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Beoplay Remote for macOS (PoC)

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tlk
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tlk Posted: Fri, Aug 9 2019 12:15 PM

Hi there,

I thought it would be nice to be able to remote control my Beoplay M5 speakers from macOS, so I created a little proof-of-concept tool to be able to do just that. The code is available at https://github.com/tlk/beoplay-macos-remote-gui and you need to build the software yourself with the latest XCode beta if you want to try it out.

With this little tool it is no longer necessary to reach out for your phone (and open the B&O app) to adjust the spotify volume or stop/start a tuneIn radio station - just scroll the little volume slider in the mac status menu or use the keyboard shortcuts.

I previously asked for suggestions on how to remote control the Beoplay volume over at Spotify, and it seems like other people have been looking for something similar.

Would it by any chance be possible for B&O to consider making a functionally similar piece of software available through the MacOS Appstore?

 

Best regards,

  Thomas

 

Screenshot:

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Fri, Aug 9 2019 2:24 PM

I love the idea. I use an iMac at work and listen to music over an M5 at work. I dislike using the Deezer app on my mac to stream to the M5 via Airplay. Direct control from my desktop would be ideal.

1990
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1990 replied on Fri, Aug 9 2019 7:02 PM

Wow! I want this! Pity I can’t code. :)

1990
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1990 replied on Fri, Aug 9 2019 7:02 PM

Wow! I want this! Pity I can’t code. :)

Millemissen
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Splendid idea!!!

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Wed, Nov 6 2019 6:30 PM
tlk:
With this little tool it is no longer necessary to reach out for your phone (and open the B&O app) to adjust the spotify volume or stop/start a tuneIn radio station - just scroll the little volume slider in the mac status menu or use the keyboard shortcuts.

Superb! I was looking for something like this since a while! I'm not a coder, but I understand enough to make it work on my Mac! You made my day, many thanks!

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

tlk
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tlk replied on Thu, Nov 7 2019 4:31 PM

Great to hear! Thank you for the feedback and screenshot!

laseralex
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This is spectacular!

Does anybody know how to write a Windows equivalent?

Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II
Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2
Integrated:  1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6
Control:  16x* Essence Remote  • 1x Beoremote Halo

* Yes, really! 🤦‍♂️

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Fri, Nov 8 2019 6:47 PM
tlk:

Great to hear! Thank you for the feedback and screenshot!

Your are welcome! Thanks to you I have also found and tried the Home Assistant B&O integration, very interesting !

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

tlk
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tlk replied on Tue, Dec 10 2019 9:28 PM

beojeff:

I love the idea. I use an iMac at work and listen to music over an M5 at work. I dislike using the Deezer app on my mac to stream to the M5 via Airplay. Direct control from my desktop would be ideal.

The macOS app does not support browsing Deezer playlists, but it does support skipping tracks, adjusting the volume etc when a Deezer playlist has already been "sent" to the B&O device (fx from the iOS app).

My B&O device is listed under https://www.deezer.com/account/apps but not as a device under https://www.deezer.com/account/devices 

I wonder if it is possible to control the Deezer play queue on B&O devices by anything else than the B&O app?

tlk
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tlk replied on Tue, Dec 10 2019 9:40 PM

1990:

Wow! I want this! Pity I can’t code. :)

I have added some rudimentary notes on how to download the app without having to build it with Xcode. There will be warnings about unknown developer etc as I do not have an Apple Developer Program membership. Also, please keep in mind this is very much still a proof of concept thing.

 

Best regards,

  Thomas

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Tue, Dec 10 2019 9:50 PM
tlk:

Also, please keep in mind this is very much still a proof of concept thing.

A POC that does the job!

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 11:31 AM

I though I would revive this thread since it's being discussed in another thread and needs its own thread for discussion.

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beojeff replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 11:34 AM

I can get this working on my mac. However, there are no sources. Nor is there a TuneIn entry or dropdown list. It would be nice to have a "preferences" option. Also, it's a bit annoying that the window disappears after every click on an entry. It would be nice to keep the window up until we're finished with it.

