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Boxee desktop app being removed from servers tonight, get it while you can
We knew that the Boxee desktop app's days were numbered, we just didn't realize how numbered. It was only the day after Christmas that we learned version 1.5 would be the last to ship for Linux, Windows and OS X. Now, with January coming to a close, its life is officially being snuffed out. Tonight, as you flip the calendar to February, Boxee will be busy purging its servers of the installable media center software. What that means, in case you hadn't figured it out, is that this is your last chance to download the official app for your desktop OS of choice as the company shifts focus to the Boxee Box and other streaming appliances. Of course, we're sure someone will pick up the torch and update the program, but as far as Boxee is concerned it has no desktop son.
Plex for Windows Phone 7 client hands-on (video)
We're here at CES Showstoppers and we've just managed to wrangle ourselves a sneaky-peek at the currently-in-development Plex client for Windows Phone 7. Plex is an XMBC spin-off that's quickly becoming a favorite of serious home theater users and the range of devices you can get the service on (Google TV, iOS, OSX, Android, Samsung Smart TVs) is growing rapidly. The Windows Phone 7 client lets you use your device as a remote control for your media setup or stream it straight to your device. Once you've selected a film, it'll aggregate your metadata from a variety of sources for actor bios, synopses and galleries. There's also "read it later" style save-lists and recommendations for when you want to share videos with friends. You can also customize the data rate of your streaming content when you're nursing your bandwidth: although in our demo, the lowest settings make everything look seriously jerky. Other tidbits of news that are on the horizon: you'll soon have DLNA server access to the usual glut of streaming video sites and a redesigned interface for large screen TVs (instead of mirroring the tablet interface). After the break we've got a short walkthrough of the Windows Phone client and some beautiful pictures for your enjoyment. Dana Murph contributed to this report.
Sony's second try at Google TV brings Blu-ray player, streaming box and a new remote (Update: hands-on!)
Interestingly, despite a Sony execs saying that its Google TV model was meeting sales expectations, for the second round it's focusing on two add-on boxes. The NSZ-GP9 Blu-ray player and NSZ-GS7 network media player (pictured above) will ship in North America and Europe in early summer, and are expect to roll out in other regions afterwards as Google TV expands its reach. Common to both boxes is a completely reimagined remote, featuring a backlit QWERTY keyboard, touchpad and motion control for gaming. We're not hearing anything about IR blasters up front this time around, but it can work as a universal remote to control other devices with "basic" control of Sony's 2012 HDTVs as well, while the Blu-ray player supports voice search as well. Unspecified at this time are the provenance of the internals, although the switch away from its Intel predecessors should yield cheaper, cooler running units. There's no price or expected ship date available currently, check back for more info and hands-on with these as well as the other new Sony hardware shortly. Update: We got our hands all over the new hardware and our first impression is: it's tiny. The network streamer is still bigger than a Roku, but compared to say, a Revue, the switch to ARM has clearly had a slimming effect on Google TV. The Blu-ray player is similarly shrunken, with its footprint down to merely what a normal player would occupy. The remote is conveniently backlit this time around, and dual sided. It certainly has an improved feel this time around, but is it good enough to satisfy the masses? We'll know better after we've spent more time with it. Check the pics in the gallery to see for yourself.
Boxee 1.5 nears release, will be final desktop version
We have some good news and bad news. The good news is: Boxee 1.5 will be entering public beta soon, with a proper release scheduled for January alongside Live TV. The update will finally bring the desktop software up-to-date and deliver the more streamlined UI found on the Boxee Box to your Windows, Mac or Linux computer. The bad news is: this will be the final version of the HTPCsoftware. Going forward Boxee plans to focus all of its efforts on streaming appliances, like its namesake Box and connected Blu-ray players and TVs. The software will also lack access to premium apps like Netflix, thanks to the tangled web of DRM woven by content providers. When CEO Avner Ronen said that the downloadable app would, "most likely lag behind the versions of Boxee for devices," we didn't realize just how far behind he meant. On the plus side, you will be getting that open source release.
