I always try to listen to my customers. So I put together a little poll for you to answer. This way, I know what to focus on for upcoming versions of Spot Remote.

Together, we can really make this remote awesome!
Select one or more options:

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Axel

Bugs. It happens.

I try to fix bugs and crashes as soon as I can but when releasing new versions in the AppStore I would prefer to leave big updates, with new functions and larger improvements. This however takes time to develop and users affected by bugs want the update soon. So if you are experiencing crashes, send me the UDID of your device and I will send you a beta version with a fix, before I can release it in the AppStore.

Current AppStore Version: 1.4.1

• Playlist crash for iPhone 3G (fixed in 1.4.2)

Current Testing Version: 1.4.2

• Fix for playlist crash iPhone 3G
• Switch between controlling Spotify volume and system volume
• Ability to play entire album from search
• Geo specific searches

To get the beta version, follow these steps:

1. Plug in your device in iTunes
2. Copy the device UDID and email it to support@spotremote.com
3. I will send the new application along with a certificate to your mail
4. Follow these steps to install the app: http://www.innerfence.com/howto/install-iphone-application-ad-hoc-distribution

There are two technically decent way to get playlist support in Spot Remote.

Option One is using Spotify’s own “libspotify” (link). This would allow us to get/add/edit playlists, starred items, inbox, proper coverart etc.

However, the End User License Agreement that needs to be signed does not allow me to use their library on a mobile device, nor can it be used within a commercial application. Until Spotify changes their EULA – we can not use libspotify to get playlists, sadly.

Option Two

There is an alternative to libspotify, called “despotify” (link). A couple of years ago, a few dedicated users reverse engineered the Spotify protocol and could create their own Spotify Client from it. This is great for platforms that Spotify does not support, like linux and embedded devices (refrigerators and other cool stuff). I was able to use their library to get playlists within Spot Remote. However, some vital functions are missing (such as inbox and starred items). And most importantly, folders does not seem to work properly. More on that later though.

Worth noting is that technically, despotify breaks the EULA you signed when downloading Spotify. But despotify has been around for a long time now, and Spotify has not yet blocked any use of it (They can tell if a user has the real client or despotify). I use it daily, and I know there are hundreds of users that has used it since it was released, and has not had any issues. The Spotify crew are nice guys, and if they don’t want despotify around – they would have just blocked it as soon as it came out.

Playlist Folder issues

From my testing, I have noticed that folders are not working properly – since I am using despotify, which does not have support for folders. (However, sometimes it does work. Magic of reverse engineering) But in general:

• Playlists works
• Playlist folders with playlists within them work
• Playlist folders with folders within does not work.

This is ok

This is NOT ok

Those playlists that are within a folder, within a folder (Inception style) shows up irregularly or not at all in Spot Remote. This might be an issue for some, that uses folders within folders, but it’s the best we can do so far. The remaining playlists works just fine.

The playlist function requires Spotify Premium. This is a great way to support Spotify and their great work. Plus, no commercials – and that’s nice.

Please write your questions in the comments, and I will try to update the post as we go along.

Axel

Looks pretty neat, right? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

To easier spread the word about upcoming news in Spot Remote, and to get feedback from my users I started this blog.

Look by every now and then to see if anything new is up

Axel