Version 1.71 (HTTPS Changes, Bug Fixes)

SomaFM recently changed how they handled HTTPS on their streams, which broke MPlayer support on Linux. Since this is one of the only combinations that actually supported HTTPS streams, I've decided to simply use HTTP across the board now. The script already disabled HTTPS when on Windows/Mac, so in a way this is the easier approach. Bad news for anyone worried about somebody hitting their Groove Salad stream with a MITM attack though.

This release also addresses a long standing unclean exit bug, and for purely cosmetic purposes, now has better handling of long channel names in the list view. (Thanks, Department Store Christmas)

Version 1.7 (Initial Windows Support)

I tracked down a computer running Windows and fixed a few issues that kept the script from running on non-Unix operating systems. Everything seems to work as expected with MPlayer, but there's some issue preventing the track names from showing up with mpg123, and I'm actually now realizing that I didn't even try mpv. So still some kinks to work out, but at least that's a foot in the door.

Most notable change for non-Windows users is that you can now give the Chromecast device name on the command line when you use the -c option. Before you had to use a variable in the script itself to set the device name, but I recently realized that wasn't really an option for those who installed through PyPi. The variable can still be used for those who have access to the source file, and remains the default if no device is given interactively.

Version 1.61 (HOPE 2020 Release)

With HOPE 2020 going virtual, it seemed fitting to do another release of the player for anyone who needs some background music while chatting and watching the online streams.

Not a whole lot has changed since v1.6, but there is a fix for MPlayer on Mac OS which our Apple friends should appreciate. The player now generates a PID file which keeps the user from accidentally running multiple instances, and a new debug output has been added which can be useful when diagnosing backend player issues.

Version 1.5 (DEF CON 27 Release)

Just in time for SomaFM's live stream from DEF CON 27, here is version 1.5 of somafm.py.

Feature creep has certainly set in now, as this version includes totally unnecessary features such as Chromecast support and desktop notifications. There's also optional support for highlighting known station IDs in the track listings, and a new --about screen which gives listeners some information on SomaFM and how they can help. There's even been improvements to channel matching, so it's not quite so annoying when you want to listen to something other than the default "Groove Salad".