I’d like to thank all of you who emailed me regarding last week’s Mac Treat about streaming content in iTunes! I received a lot of great feedback about different audio output options — some of which I was aware of, and some of which was new.
What I’ve learned is that there seem to be two common elements that many of you use to make the audio output-to-stereo-process easier and more useful.
First, a bunch of you recommended AirFoil from Rogue Amoeba, which allows you to purchase a license key so you are able to send any audio from your Mac or PC to your AirPort Express unit, Apple TVs, iPhones and iPod touch and listen through your speakers. There is a free download option, but they overlay a noise after listening for 10 minutes, and believe me, it is annoying. I’d recommend purchasing it for $25. This is a great, simple option for people who want to branch out from their iTunes.
Another solution for you Mountain Lion users is the option to change the output of your entire computer’s audio to your AirPort device. I was upgraded to Mountain Lion at the end of last summer and I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t know about this feature. A big shout out to Kibbles reader Andrew S. who was the first to point this out. Apple finally decided that they’d allow you to listen to whatever audio you want through your AirPort Express (not just via iTunes) in their latest OS.
If you’d like to utilize this feature its very simple: Option-click on the speaker icon at the top of your screen and change the Output Device to your AirPort Express. Or, you can open System Preferences > Sound > Output tab > AirPlay.
Needless to say, after learning this, we all enjoyed Pearl Jam’s Ten via Spotify in the Fishbowl that afternoon.
Thanks again to everyone who wrote…I certainly don’t know it all, so it’s great when all of us Apple-enthusiasts can share cool tips and tricks and I welcome your feedback!