Best iPad App for MinimlServer

[DavidHB]

(11-03-2024 19:32)Donuk Wrote:  It is a Marmite app, I grant you

I'd second that. Although I like Marmite, I have never liked Lumin.

(11-03-2024 19:32)Donuk Wrote:  What I also like is the fact that it stores all the disk data - images and metadata of files on the iPad.

This is one of the main reasons I don't use Lumin. Essentially, it wants to duplicate, in its own way, the work already done in MinimServer. You can get to your carefully crafted MinimServer browsing structure in Lumin, by selecting what it calls 'folder view' (not the same as folder view in MinimServer), but this is really working against what the app wants to do natively.

The point is that if, like Donuk, you are comfortable with the way Lumin works, that's fine; if not, use another app. It is of course arguable that, if you like Lumin, you can use a pretty basic, non user configurable server, like those installed by default on some NASs. MinimServer, however, allows you (in the paid for version) to configure your browsing structure in the way you want, and that structure will stay the same, whatever control point app is in use. This, of course, precisely what the designers of the Lumin app don't want to happen.

As I am not a user of Apple devices, I cannot claim to know in detail the full range of control point apps available of iOS. The Linn app seems to be as good as any, but, being OpenHome- rather than UpnP AV-based, it requires the use of Bubble UPnP Server as middleware for players that use the standard UPnP AV protocol. And, naturally enough, the app is designed for the Linn ecosystem, which may prove to be an irritation with players from other manufacturers.

Sadly, the control app that, in my experience, works both most logically and reliably - Bubble - is only available for Android. Bubble comes in two flavours: Bubble UPnP for players using the standard protocol and BubbleDS for OpenHome players (such as Linn DS/DSMs). The two apps work similarly and both are closely compatible with MinimServer. One option for iOS users is to buy a cheap (e.g. second hand) Android tablet, install Bubble on it and use it as a dedicated music system controller.

David