steep for it. Just my opinion...
Which you're entitled to, of course.
Off the top of my head, you can install Spotify on up to 3 computers. I know I have it on my netbook and desktop. And, if I understand how it works correctly, it's hijacking the audio of the computer so you could have 100 Spotify accounts and it wouldn't make any difference as it's only one or two machines.
WiFi2HiFi app is free alternative. You can download free version on thier official website. It is app
to provide streaming support for all popular audio programs on the Mac and PC.
Not quite the same as you need an iPhone / iPod Touch for this solution to work, whereas Airfoil streams direct to any AirPlay compatible device. Possibly useful for some people though.
iOS devices can stream directly to the Airport Express too. The Spotify app works really well. But of course you need some Apple hardware for that. 
It is possible to do this with winamp + shoutcast dsp using an plugin that allows u to use mulitple output plugins.
http://forums.winamp.com/showthread.php?t=185282
Not the most straightforward solution though,
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Yes, I know, companies charging money for something they've developed that does something you want - scandalous, isn't it?
Consulting Editor, What Hi-Fi? Sound and Vision/whathifi.com Audio Editor, Gramophone