MySqueezebox.com Dependency

[Labarum]

> Now if Logitech could be encouraged to do a production run of
> PolyVection type dongles the numbers would change dramatically. How hard
> can that be for a large corporation like Logitech?

Probably harder than for a smaller company... processes are slow!

[Labarum]

MySqueezebox.com Dependency

It is to be regretted that Logitech, having bought Slim Devices, failed to follow through with continued development on a product range that could have been Sonus beater.

That is all history, and at least Logitech put LMS in the public domain, and many fine developments continue at the hands of some talented and committed enthusiasts. We all owe them thanks.

I wonder, though, how dependent we are on the continued good will of Logitech? The latest stable version of LMS (managed by the public domain community) is available for download from the remaining Logitech Squeezbox website although I think is is available elsewhere, so there is a continuing communication between Logitech and the Squeezebox community.

To get to my question: a MySqueezebox registration seems to be needed when using LMS, old official Squeezeboxes and newer Squeezebox clones. If Logitech were to cut us adrift, what are the implications? What other prerogatives do Logitech retain over the system we love and use?

[Paul Webster]

The continuing use of mysqueezebox.com helps demonstrate to Logitech that there is still an active community of users ... which, for now at least, has meant that they have continued to fund its operation (including this forum and some support activities).
Michael Herger is a Logitech employee and is somehow able to find time (his own time) to work on LMS stuff.

You are able to see what it is like without mysqueezebox.com by telling your LMS not to use it.
See https://forums.slimdevices.com/showt...ion-in-LMS-7-9
However, if lots(*) of people chose not to use it then it will, presumably, go away for everyone else.

* "Lots" undefined quantity

[Labarum]

I suppose if they keep it alive and continue to have a handle on the eco-system, they can more easily launch a new range of hardware. The background running costs must be tiny, for them.

We can hope for new hardware, and hope it is of the right quality and reasonably priced.

[kidstypike]

I suppose if they keep it alive and continue to have a handle on the eco-system, they can more easily launch a new range of hardware. The background running costs must be tiny, for them.

We can hope for new hardware, and hope it is of the right quality and reasonably priced.

I doubt we'll see any new Squeezeboxen.

https://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?96188-New-Squeezebox-Radio&p=714488&viewfull=1#post714488

[Labarum]

Thanks, I have now read the political posts I missed from those years I was not using LMS.

Now of course we have the leap into Raspberry Pi hardware and the PolyVection boxes.

Surely PolyVection must have concluded there is a way forward in the medium and long term, or they would not have committed to their business model.

Is there discussion on this forum or elsewhere about the continuing viability of new hardware to use with LMS and old Logitech boxes?

[RobbH]

....
Is there discussion on this forum or elsewhere about the continuing viability of new hardware to use with LMS and old Logitech boxes?

I am probably failing to understand what you're looking for, but it seems to me that most of the posts in these forums are about that, either directly or indirectly. See the third-party hardware forum, especially.

As for the mysqueezebox.com dependency, it is true that certain services from providers who had contractural agreements with Logitech will not work without msb.com. Therefore, if/when msb.com is shut down, they will no longer work.

[bpa]

Surely PolyVection must have concluded there is a way forward in the medium and long term, or they would not have committed to their business model.

AFAICT Polyvection are not solely dependent on LMS server/ players - it is an additional revenue stream making use of their own in house facilities for h/w production (i.e. they can do small runs matching sales and keep inventory low) and leveraging some of their own existing custom s/w. Also unlike Slimdevices/Logitech, they do not have to develop / support themselves the bulk of the LMS and squeezelite s/w.

The ESP32 based player are not tied to LMS and so the customer base is bigger than just LMS users. The players work with Roon as well as Bluetooth and Airplay devices.

