Apple Music doesn't work with BluOS or Bluesound Node
Answered
I tried to set up a Mac Mini as a server by downloading music through Apple Music to the Mac Mini. I then shared the Mac Mini with BluOS. I found that some of the music I downloaded appeared in BluOS and some didn't. That's because some files are m4p (protected) and some are m4a (not protected). There is no logic to which files are protected and which aren't. For instance, 4 songs from the same album are unprotected and the rest are protected so I can only see the 4 unprotected songs in BluOS. Some entire albums are protected so BluOS doesn't see them at all and some entire albums are not protected and they can be seen in BluOS.
I spoke with Apple Senior Techs who advised that all music downloaded through Apple Music should be m4p (protected). They did not know why some of the files I had downloaded weren't protected but said that any unprotected files would likely become protected in the future.
My understanding is that there is currently no possibility to play lossless music with an Apple Music subscription to any streaming device or amp unless it's an iPhone/iPad connected with a wire (camera connection kit). Alternatively, you would need to purchase each album through iTunes and then it would be m4a (unprotected) file.
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Official comment
Apple Music is not a supported service on BluOS, this is entirely Apple's decision. I use Qobuz and used Tidal in the past. Qobuz is well integrated in BluOS and has many 24/192 kHz tracks. My local library is close to 40k FLAC files some are purchased high resolution files others are DSD conversions to FLAC.
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To add to Brian's comments - Apple AirPlay works fine.
Also Apple DRM (M4P) was dropped in 2009. Please contact Apple Support how to re-download your content purchased prior to 2009.
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Tony W. This is true for any of the 2i products, but not for the original Pulse 2, for example. Is that correct? I own a few Pulse Mini 2i's which work fine, but the core of my system is a Vault plus three Pulse 2's and an original Node (all conveniently purchased just a few months prior to the release of the 2i). When I group those devices using the Vault as the primary connection (it has over 40,000 music files) and then adding the Minis and the Pulses on top, I am unable to "see" the grouping in Apple Music. It works for the most part just fine in BluOS and using Tidal or Spotify (though it does occasionally experience audio that breaks up). But I cannot use these speakers directly from Apple Music. Thanks for correcting me if I am doing something incorrectly (or if you have a workaround!!). (PS. I have a super strong network, so I know it is not a network signal issue - using multiple Google Nest devices in a single-story 3,000 sq ft house with no close neighbors.)
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Since Apple Music relies on Airplay and the original Pulse 2's and Node don't support Airplay the burden is on the Airplay devices to relay the signal to those without Airplay. I have a Flex 2i w/Airplay and a P 300 without. If I set the Flex as the primary and group with the P 300 I am able to Airplay *most of the time*. It's not as reliable as other methods. P 300 and Flex 2i are both wired.
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Thanks Brian. That's been my workaround as well... it gets finicky at times. I'm also a bit bummed as I seem to "lose track of" my Vault 2 (no Airplay support) in BluOS with 40,000+ songs on it. Great sound, but kind of a lot of maintenance required for the functionality...
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Hi Doug
Bluesound Players manufactured prior to 2018's release of 2i lack the hardware authentication chip required by Apple to allow for AirPlay. It cannot be fixed in software.
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I just got a Node 3 and I am to understand Apple Music AKA Itunes will not work with this device? If I am wrong, please show me how to do it.
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Steve L... I'm sure Tony will reply, but my understanding is that all hardware made after 2018 works just fine. I just bought at 2i to replace my old 2 which had the problem I was mentioning... You should be able to see the Node when you are playing Apple Music on your phone etc and you click the button looking for bluetooth speakers... your device should just be there as long as you are in bluetooth range or on the same wifi.
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I had it working with Node2, until I received the dreaded Red light.
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Two Ways to support iTunes...
AirPlay; https://support.bluos.net/hc/en-us/articles/360013227054
File Sharing from your PC; https://support.bluos.net/hc/en-us/articles/360000469948
Any issues? Please select Settings, Send Support Request in the BluOS App and our Support Crew will be happy to help. (Help, Send Support Request in Windows or macOS)
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to confusing for me, need more help. I am 72 and not that smart when it comes setting or even the terms.
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