Which version of Plexamp for M1 MacBooks?

Plex Labs
1

So I just got a new MBP with the M1 chip, I am wondering which version of the Plexamp app should I install?

There is the MacOS app, which was built for the Intel version of Macs, so it will need Rosetta to translate, I wonder how well it will work?

And there is the iOS version of Plexamp, which theoretically should run natively on a M1 based MacBook, but iOS apps on the new Mac is very stiff, you can’t even resize the window!

I wish Plex can release a M1 Mac native app for Plexamp soon. But for now, which version of the apps should I install?

2

Very early days, I believe it will come in the New year. Most of there focus at present is DVR and Live TV updates with the new EPG providor, I would suggest.

1 Like
3

Just try both and run whichever works better for you.

No one can do anything different, until or if plex does release a native build.

4

Being just a player, I doubt there’s a major performance difference between the two. Maybe the iOS native one is better on battery life? But I’ve read that some X-platform created apps (like HBOMAX) don’t play as nice, within the interface. Report back after you’ve tested both.

5

I am thinking the desktop version will be better, as you can shape and resize it anyway you want to fit your computer screen. But it does need Rosetta to run, not sure if will work well yet.

6

With latest update of Big Sur you can now resize iOS apps.

I’ve done some testing on my m1 MacBook Air. the iOS app uses about half the CPU compared to the Intel Mac version.

7

we’ll definitely be releasing an Apple Silicon desktop version which should perform much better than via Rosetta.

over time, it might be that the iOS version ends up being a better choice, but needs more work to feel 100% desktop (e.g. hover states, etc.)

rejoice in your options!

7 Likes
8

I have been using the iOS version since I got my Mac Mini a couple of days ago. And it’s pretty usable for something designed for fingers instead of mouse pointers. Stable too from what I can see.

9

Thanks, Elan. When might you release a native version of the Media Server?

10

don’t have a specific date, but i know we’ve made (and continue to make) progress on it.

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