There are others who are using the ESP32 s/w in a similar way (i.e. LMS speaker or other uses) such as ESP Muse Lux ( https://raspiaudio.com/produit/esp-muse-luxe) as well as individuals who are using generic ESP32 boards as A1S for their own project.

https://forums.slimdevices.com/showthread.php?114312-Share-your-self-made-Squeezelite-ESP32-hardware-project

[Labarum]

I am probably failing to understand what you're looking for, but it seems to me that most of the posts in these forums are about that

I guess I am looking to see if an overarching strategy is taking shape, and asking where this community discussion might be, if it is going on. Or to put it another way, are the many fine knowledgeable folk on this forum forming contingency plans if Logitech pulls the plug? Would we have to finance our own Forum, and establish a server somewhere to do at least some of the work of MySqueezebox.com? With enough members I am guessing that could be quite a modest subscription, and of course other commercial sponsorship might be found. Those who sell Raspberry Pi's to us would have an interest in keeping the show on the road, so also might the large streaming services for which our financial needs would be a drop in the ocean.

[bpa]

Or to put it another way, are the many fine knowledgeable folk on this forum forming contingency plans if Logitech pulls the plug?

LMS can work without mysqueezebox.com - however some services will be lost.

Would we have to finance our own Forum, and establish a server somewhere to do at least some of the work of MySqueezebox.com? With enough members I am guessing that could be quite a modest subscription, and of course other commercial sponsorship might be found. Those who sell Raspberry Pi's to us would have an interest in keeping the show on the road, so also might the large streaming services for which our financial needs would be a drop in the ocean.

IMHO - it wouldn't happen. The main reason to setup a "new" mysqueezebox.com would be to restore "lost" services (e.g. Pandora). These providers would need a new legal agreement with a properly formed organisation (i.e. one they can sue for breach of contract) and I think that will not be feasible.

[RobbH]

I guess I am looking to see if an overarching strategy is taking shape, and asking where this community discussion might be, if it is going on. Or to put it another way, are the many fine knowledgeable folk on this forum forming contingency plans if Logitech pulls the plug? Would we have to finance our own Forum, and establish a server somewhere to do at least some of the work of MySqueezebox.com? With enough members I am guessing that could be quite a modest subscription, and of course other commercial sponsorship might be found. Those who sell Raspberry Pi's to us would have an interest in keeping the show on the road, so also might the large streaming services for which our financial needs would be a drop in the ocean.

This has been discussed. The most recent thread on this topic that I recall was two years ago:

https://forums.slimdevices.com/showt...l=1#post961529

[Labarum]

Thanks Robb. I have been absent a number of years and am trying to catch up.

[Redrum]

My perspective, it's basically - be happy (ecstatic) with where we are. Yes, Logitech, a high volume device provider decided to walk away from squeezebox. But in many ways, squeezebox is better off because of it. I look at it as the party is still going on, they just aren't hosting it.

When I got started, 2007 maybe?, I was deciding between squeezebox and sonos. Both fine choices, but I choose squeezebox (a Duet) because of open source, a cooler product, and less expensive. The one thing I do miss from Logitech is the cool, well engineered product offerings. I think devices like the touch, boom, and radio are wonderful.

We are lucky the product line was open source because when Logitech exited, LMS could continue through the hard work of many in this community. Had Logitech remained involved, would so many advances in LMS, plugins, pcP, Max2Play, hardware integration, etc. have occurred so fast? Would you be able to post an issue or "nice to have" on their forum and have it addressed almost immediately? It's the old ocean liner and speedboat analogy. Had Logitech remained, would fixes, improvement, innovation have occurred so quickly? Would we have even had a voice? Everyone here has a voice, and it is so refreshing, eh?

The parents left the party, and the kids are having having a great time (while being very responsible)

You mention "contingency" in case Logitech makes a complete exit. I imagine Michael and others may have a few thoughts in mind, but I really don't worry. Challenges have come up in the past and this group always have a way to address it, quickly.

One last thing - My thoughts are no disrespect to Logitech. I have always appreciated their products, and give them allot of credit for continuing to support mysb.com, the forum, and Michael for his behemoth effort (I type this on a Logitech wireless keyboard and mouse )

Just my thoughts on a Sunday morning...

Jim

[Labarum]

My perspective, it's basically - be happy with where we are.

I agree. As I said I am trying to catch up after a few years absence and there are very considerable enhancements. They are down to a committed band of well motivated and qualified folk. I extend my thanks to them.

[Redrum]

I agree. As I said I am trying to catch up after a few years absence and there are very considerable enhancements. They are down to a committed band of well motivated and qualified folk. I extend my thanks to them.

welcome back