Hmmm, thinking more about what Jim said above you guys could merge an Android media player within the same app (and kill two birds with one stone). The app could function as both a standalone (Android) media player AND incorporate JRemote's feature set. The income created from the subscriptions *should* hopefully fund having a developer actively developing the app.
It could playback from local media on the phone, over DLNA/MCWS/etc. Could also allow offline downloads too (and could be used as a "wireless sync" type of deal, allowing the user to send playlists/files to the phone/tablet/other device or vice versa). Honestly if that was viable, the name JRemote wouldn't apply anymore (except as a JRemote feature within the app)... call it something like JPlayer or JMedia Player... or JRiver Media Center!
Both Google Play and the Apple Store allow subscriptions, so that wouldn't be an issue.
Again just thinking aloud.
EDIT: For the sake of being simple, an app that could do the following;
- Function as a media player and playback any type of media located locally on the device (whether it be a phone, tablet, etc.), including audio, video and images. Likely Android at first, but *could* support iOS in the future?
- Incorporate JRemote's features (remote, player, etc.).
- Could support offline downloads or allow "wirelessly syncing/pushing" of playlists and/or files from a PC/Mac/Pi to a phone/tablet/etc. or vice versa (I'm thinking JRemote/DLNA/MCWS could help here with that, if possible).
- To fund development, either be a monthly and/or yearly subscription instead of a one-time purchase.