DSTVmobile launch a cute new iDrifta for the iPhone/iPad
Posted on June 6, 2012Update : DSTV mobile sent me one of these to review. Some of my comments below are inaccurate. Take a look at the “unboxing” post here : Unboxing of iDrifta with lots of pictures and comments. Review can be found here.
Today DSTVmobile announced a cute new iDrifta specifically for the Apple iPhone and iPad devices. The iDrifta is styled to match your iDevice and is diminutive in size compared to the previously available Driftas. The new device seems to be powered directly from the iDevice so no worries about keeping it charged and waiting for when you need it. It comes with an inbuilt Apple dock connector so no cables to fiddle with or lose.
Image “stolen” from the DSTV website
Being built specifically for iDevices has both pros and cons. Up to now iPhone/iPad users only had the option of the wi-fi Drifta which didn’t plug directly into the iDevice and required you to connect over wi-fi, losing your internet connection in the process. Since the Drifta client application doesn’t multi task or suspend this wasn’t a big deal. Switching out to check mail or an incoming notification would have killed the client app anyway and you would have to wait 20 to 30 seconds to reload the app and have it pick up signal again, not very practical.
It is doubtful the new iDrifta solves this problem, although you may be able to stay connected to the internet and get your notifications, so switching apps you would have seen a notification and know for sure there is something for your attention.
I often find myself watching sport on the iPad as it has the perfect size screen for DSTVmobile. Any bigger and the picture gets really blocky. Being a bit ADHD I like to do a couple of things at once so after a while I tend to hook the Drifta up to the laptop and surf the net on the iPad. With this new device that flexibility would be lost – you can use it only with the iDevice.
Still, for those who want a Drifta to use on the go with the iPhone or iPad, this looks like a really good option. It will be available in 10 days time from the normal outlets.
As always, officially the device doesn’t support jailbroken iPhone/iPads. It is unclear which version of the Drifta software on the iDevice supports the iDrifta, so the current hacked versions floating around probably won’t work. Buyer beware.
I have sent some questions to Maiyo at DTSVmobile, so hope to provide more information and perhaps do a full review later.
Justin
Press Release below after the jump
01 June 2012
DStv Mobile unveils the new iDrifta!
DStv Mobile announced today the launch of a brand new product: the iDrifta; a convenient little gadget that is set to enhance the mobile TV viewing experience on popular Apple mobile devices.
The iDrifta is a plug and play mobile DVB-H receiver exclusively for Apple mobile devices; it is portable, lightweight and designed to be simple and intuitive for users of these devices.
“Using the iDrifta is very easy, you simply plug it into an iOS device, the application opens automatically and viewing can begin right away” said Mark Rayner, CEO of DStv Mobile.
The device is compatible with iPod 4th generation, iPhone 4/4S and iPad 1/2/3. With a battery life of 3.5 hours, viewers are set to enjoy hours of music, sport, general entertainment, news and cartoons on the move.
“Remaining at the forefront of innovation is something important to us and we are continuously searching for ways to increase access to DStv Mobile. We acknowledge the popularity of Apple’s mobile devices, so launching the iDrifta was a natural progression in our strategy” concluded Rayner.
South Africans now have even more ways to make sure they stay tuned to two of the planets greatest sport events: the London 2012 Olympics which start on 27 July and UEFA Euro 2012 which kicks off on 8 June. The launch of the iDrifta comes just in time for Father’s day and would make the perfect gift for dads who can’t get enough sporting action.
The same great channels are available across all DStv Mobile capable devices and subscription is also the same at R49 per month. DStv Premium subscribers pay no additional subscription fee to access DStv Mobile.
The recommended retail price is R499 and the device will be available from MultiChoice service centres, select retail outlets and online stores from 11 June 2012. DStv Mobile coverage is available in the 9 major cities of South Africa: Johannesburg, Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Rustenburg, Mbombela, Polokwane, Port Elizabeth and Durban.
Issued by: Maiyo Simapungula Public Relations and Communications Manager DStv Mobile Maiyo.simapungula@dstvmobile.com Tel: 011 289 4214 Cell: 084 824 7757Tags: drifta, DSTV, dstvmobile, idrifta, ipad, iphone, Mobile, mobile tv
Categories: Fun things to do, Gadgets, iPad
Hi there, I have just purchase the new iDrifta and it has been registered etc, the app has been downloaded but when trying to connect, it tells me NO channels available, it does however work on the iPhone4 and nobody seems to be able to hep me.
I have an updated software version on the Ipad 2, all is in order from my side……..any suggestion would be appreciated.
04.07.2012 11:36
Hi Glen
Did you previously use the iPad with any other Driftas? It does seem a very strange problem. Are any error messages displayed? Regards
Justin
04.07.2012 13:45
ive got the same problem as glen. it says no channels and weak signal. but connect it to the iphone in the same place it work perfect.
27.09.2012 14:38