> Except AirPlay requires an existing WiFi network Indeed, but AirDrop does not, and there's no denying that technically AirPlay could trivially be made to wor

> Except AirPlay requires an existing WiFi network Indeed, but AirDrop does not, and there's no denying that technically AirPlay could trivially be made to work that way. My bet is Apple chose not to. I certainly don't want the 12 YO neighbour to send crap on my TV. So what's interesting about AirPlay currently requiring an AP is that it therefore requires authentication with the network to be used. What's more, the AirPlay receiver is constantly passively waiting and requires no acknowledgement on the device itself, whereas AirDrop requires 1. entering AirDrop mode at the same time and 2. ack on both parties. I certainly would not want such a scheme to happen on my TV, but it would be necessary so that not anyone can connect.