GLOOLABS

::: What is GLOO?
GLOO™ is a Java-based platform for creating network applications that distribute multimedia content in a peer-to-peer fashion between devices on a network. GLOO is the way to bridge the chasm between PCs and Consumer Electronic devices by making the content stored on a PC (or other media storage device) accessible to legacy, current and future consumer electronics devices (such as an existing stereo system).

Key features:

Peer-to-peer network architecture – All GLOO enabled devices communicate with each other on a TCP/IP network wired or wirelessly.
Interoperable protocol standard – GLOO devices will work with other GLOO devices from different manufacturers.
Supports UPnP and UPnP AV standards – Intel NMPR Validated for Media Server Control Points.
Multi-platform – Because GLOO is written in 100% Java, it will run on any platform or device that supports the Java Runtime Environment.
Independence from media management – GLOO works with popular content management systems (iTunes, MusicMatch, WinAMP).
Open firmware philosophy – The Java source code is made available to the GLOO developer community. Developers will be able to enhance any of the software components including the firmware running on the hardware.

::: The GLOO Network Environment
Three types of devices exist in the GLOO Network Environment: multimedia content libraries (such as a PC with an MP3 collection), hardware players that can output media content (available from local retailers), and remote controls that manage content sharing between content libraries and players (this can be another PC, a PDA, or a network enabled cell phone). These three device types communicate with each other over a local area or home network through a GLOO communication protocol. Details of each of these components are as follows:

GLOO Media Server: The media server software runs on Windows, Macintosh, and Linux PCs and activates the hardware making the content available to the GLOO Network Environment.

Features include:

File request based – it works with the local file system to serve up file requests from other GLOO network devices.
Integrated with content managers – the software can read ID3 tags and display hierarchical trees of content (album, artist, etc.). It reads other playlist formats and on the Mac works directly with the iTunes XML database.
Internet-enabled – can also stream Internet Radio.
Small size – the entire component is approximately 400KB which in addition to running on standard PCs, also allows it to be run on a GLOO Player device with an attached hard disk to act as a content library without the need for a PC.

GLOO Player: The player software comes loaded on a consumer hardware device and discovers GLOO Media Libraries on the local network. Player devices can access media files (initially mp3 audio) and play them through the devices itself with powered speakers or through a connected consumer audio device, such as a stereo system. A GLOO Hardware Emulator can be downloaded and run on a PC to simulate the function of a GLOO Player device.

Features include:

Fully customizable interface
LCD based content navigation system
Upgradeable audio CODECs
Easily modifiable firmware
Fault-tolerant buffer management system

GLOO Remote Control: The communications between GLOO Media Libraries and GLOO Players can be controlled through remote control software. The remote control software can run on a PC, a PDA, or any Java enabled network device.

Features include:

Discovery and control of multiple GLOO Media Libraries
Discovery and control of multiple GLOO Players
Synchronization of changes in the state of the system (for example, the remote control can see what any player is currently playing)

DMTP: GLOO devices communicate to each other and to other devices on the network using DMTP (Digital Media Transfer Protocol).

Features include:

Auto device discovery – allows GLOO devices to find and establish communications with each other on a network.
Asynchronous messaging – establishes commands that GLOO devices use to communicate requests and results.
Media transfer facilities – provides primitives for moving or streaming digital media around the network.
Protocol adapter technology – extends GLOO integration with other media protocols (UpnP AV and Rendezvous are currently supported and will include other protocols and standards as they emerge).

::: The GLOO Developer Network
Imagine a flexible, powerful, accessible development environment that gives developers entry into the digital convergence market and the millions of potential users at home and at work. GLOO is the platform that binds software, hardware and services that will spawn a variety of novel multimedia applications.

The objective of GlooLabs is to create an open platform by which developers can define their own mechanisms for content definition, delivery, presentation, and control of consumer multimedia devices. And rather than restricting users to specific content management systems on specific operating systems running specific network communication protocols, we believe in leveraging existing systems running multiple platforms and seamlessly integrating with them. GLOO is built entirely in Java to leverage the Java hardware and OS abstraction features. Its network SPI mechanism is intended to create a GLOO network that subsumes other network protocols used by other media management devices (such as UPnPAV or Rendezvous). And, the Gloolet API hardware platform allows you to define your own application for presentation.

In support of our objectives, GlooLabs will shortly be launching the GLOO Developer Network to provide GLOO developers with a variety of tools, information, and resources to support their GLOO development efforts. Developers are free to create and modify applications that will run on GLOO devices that support audio, video, photos and other backend service. In the meantime, sign up for GlooNews: Developer Edition and stay informed of GlooLabs annoucements, opportunities, and special developer offers.