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Sky dubs upcoming internet TV service 'Now TV', chases those currently without pay-TV
After recently announcing plans to launch a new over-the-top internet based TV service in the UK Sky CEO Jeremy Darroch has revealed its name, Now TV, and what it will bring to customers. Speaking at the Media Guardian Changing Media Summit in London, Darroch indicated Now TV would operate as its own brand, targeting the 13 million UK homes that don't pay for TV from any provider. It will start offering instant access to movies this summer followed by sports and other entertainment soon after, with access by monthly subscription or PPV across a variety of devices. It will be different from the existing Sky TV service, and all of its online tie-ins like Sky Go by focusing on flexibility and "spontaneous access" Constantly complaining about a lack of access to programming like, say, Game of Thrones without a traditional pay-TV package? It sounds like this should be right up your alley, so while details like exact pricing are still TBA, feel free to hit the source links below for all of the info currently available including a transcript of his speech, or head to the Now TV website directly to sign up for updates.
Adobe announces Project Primetime video platform, Highlights available now for iPad (update: video)
If you've been wondering what Adobe had in the works after laying Flash Player for mobile to rest, the wait is over. The outfit has unveiled the codenamed Project Primetime, the "industry's first fully integrated video technology platform" that will offer television-esque viewing sessions across your web-enabled devices. This tech plays nice with all "major" mobile platforms -- including iOS -- as well as desktop operating systems and smart TVs. Touting a workflow that pulls together streaming, content protection, analytics and advertising, the software will allow media providers to offer live and on-demand viewing on a number of internet-friendly devices. The first portion of Adobe's project, "Primetime Highlights," is available today for the iPad and showcases a video editor (pictured above) alongside the Auditude ad platform. Don't fret, though, support for other platforms is coming later in the year. While Primetime is on display for the first time at MWC, parts of the new tech will see daylight throughout 2012. If you're looking for some more details, hit the full press release below. Update: We added a quick video demo from the Adobe Blogs below. [Thanks dude2k5 for the heads up.]
Verizon and Redbox team up to launch streaming and physical media service later this year
It once was a rumor but now it's real: Verizon and Redbox are joining forces on what is said to be the "best of both worlds" -- a service that will offer both physical media and streaming content for subscribers. Details are slim at this point but the supposed "Project Zoetrope" will offer DVD and Blu-ray media in addition to on-demand streaming plus downloadable content. The Netflix-like service will be launching in the second half of this year and, while "multi-platform" support for "devices" is mentioned, it's not stated whether any of those will be non-Verizon. Though, Big Reds' claims that it will "erase all technological boundaries" does make us slightly optimistic. Still, we'll have to wait a few more months to know for sure.[Thanks, Kevin]
Comcast's connected cable box making a run at the FCC?
Well, it's no secret that Comcast is starting to experiment with web-connected cable boxes, and now it looks like one of those set tops is moseying on through the FCC. The Pace-made "Parker" appears to have passed muster with regulators and you'll find both label examples and a user manual at the source link as evidence. There isn't much to learn about the tuner or, at least not much surprising. The usual bevy of coax, HDMI, composite and component ports are around back, as well as a CableCARD slot. What is of interest is the eSATA port and SD Card slot -- the later of which appears to be meant for servicing the box. Sadly, when it comes to connectivity, there is no WiFi on board, only Ethernet. Which means you'll run more wires to connect to your local network. Hit up the source if you're a fan of bureaucratic filings.
Dreamer trying to draw Java developers to its BIDDLE API
So far, BD-Live seems like an answer to a question no one particularly cares about, but we're still holding out hope that the technology will be put to good use by someone. The devil's in the details (read - please make it pleasant to use), but putting Profile 2.0 into service as a streaming service like Videocity is promising sounds like a step in the right direction. Lest we forget Dreamer's efforts along the same lines, the company is showing off its Java-based BIDDLE API to developers in hopes of gaining some traction for "BluTube" type of applications. Yeah, we need another way of accessing YouTube about as much as we need more dust bunnies behind the TV, but we see way more potential on this front than, say, Yakuza Fighter redux. With wireless networking, more codecs and increased persistent storage showing up in Blu-ray decks, APIs like BIDDLE just might make the line between STBs and Blu-ray players really blurry -- and if it means we can eBay away some of those STBs, we're all for it.
The future of Ford's SYNC starts on May 26, future of US auto industry still uncertain
If you were around for our 2009 CES coverage you might have caught our ears-on demonstration of the future of Ford and Microsoft's SYNC technology, which delivered traffic, directions, and weather over a Bluetooth-tethered handset -- no monthly fee or even a data plan required. It was said the update would be included in 2010 Fords, which is still true, but owners of older models can also get in on the fun with an update coming early next week (installable via thumb drive). That's hot, but even hotter is talk of what's planned for the next update: internet radio, and Pandora is on the short list for hopeful inclusion. Have you streamed in a Ford, lately?Update: As pointed out by commenter ericr34, it actually sounds like owners of earlier SYNC cars may not be able to get in on all this goodness. Here's to hoping that Ford enables pre-recession car buyers to experience the upgrade fun.
