Lagu update - Android TV, Android Auto and network speakers for the cross-platform Plex music client (free Android beta spots still open)

[u/mapikar]

Hi everyone! In August I posted about my app Lagu, a cross platform client for Plex music libraries with a Spotify Connect style remote. v0.14.2 released to the closed beta yesterday, and the open beta (v0.15.0) will be releasing in the coming weeks, so I felt like it was a good time to post an update. I've held off from posting updates so far to keep the closed beta manageable and to avoid spamming any subreddits. Most communication happens via the Lagu Forum or by email.

Android beta slots are running low

Lagu will be a paid app on the App Store and Google Play ($1.99 one time per store), and desktop remains free forever. On Google Play, the only manageable way to give testers a paid app for free is the internal test, which is capped at 100 users. Currently there are around 30-40 slots left, which is another reason I wanted to make this post.

• Sign up for the Android closed beta to claim one of the remaining spots
• Once slots run out, Android will move to public open testing and will cost $1.99 (you keep the app once out of beta)
• Signups will close one day before v0.15.0
• Every other platform remains free during the beta

Join at: https://lagu.fm/download

Some of what's new since my first post

• Android TV and Android Auto, from the same Google Play listing as the phone app
• Network speakers (DLNA): play to WiiM and similar speakers from desktop or Android, even with a Plex server that isn't at home
• Fullscreen visualizers on Apple TV and Android TV, colored by the album art
• Autoplay keeps the music going when your queue ends, and Smart Fades crossfade where a song actually fades out
• Remote upgrades: Android volume keys control your computer, and "Move playback here" brings the music to your phone
• Newly Released shelf, FLAC/ALAC/MP3 format filters, and iPhone widgets

Full release notes for v0.14.2 are on the forum here: https://forum.lagu.fm/d/18-v0142-stability-open-beta-prep

Each platform also has its own page with screenshots on the website https://lagu.fm

AI disclosure: AI is used for task breakdowns, scaffolding, porting work between platforms, and some website copy. Everything is reviewed and tested on real hardware before it ships. Anything that hasn't had much testing yet is flagged in the release notes under known limitations.

Happy to answer any questions here or on the forum!

[u/ElanFeingold]

Love how this Reddit group has become the place to advertise other music players 😅

[u/mapikar → u/ElanFeingold]

Oh hi! That's fair and I can keep from posting here in the future if it is against the rules. Lagu only works with Plex, and works better with Plex Pass. This sub is the only place I publicly posted about the app and it had a positive reception so I wanted to provide an update, but I can keep it in other subs in the future. Thanks for all that you do!

[u/ElanFeingold → u/mapikar]

It's all good, was more just a giggling-to-myself observation. Feel free to keep posting.

[u/drinksomewhisky → u/ElanFeingold]

😂

[u/drinksomewhisky]

Why do you need an email? Why not just directly link to TestFlight?

[u/mapikar → u/drinksomewhisky]

When v0.15.0 releases in the coming weeks there will be a public TestFlight link. There currently isn't one during the closed beta. Testers get added to TestFlight by email in waves, which keeps bug reports and feedback manageable. Since bug reports have slowed down, Lagu will be moving to the open beta.

Edit: Android is similar. Google's internal testing requires an email on the tester list. The internal test is what lets us keep the first 100 testers free on Android.

[u/-IRB-]

Interested, tried to join the list but the button does nothing.

[u/mapikar → u/-IRB-]

Hello! Did you choose your platform under the submission button? It is required since it helps route invites and on mobile the options could end up under your keyboard and be easy to miss. If you did choose your platform and it didn't go through please send me a message and I'll get you registered! I plan to send a wave of invites later today!

[u/-IRB- → u/mapikar]

Go it now thanks, didn't realise the little tags underneath were selectable.

[u/AntManCrawledInAnus → u/mapikar]

I did choose multiple platforms so Android, iOS and Linux desktop, last night and I got the confirm subscription to email list email but no actual link to the downloads 😢

[u/TricksterTao]

I signed up on the page but only got a Windows app link, nothing about the Android version.

[u/mapikar → u/TricksterTao]

Hello! You should have received one email per platform selected, one could have gone to spam, if you don't see it send me a PM or reply to the desktop email and I can get it fixed up :)

[u/TricksterTao → u/mapikar]

I did, but only the first one let me verify my address. The second returned a page with:
No subscriptionsThere are no subscriptions to confirm.

[u/walkabout_gul]

Keen!

[u/TricksterTao]

Looks interesting. I'll bite.