[Bug] Local Audio App - nowplaying binary crashes with Node.js v18/v20/v22 compatibility error on macOS

[crimsonsunset]

Bug Summary:
The Local Audio app fails to work on macOS due to a critical Node.js compatibility issue with the n-nowplaying.darwin-universal.node binary. The binary crashes across multiple Node.js versions (v18, v20, v22) with the error NODE_MODULE_VERSION mismatch, preventing the Local Audio app from controlling any local media players.

Environment:

• OS: macOS 14.5.0 (Darwin 24.5.0)
• DeskThing Version: Latest (Local Audio app v0.11.1)
• Node.js Versions Tested: v18.x, v20.x, v22.7.0
• Device: M1/M2 Mac (Apple Silicon)

Steps to Reproduce:

1. Install DeskThing Local Audio app v0.11.1 by Riprod
2. Navigate to ~/Library/Application Support/deskthing/apps/audio/server/
3. Test the nowplaying binary directly:

   node -e "const { NowPlaying } = require('./n-nowplaying.darwin-universal.node'); const np = new NowPlaying();"

4. Observe the crash

Actual Behavior:

Error: The module '/path/to/n-nowplaying.darwin-universal.node'
was compiled against a different Node.js version using
NODE_MODULE_VERSION 108. This version of Node.js requires
NODE_MODULE_VERSION 127. Please try re-compiling or re-installing
the module (for instance, using `npm rebuild` or `npm install`).

Expected Behavior:

• The Local Audio app should successfully interface with macOS media session APIs
• SoundCloud in Chrome, Spotify, and other media players should be controllable through DeskThing
• Track information should display on the DeskThing device

Evidence the APIs Work:

• ✅ macOS built-in Now Playing controls work perfectly with SoundCloud in Chrome
• ✅ Media Session API is functional (proven by system-level controls)
• ❌ DeskThing Local Audio app fails due to binary incompatibility

Additional Context:

DeskThing Logs Show the Issue:

[INFO] Refreshed music data from audio
[ERROR] App undefined had issue being verified App does not have a name!

Technical Analysis:

1. Root Cause: The node-nowplaying binary dependency is compiled for an older Node.js version
2. Impact: Complete failure of Local Audio functionality on macOS
3. Scope: Affects all macOS users trying to control local media
4. Workaround Attempts: Tried downloading latest binary from JoeyEamigh/nowplaying repo - same issue

Binary Details:

• File: n-nowplaying.darwin-universal.node
• Source: JoeyEamigh/nowplaying repository
• Current Version: v0.1.0
• Issue: Built against NODE_MODULE_VERSION 108, modern Node.js requires 127+

Proposed Solutions:

1. Immediate Fix: Rebuild the nowplaying binary for current Node.js versions (v18+)
2. Alternative: Switch to a different media session API library that's actively maintained
3. Compatibility Layer: Use Node.js version detection and multiple binary variants
4. Long-term: Consider implementing native macOS MediaRemote API calls directly

Related Information:

• nowplaying Library: https://github.com/JoeyEamigh/nowplaying
• Similar Issue Pattern: This affects Windows/Linux users with different NODE_MODULE_VERSION mismatches
• Impact Level: Critical - core functionality completely broken on macOS

Files Affected:

• ~/Library/Application Support/deskthing/apps/audio/server/n-nowplaying.darwin-universal.node
• ~/Library/Application Support/deskthing/apps/audio/server/index.js
• ~/Library/Application Support/deskthing/apps/audio/server/nowplayingWrapper.ts

Testing Performed:

• ✅ Verified accessibility permissions are set correctly
• ✅ Confirmed DeskThing is properly getting "music data from audio"
• ✅ Tested across Node.js v18, v20, v22 - all fail identically
• ✅ Verified macOS system media APIs work independently
• ✅ Fixed corrupted apps.json config issues (separate bug)

Priority: High - Core feature completely non-functional for macOS users

Labels: bug, macOS, audio, compatibility, critical