Beta testing new IFE devices
Aug 28, 2014, 8:40 pm
#46
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: UA 1K MM, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 380
Flew on one of these beta test A320's for the first time today. The FA's announced that it would be available once we reached cruising altitude, and I turned to my seat mate and was like "ha, I'll believe it when I see it."
I will admit, I ate my words. Flipped open the iPad, launched unitedwifi and the streaming worked pretty brilliantly. Selection was the same content as what was on my 787 flight earlier in the day. The only issue I encountered was that the app didn't seem to like it when I paused, as it would not resume when I hit play. I would have to exit the video, re-select it and scroll to where I had last left off.
That said, I was impressed and look forward to the completed roll out.
I will admit, I ate my words. Flipped open the iPad, launched unitedwifi and the streaming worked pretty brilliantly. Selection was the same content as what was on my 787 flight earlier in the day. The only issue I encountered was that the app didn't seem to like it when I paused, as it would not resume when I hit play. I would have to exit the video, re-select it and scroll to where I had last left off.
That said, I was impressed and look forward to the completed roll out.
Aug 28, 2014, 9:58 pm
#47
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MDE
Programs: AA EP, CM PP, AV GM, UA Silver, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Plat, Marriott Plat, Accor Plat
Posts: 1,002
I have a 4 month old MacBook Pro that I keep upgraded, including the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox and Safari. With several UA flights booked for the remainder of the year, I'm concerned that I won't have the right plug-in if I should have the chance to check this out.
Having read through all the posts, I may have missed it, but I can't find where anyone specifies what plug-in would be required. If any of you know, please share. Those of us who have yet to find out would appreciate the opportunity to download the app before we find ourselves in the position of some here who say they have been unable to view the movies on their laptops.
Thanks in advance, fellow FTers!
Having read through all the posts, I may have missed it, but I can't find where anyone specifies what plug-in would be required. If any of you know, please share. Those of us who have yet to find out would appreciate the opportunity to download the app before we find ourselves in the position of some here who say they have been unable to view the movies on their laptops.
Thanks in advance, fellow FTers!
Aug 28, 2014, 10:20 pm
#48
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,621
Having read through all the posts, I may have missed it, but I can't find where anyone specifies what plug-in would be required. If any of you know, please share. Those of us who have yet to find out would appreciate the opportunity to download the app before we find ourselves in the position of some here who say they have been unable to view the movies on their laptops.
Aug 29, 2014, 2:21 am
#50
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 529
Beta testing new IFE devices
I like the new PDE. It sure beats looking up at a small screen with blurry images for several hours. But I have to agree with Buster: more current movie selections needed. Remember to bring your devices fully charged in case there are no electrical outlets.
Aug 29, 2014, 7:15 am
#51
Join Date: Nov 2013
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 223
I experienced it for the first time on my flight from Austin to SFO last night. I had very low expectations, and was pleasantly surprised. The streaming was flawless, and the picture quality was very high. I watched a few episodes of the House of Cards.
Aug 29, 2014, 11:39 am
#52
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
Just tried this on a 320 SFO-LAX this morning. Impressive. Very easy to use through the mobile app, nice selection of titles, flawless stream to my iPhone. Way better than Delta Connect (which I tried last weekend) in every respect.
Aug 29, 2014, 3:29 pm
#53
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Illinois-downstate
Programs: UA 1K, UA MM, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 955
I admit to being less than a geek when it comes to electronic devices. I have no music or movies downloaded to my phone or laptop. I use a Sony Vaio. Will it be of any use on my flight to HNL in the next 10 days, should we have the beta capability? I see everyone refering to their iPads or iPhones. I don't have either! My phone is Android.
Do I supply my own earphones for this new beta??? I have a pair that are years old, but still work. Can't wear earbuds. They won't stay in my ears!
Do I supply my own earphones for this new beta??? I have a pair that are years old, but still work. Can't wear earbuds. They won't stay in my ears!
Aug 30, 2014, 12:11 am
#54
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: SMF
Programs: UA 1K MM, AA EXP
Posts: 1,537
It really astonishes me how those who use "corporate speak" all day (presumably with the deliberate goal of obfuscation) suddenly find themselves needing to actually communicate an important and relatively straightforward concept to their customers. It seems that they cannot break the habit they have so carefully practiced and leave us all needing to re-read the "message" (
) a number of times before we think we've got it.Lurker
Aug 30, 2014, 5:29 pm
#55
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,956
We had it on my flight from LAX-ORD today. There were no headphones in the seatback pocket, so you should bring your headphones.
Aug 30, 2014, 7:28 pm
#56
Join Date: Jul 2005
Programs: UA Premier Gold
Posts: 503
What are their plans with respect to content? I've noticed that the streaming selection is older than the AVOD selection. I've read that studios would be hesitant to allow streaming for newer titles because of the increased risk of piracy.
Aug 30, 2014, 7:35 pm
#57
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Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,450
On which aircraft? They were streaming new releases on my 320 on Friday.
Aug 30, 2014, 11:03 pm
#58
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Syd
Programs: UA 1k 1MM, VA G
Posts: 886
Just got off an A320 SFO-LAX
Streaming was Boarding to Gate with no interruptions
I just managed to finish off MIB2 during the flight and was quite happy with how well the app worked
It was IMHO a better experience then on a DirectTV aircraft
Streaming was Boarding to Gate with no interruptions
I just managed to finish off MIB2 during the flight and was quite happy with how well the app worked
It was IMHO a better experience then on a DirectTV aircraft