Behold, the world of wireless connectivity doth surround us like a gentle breeze on a summer morn. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi do dance together in this digital ballroom, joined by the likes of Chromecast, offering a plethora of avenues to transport content from thy smartphone, tablet, or desktop PC to devices such as wireless speakers, smart TVs, and streaming wonders. Yea, even Apple hath crafted its own wireless protocol – AirPlay, a gem born unto the world in the year 2010.
But lo, in 2018, Apple did bestow upon us AirPlay 2, a grand upgrade indeed. Nestled within the bosom of most Macs, iPhones, and iPads, AirPlay 2 doth allow thee to stream music, photos, and videos. Yet the true depth of Apple’s wireless embrace doth exceed mere mortal understanding. Wouldst thou partake in learning more? Then hearken unto us as we do unveil the secrets of AirPlay 2 in this guide created for thee.
### What light is AirPlay, that it shines so?
In days of yore, in the time of 2004, AirTunes did grace the land as the precursor to AirPlay. Aye, AirPlay be Apple’s own streaming protocol, designed to let thee fling audio and video signals from a ‘sender’ device unto a ‘receiver’ device. Music, video, photos, and screen sharing doth frolic within the realms of AirPlay, retaining their metadata as they journey forth.
Sender devices of old included Windows PCs running Apple Music, iOS devices such as iPhones, iPods, and iPads, and Mac computers bearing macOS X Mountain Lion or later. Yet, the receiver devices have multiplied since those early days, from the ancient AirPort Express routers to the noble Apple TV, HomePods, and a host of wireless speakers and smart TVs.
AirPlay doth also grant thee the power to ‘mirror’ the visage of an iOS/iPadOS/macOS device onto an Apple TV, sparing thee the gathering of kinfolk ’round a diminutive screen.
### What doth AirPlay 2 bring to our realm?
In the year 2017, AirPlay 2 descended upon us, building upon its predecessor’s foundation. It doth grant thee greater dominion over AirPlay devices through Apple’s HomeKit platform. With its blessings, thou can:
– Stream melody unto multiple AirPlay 2-compatible speakers in harmony, crafting a multipart symphony. Under yon original AirPlay, only one speaker might sing at a time.
– Embrace Apple Home compatibility, wherein thou canst label these AirPlay 2 devices and incorporate them into rooms and scenes, ripe for automation. And lo, Siri, the voice of Apple, canst govern any devices recognized by HomeKit. Initially bound unto Apple Music, the horizons have widened, now embracing Deezer, Spotify, Pandora, and more.
– Pair two HomePods or HomePod Minis, that they may sing as a stereo pair in resonant harmony.
– Verily, AirPlay 2 supporteth lossless, 16-bit/44.1kHz melodies – a bounty from Apple Music. Alas, none of Apple’s wireless headphones do partake in this feast, though other earbuds have emerged to sip from this chalice of sonic purity.
And thus, AirPlay 2 doth extend its blessings unto streaming video, encompassing a multitude of devices beyond the humble Apple TV.
### Ah, how doth AirPlay 2 differ from Bluetooth?
Though wireless streams flow from both AirPlay and Bluetooth, a gulf doth separate their realms:
– AirPlay and AirPlay 2 do traverse any IP network connection, be it wired or wireless (Wi-Fi), yet all AirPlay devices must dwell together on the same network.
– Bluetooth, in contrast, doth link devices directly, sans the need for an IP-based network.
– AirPlay is a tale spun solely by Apple, limiting its embrace to Apple devices. Bluetooth, on the other hand, doth invite all who seek its partnership.
– Video doth frolic within AirPlay’s domain, whilst Bluetooth’s domain is but aural in nature.
– With Wi-Fi and Ethernet as its steeds, AirPlay doth ride upon a higher bandwidth, supporting superior audio streaming compared unto Bluetooth.
– Yet Bluetooth’s reach is humble, struggling to pierce through walls as Wi-Fi doth, shy of distance and penetration.
– A Bluetooth speaker may serve as a herald of sound and speech, yea, even forming stereo pairs through its enchantment. AirPlay, however, doth eschew such feats, focusing its gaze upon the realm of streaming media.
### Wither canst thou find devices that hearken unto AirPlay 2?
As the sands of time sift through the hourglass, the list of AirPlay 2 sender devices doth grow scarce, with mostly iOS devices (iOS 11 or later) and Mac computers (macOS 10.13 or later) gracing this noble roster. Yet fear not, for the list of receiver devices doth multiply, encompassing a myriad of brands of wireless speakers, AV receivers, and a host of TV brands. Roku doth bring its devices into the fold, expanding the reach of AirPlay 2 across the land.
Within this tapestry of connectivity, companies such as Amazon, Bang & Olufsen, Bose, Samsung, Sonos, and Vizio have pledged their fealty to AirPlay 2, with many more sure to follow suit. Let not thy Wi-Fi-enabled B&W speakers depart from thy halls, for their time in this wireless opera is far from over.
### How doth one commence their journey with AirPlay 2?
Shouldst thou possess compatible devices, embarking upon the AirPlay 2 journey is a task made simple, yet with paths diverging based on thy intent:
#### Using AirPlay to mirror thy screen
On an iOS/iPad OS device, seek within the Control Center the icon of two intertwined rectangles. This talisman shall reveal a host of mirror-worthy devices upon thy network, be they Apple TV or a kindred Mac. Select the chosen one, and lo, thy screen shall dance upon their visage.
#### Using AirPlay to stream video
Within an AirPlay-compatible app on an iOS/iPad OS device, initiate a video’s playing. A single tap upon the screen shall unveil a set of icons, one of which shall bear the symbol of a rectangle with a downward-pointing triangle. Select this emblem, and a list of video AirPlay devices shall appear, from which to choose.
#### Using AirPlay to stream audio
In the realm of AirPlay-compatible apps, shouldst thou find a triangle with rings spreading outward, selecting it shall reveal a host of AirPlay audio devices upon thy network. Choose wisely, and the melodies shall flow unto thee.
Shouldst thou find an app lacking direct AirPlay support, fear not. The Control Center shall offer a path for thee, showcasing the same emblem of concentric rings. A selection made here shall connect thee to a fitting audio device upon thy network.
And for those who dwell within the halls of Mac, fear not, for AirPlay audio doth await within the Sound menu, beckoning thee to choose thy desired device.
### An epilogue on AirPlay 2 compatibility
As the wheel of time doth turn, so too doth AirPlay compatibility wax and wane. Some devices may find themselves on the outskirts of AirPlay compatibility as new features emerge. Though Apple’s own devices doth fare better, unforeseen issues may yet arise. Take heed, for when iOS 16 strode forth, older Apple TVs from 2010 and 2012 did find themselves bereft of AirPlay 2’s embrace. Tread carefully with devices of yore, for their path may be fraught with challenges.
And thus, the tale of AirPlay 2 unfolds before thee, a tapestry woven with threads of wireless wonder and technological harmony. Let the melodies of music and the visions of video be carried upon the ethereal waves of AirPlay, uniting devices in a symphony of connection.