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 12:09 PM

beojeff:
I can get this working on my mac. However, there are no sources. Nor is there a TuneIn entry or dropdown list. It would be nice to have a "preferences" option. Also, it's a bit annoying that the window disappears after every click on an entry. It would be nice to keep the window up until we're finished with it.

All the above have been fixed in the latest iteration. Unfortunately the developer has not built a DMG from it so you have to compile it yourself assuming you have installed Xcode previously and that you have basic understanding on how to use it, like I have. 

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 12:11 PM

Moved from another thread:

As I’m spending a lot of time on my Mac so I found interesting to be able to perform basic controls of my B&O products from it without the need to always have a remote or a smart device close to me.

I usually launch a music flow with the relevant product/app (Deezer, internet radio, DLNA, B&O app, Deezer app, Plexamp app) against my speaker(s).

Then If I need to perform simple actions against the current music flow going on the speaker(s) such as track/radio pause/play/forward/backward , controlling the volume, starting/joining/stopping another I use the Mac app for that.

This is particularly useful when you have to take a phone call, start/stop a speaker in a room where you plan to move.

While working with the developer, my goal was to have a simple tool for basic actions, like an Essence remote to control multiple products. All credits to the developer for his nice work!

Below are pictures of how the app exposes my products and the controls.

 

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 12:30 PM

beojeff:

I can get this working on my mac. However, there are no sources. Nor is there a TuneIn entry or dropdown list. It would be nice to have a "preferences" option. Also, it's a bit annoying that the window disappears after every click on an entry. It would be nice to keep the window up until we're finished with it.

About the sources: the app is looking for the sources you have defined as local sources in your B&O product

About the TuneIn configuration, you can find information here, as well as for other settings: https://github.com/tlk/beoplay-macos-remote-gui/blob/master/Configuration.md

About the B&O icon: I built it myself and added into the Xcode project.

About the window closing too early: the latest version keeps the window open up to the point you are validating the action for a given product. Prior version had the window closing after each single action e.g. selecting a product was closing the window that you had to reopen to perform the action on the previously selected product. I understand the point of keeping the window open up you decide to close, but according to the developer (if i remember well), this type of popup window cannot cope with that.

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

Millemissen
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No need to redirect/repost my questions here - I see, that hey have already been answered.

Thanks!

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

beojeff
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beojeff replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 1:09 PM

mbolo01:

beojeff:

I can get this working on my mac. However, there are no sources. Nor is there a TuneIn entry or dropdown list. It would be nice to have a "preferences" option. Also, it's a bit annoying that the window disappears after every click on an entry. It would be nice to keep the window up until we're finished with it.

About the sources: the app is looking for the sources you have defined as local sources in your B&O product

About the TuneIn configuration, you can find information here, as well as for other settings: https://github.com/tlk/beoplay-macos-remote-gui/blob/master/Configuration.md

About the B&O icon: I built it myself and added into the Xcode project.

About the window closing too early: the latest version keeps the window open up to the point you are validating the action for a given product. Prior version had the window closing after each single action e.g. selecting a product was closing the window that you had to reopen to perform the action on the previously selected product. I understand the point of keeping the window open up you decide to close, but according to the developer (if i remember well), this type of popup window cannot cope with that.

I was able to get the B&O icon by cut and pasting the code into Terminal. However, the rest is beyond me and I can't understand it.

kuyttendaele
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No at home this weekend so can't test it.

Does this software only work with BeoPlay devices or should it also work with my BeoVision 14? Would be very handy to controle the volume of my music through the app!

Karel.

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 4:49 PM

The developper only had one Beoplay product, I personally tested it successfully against all my products (BS Moment, Core and several Beoplay), but I can't confirm for a BV. Waiting for your experience then !

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

Hiort
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Hiort replied on Sat, Sep 19 2020 7:28 PM
Could initiate TuneIn on my M3.

