30 July 2023

Build a remote controlled Apple Music/Spotify jukebox.

Motivation

I wake up to music and sleep on it. I passively listen to podcasts while doing my routine work.

Aim

Build a low budget juke box for my soul.

Behind the scene

I use my phones limitlessly for 3 years and then switch to a new device which ever is latest in market. I have recently switched my phone, but the old phone is still in decent shape. 😷

I had two options with my old phone, Either I can sell it or keep it as a backup phone. In my opinion, the backup phone gets buried under dust as I rarely had a chance to use them, so the viable option was to sell it while I am still able to get a decent price.

While I was there at the store to sell my phone, It came across my mind that I had imagined creating a jukebox for myself for a long time. 🚀

I did not sell my phone and I started putting down a list of the components for this idea.

Peripherals I am using

• iPhone Xs
• Wireless Charger
• Speakers
• Bluetooth remote (Mandatory)

Phone

Using a phone is not a mandate. It is can be any device as long as it can be connected to internet, has bluetooth, and can play music. I would recommend using any old generation Android phone, just in case you donot have a bit recent device. It is just that the right device can add some good value.

• Bluetooth - It can increase the efficiency of the complete setup if your phone has Bluetooth 5.0
• Music Apps - Apple Music and Spotify can both stream losless music over bluetooth. I know it is not purely loseless if it is streamed over a wireless network, but the quality is still very superior in my opinion.
• Album Art - The images displayed by the music app while playing the songs add a vibe to the area where the device is placed.

Why a separate device for this?

I have an intent for all my devices! Like I use laptop for work, I play games on PS5, I use iPad for shopping and travel entertainment, and I use kindle for reading my books.

Wireless Charging

This helps in improving the asthetics of the corner where the device will be placed. My aim was that I should be able to access the device without un/plugging the charging wire.

I am using RAEGR Arc 750 Wireless Charging Stand, but a simple phone stand with L shaped charging cable can be minimal viable option.

Speakers

Choice of speakers mainly varies from quality of sound and budget. The options here are endless, so I will stick to one I am using. For this setup I have Bose SoundLink Mini.

I aspire to upgrade my speakers to a professional and a multi room setup. Also, I want to stream the music over WiFi, which will help me stream high fidelity music over greater distance and to more than one device at once.

Bluetooth remote

The bluetooth remote takes the complete setup to a different level. Till now, what I have covered is a very conventional music experience with any other bluetooth speaker and a device.

Most often, I play a background music while working and have to rush to pause it before heading into a meeting. Imagine relaxing on the couch and being able to change the track playing on the phone.

Bluetooth remote empowers you to control your device (Phone in my case) from a distance. Depending on the options available on the remote you can Play, Pause, Change track, Seek podcast, and Inc/Dec volume.

I have paired a remote with my phone and can control it from anywhere in my home. And as it is a Bluetooth remote, I donot have to be in the sight of my phone(Like in case of IR remotes). It works seemlessly from different rooms.

I am using a Amazon Fire tv remote, It is yet another phased out device lying around in my home. There are many affordable options.

I would suggest to have remote which has the player controls.

For your eyes