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Airwave Radio App

Airwave

Simple Radio Streaming for Chromecast

RoleSolo Developer
Timeline2020-2023
IndustryMedia / Entertainment
TypePersonal Project
JavaScriptChromecast SDKWeb Audio API

Airwave is a side project born from a personal frustration. Every day, I struggled to use my Chromecast-enabled devices to listen to my favourite radio stations. The existing solutions were either too complicated, unreliable, or didn't support Chromecast properly.

What started as solving my own use case turned into a simple, elegant solution that I shared with others who had the same problem. The project demonstrates that sometimes the best products come from scratching your own itch.

Challenges Solved

  • Seamless Chromecast Integration: Built reliable Chromecast connectivity that "just works," eliminating the frustration of connection drops and compatibility issues.
  • Simple, Intuitive Interface: Created a radio tuning interface that's so simple anyone can use it. No complicated menus, no confusing options— just pick a station and listen.
  • Reliable Streaming: Ensured consistent, high-quality audio streaming across different devices and network conditions.
  • Personal Pain Point: Solved a real problem that affected my daily life, which motivated me to create the best possible solution.

Technical Approach

The application is built with vanilla JavaScript, keeping it lightweight and fast. The Chromecast SDK integration handles the casting functionality, while the Web Audio API manages audio streaming and playback.

The minimalist approach extends to the codebase—no unnecessary frameworks or dependencies. This keeps the app fast, maintainable, and easy to understand.

The UI design prioritizes simplicity above all else. Large, clear buttons, minimal text, and instant feedback make the experience feel natural and effortless.

Outcomes

  • Solved Personal Problem: Successfully addressed my daily frustration with Chromecast radio listening, making my mornings more enjoyable.
  • Zero-Friction Experience: Created a listening experience with no learning curve—users can start listening to their favorite stations in seconds.
  • Full Chromecast Compatibility: Achieved reliable Chromecast support across all compatible devices.
  • Shared with Community: Released the project publicly, helping others who had the same frustration with existing radio streaming solutions.
  • Minimalist Philosophy: Demonstrated that sometimes the best solution is the simplest one—no bloat, no complexity, just what's needed.