My A6 did not work.

 

 

 

 

Livingroom: BL3, BL11, BV11-46 Kitchen: Beosound 1 GVA, Beocom 2 Bathroom: M3 Homeoffice: M3, Beocom 2  Library: Beosound Emerge, Beocom 6000 Bedroom: M5, Essence remote  Travel: Beoplay E8 2.0, Beoplay EQ, Beoplay Earset

kuyttendaele
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mbolo01:

The developper only had one Beoplay product, I personally tested it successfully against all my products (BS Moment, Core and several Beoplay), but I can't confirm for a BV. Waiting for your experience then !

That'll be be something for tomorrow evening :-)

Karel.

 

Millemissen
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mbolo01:

The developper only had one Beoplay product, I personally tested it successfully against all my products (BS Moment, Core and several Beoplay), but I can't confirm for a BV. Waiting for your experience then !

My V1 and the Avant 1. Gen are both recognized as well.

MM

There is a tv - and there is a BV

steve1977
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steve1977 replied on Sun, Sep 20 2020 2:55 AM
This is very cool, thanks for the development!!!

This is meant to work with all NL devices? Not airplay though?

Do i need to run this from mac or is there some way to do from IOS.

Anyone planning to release an dmg file?
mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sun, Sep 20 2020 10:21 AM
steve1977:

This is very cool, thanks for the development!!!

This is meant to work with all NL devices? Not airplay though?

Do i need to run this from mac or is there some way to do from IOS.

Anyone planning to release an dmg file?

I have tested with several NL products already, only the Moment has some issues with the App.

If you are streaming AP to one NL product, the app can control it too, same controls than the IOS B&O app can do.

It’s only a Mac app

There is a DMG provided by the developer on its GitHub page. PM me if you want more information.

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

kuyttendaele
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Downloaded in on my iMac.

It does find my BeoVision 14. But changing the volume does not work. So I guess it only works for the BeoPlay range of devices.

Karel.

 

 

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Sun, Sep 20 2020 12:20 PM
kuyttendaele:

Downloaded in on my iMac.

It does find my BeoVision 14. But changing the volume does not work. So I guess it only works for the BeoPlay range of devices.

Karel.

Now we know Sad

Thanks

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

Ramasjang
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Ramasjang replied on Sun, Sep 20 2020 9:36 PM

Hi TLK

Any chance to make your code run on macOS Big Sur?

Thanks.

tlk
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tlk replied on Mon, Sep 21 2020 2:22 PM

Hello there :-)

I am very happy if this little tool proves useful to other people and it is great to see screenshots and get feedback on what works and what does not.

As mbolo01 mentioned I have only tested the app with the M5, so perhaps I should add a disclaimer: using this tool is on your own responsibility - should you believe that your $1mio speakers have caught fire and burned down your castle then please don't come chasing me :-)

Jeff, you mentioned a Preferences window. I agree, it would make a lot of sense to have that. In addition to the current settings that can already be configured from the command line it would also be convenient with a checkbox to allow the program to start automatically as a login item. Currently that has to be done manually under System Preferences, Users & Groups, Login Items:

 

Millemissen, Hiort and kuyttendaele, thanks for testing!

Steve, I will look into releasing an updated dmg-file. Thank you for the excitement :-) I am not entirely sure what NL means, but basically the macOS app mimics what the official iOS app does. I simply looked at what commands the iOS app is sending to the M5 device and then I wrote some code to do the same. This was my first experience with Xcode/Swift and macOS GUI development so I am sure that experienced macOS developers will throw their arms up in the air in despair when looking at the code :-)

Ramasjang, I have not experienced any problems with the current code on macOS Big Sur 11.0 Beta. Is there anything in particular on your mind? Most welcome to continue this topic over on github #25.

 

best regards,
  Thomas
Carolpa
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Carolpa replied on Mon, Sep 21 2020 2:47 PM

kuyttendaele:
Downloaded in on my iMac.

