MyStream launches the first free iOS app to share music over WiFi

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Have you ever tried to share a pair of headphones on the subway train, only to have someones bulky body knock the buds painfully from your ears and disturb your listening experience? I have, quite a few times, which is why Im very, very excited about MyStream, the first free app that enables music sharing across iOS devices over WiFi or Bluetooth.

Back when wireless headphones came out, and I could also play a song for a friend out of a portable stereo system, I thought, why cant I play this song for both me and a friend in both of our own headphones?

-MyStream CEO, Richard Zelson

Since June 2010, Zelson has been hard at work raising funding and hiring a development team to build this desire into a reality. The resulting app,MyStream, whichquietly hit the Apple store yesterday, was publicly announced today.

The app enables easy music or audio book sharing across 3rd and 4th generation iOS devices (with the iPad coming soon) via a Bluetooth or WiFi connection. And because the app works via Bluetooth, which is trickier for developers than simply enabling just WiFi connectivity, it can be used anywhere (e.g. on the subway train or an airplane) regardless of Internet or cellular reception.Essentially, MyStream is an omni-directional wireless headphone splitter because itsupports numerous listeners from any one streamer. The app has been tested with up to 20 phones without issue over WiFi and up to 6 phones without issue over Bluetooth.

Heres how it works: First, pick a username. Then set up a playlist; any MP3 or M4A file will work. Gigwise, have no fear, the songs arent copied; the app is told where to look for ! the song s via the playlist. Then to enable the playlist to be shared with others, click enable streaming, and just make sure either your WiFi or Bluetooth is on. The MyStream custom player allows users to share playing songs at the same time, create and share custom playlists, create and share profiles and set permissions. And the app runs in the background so you can still use your smartphone, as a smartphone, unlike when you give up your iPhone to DJ a party.

Apple loves the app too. In fact, the app was approved in just one week. Heres why: MyStream gives users an easy option to purchase shared music and audiobooks through the iTunes store. When a user does buy a song from iTunes, MyStream takes 3%.And, legally, the app is exempt from copyright laws, because songs are being shared within a shared location.

Like a breath of fresh air, Zelson has no plans to integrate the app with other social networks.

I want the app to stand on its own. People dont need another virtual profile to maintain, or another group of friends to keep track of or the ability to share what youre listening to with all your friends. This app is based on real life interactions, and Id like to keep it that way.

Zelson initially raised $300,000 from family and friends, which kept him afloat from June 2010 to the end of 2010. In the beginning of March 2011, he raised an additional $500,000 from Tim Cook, the founder and managing partner at Bluewater Capital, a $100 million technology investment fund, but technically the app was funded through Cooks private fund, Cook LLC to continue development through 2011.

Theres just one other app I found in this space-Eavesdrop, which also recently hit the app store also lets users share t! heir iOS library over WiFi and Bluetooth. I havent tested it yet, and the app costs $1.99 to download.

The MyStream app is currently free for download in the Apple App Store. Time for a 20-person silent rave? Yes!


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