It does find my BeoVision 14. But changing the volume does not work. So I guess it only works for the BeoPlay range of devices.

Karel.

Beosound Moment: volume, next, back, pause works, sources (including join) not (grayed out).

Beovision 11: no response

Beovision Horizon: no response

Beolink NL/ML converter: does not work (at least in my setup) 

Beosound Essence mkII: volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Beosound Shape ( & Beosound Core): volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Beoplay A6: volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Beoplay M3: volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Beosound 35: volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Beovision Harmony: volume, next, back, pause, sources works

Edit: ones a device is chosen with greyed out sources (such as the Moment), the sources for ALL devices are grayed out and stay so. The app must be restarted to get sources again.

 

 

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Mon, Sep 21 2020 3:38 PM

Carolpa:
Beosound Moment: volume, next, back, pause works, sources (including join) not (grayed out).

If you didn't notice it already, controlling a Moment with the app triggers high CPU usage on the Mac and the app must closed to recover. At least this is what happens for me with the latest iteration of the code (not the one in the current DMG) 

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

TWG
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TWG replied on Tue, Sep 22 2020 7:23 AM

Very nice tool. Thanks for that Thomas!


Can you program this for PCs, too?

tlk
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tlk replied on Wed, Sep 23 2020 3:29 PM

Carolpa and mbolo01 thanks for the feedback! I have checked in a small update that may prevent the bug triggered by connecting to the Moment. Tracking the issue in github #26

tlk
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tlk replied on Wed, Sep 23 2020 3:37 PM

TWG, you are welcome - happy to receive feedback from you. I believe I could make a similar tool for Windows and other platforms but I am afraid it is unlikely to happen pro bono.

best regards,

  Thomas

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laseralex replied on Wed, Sep 23 2020 9:01 PM

tlk:

I could make a similar tool for Windows and other platforms but I am afraid it is unlikely to happen pro bono.

How much would it cost?  I'd be very willing to chip in $250 if others are interested and willing to contribute.

Sources: 2x Beosound Moment • 4x Beosound Essence Mk II
Speakers: 3x Beolab 8000 • 2x Beolab 6000 • 2x Beolab 3 • 3x Beolab 2
Integrated:  1x Beosound 2 • 1x Beosound Level • 4x BeoPlay M5 • 1x BeoPlay A6
Control:  16x* Essence Remote  • 1x Beoremote Halo

* Yes, really! 🤦‍♂️

mbolo01
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mbolo01 replied on Fri, Sep 25 2020 9:31 AM

Carolpa:
Beosound Moment: volume, next, back, pause works, sources (including join) not (grayed out).

FYI: The latest version of the code can now properly control the BS Moment, including sources and TuneIn stations ! Better than the Halo can do :-)

BS Moment, BS Core, BG 4002, BC 4500, BS1, BL18, BL19, BL8000 + RCV1, A6, M5, M3, A1, P6 (tks Botty), H5, TR1

Carolpa
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Carolpa replied on Fri, Sep 25 2020 12:39 PM

mbolo01:
Carolpa:
Beosound Moment: volume, next, back, pause works, sources (including join) not (grayed out).

FYI: The latest version of the code can now properly control the BS Moment, including sources and TuneIn stations ! Better than the Halo can do :-)

I noticed yesterday but didn't find the time to Thumbs Up, in my setup only the BV11 and the BLC can't be controlled (but the shared sources of a ML product with a NL product, f.e. a Essence mkII do work)

 

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beojeff replied on Fri, Oct 9 2020 10:35 AM

I'm curious what the obstacle is that prevents control of BeoVisions/BeoSystem 4 and Nl/ML Converters -- since the Halo cannot control these either.

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Carolpa replied on Mon, Dec 7 2020 4:20 PM

"Program Killer"; just setup my new Mac Mini with Apple's M1 processor.

Now the B&o app and the Beoliving app can be run on the Mac itself Big Smile

 

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