Apple reportedly stepping up its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe
Apple is purportedly readying a new certification chip for accessory makers that will allow wireless access and connectivity to that pile of iOS devices you're hoarding. Announced during an accessory manufacturer's conference in China, the new chip could possibly allow connections across AirPlay, Bluetooth and WiFi. The Cupertino crew hope that this will encourage even more iOS-friendly add-ons and docks to market. According to Macotakara, Apple apparently added that it's working on support for AirPlay over Bluetooth, presumably bringing with it some improved battery longevity, and tying into the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 found on the iPhone 4S. Well, you know us, we always love seeing new iPad accessories. Update: An anonymous attendee has got in touch to tell us that the authentication chip is low-cost and faster update that doesn't bring any new features not already seen on current chips. Our mole added that Apple didn't directly announce any plans to extend AirPlay functionality to Bluetooth.
Verizon planning streaming video service, gets ready to take on Netflix
We can't say we're entirely shocked by the move but, according to Reuters, Verizon is getting ready to enter the streaming media market. Reports are that the company is in talks with programming partners to provide content for a Netflix-like video service that it could offer to customers not currently covered by its high-speed FiOS network. Obviously, details are scant, and there's no telling when it might actually launch, but you can bet its competitors will be watching closely... and we don't just mean Netflix. Cable and satellite TV providers are already wary of the public embracing cord-cutting -- when one of their own seems to be encouraging the behavior it sets off a lot of alarms.
Plex hops on the Google TV train, finds it has plenty of room to stretch its legs
Well, the guys and gals over at Plex are on a roll right now. Less than a week ago they took the wraps off myPlex then, just a couple of days ago, new versions of the desktop and mobile clients hit the web alongside updated server software. Now the streaming media service is landing on the newly revamped Google TV. Even though this is the first release of the client for Mountain View's living room platform, all the most essential features are in place, including myPlex support and some keyboard-friendly UI tweaks. It seems like the only major limitation, and we're using that term loosely, is the limited support for HLS -- an essential ingredient in Plex's transcoding formula. Thankfully, bandwidth over your local network shouldn't be a major concern and Google TV has pretty robust codec support, so you might not even notice it's missing. You'll find a few more detail at the source and you can install the app right now from the market.
Plex releases new mobile and desktop clients, gets Flash and Silverlight support to go with a fancy new UI
You have many choices for your media streaming needs, and Plex is doing its damnedest to get you onboard its bandwagon. Plex is well known for its multi-platform flexibility, and the arrival of the myPlex media server platform makes sharing your content across devices easier than ever. To go with that cloud capability, Plex has released a new version of its desktop and mobile clients as well. The updated code brings a slick new UI and myPlex support, plus Flash and Silverlight video capability to Plex Media Server along with official Windows support -- including integration with Windows Media Center -- and a laundry list of bug fixes and stability tweaks. A full rundown of all the new goodies plus plenty of screenshots of that revamped UI can be found at the source below.
Plex 2.0 for iOS ramps up video streaming; Plex 0.9.5 for Mac/Windows released as well
[Updated to clarify version numbering. iOS Plex app is at 2.0, Mac app is at 0.9.5 or 0.9.5.1 beta.] Plex is an advanced Media Server that runs on your Mac and manages and distributes your audio and video to other computers, a connected TV and your iOS devices via the Plex iOS app. The Plex family of free apps has just upgraded the iOS and server clients with a streamlined GUI and new features like sharing between Plex users. Other new features include user-scalable subtitles and significant speed improvements. A new cloud-based component lets Plex users access their home media from any PC or Mac without complicated logins or IP addresses. The service is free, but requires a sign up. Plex fills a nice gap for Apple fans since the company nuked the Front Row player. Of course, Plex does a great deal more than Front Row ever hoped to do, and puts your media about anywhere you want to consume it. The updated Plex server software is free and is downloadable from the Plex site. You can get much more info at the Plex blog. Plex is based on XBMC, an open source media player and hub, as is Boxee, another popular media solution. The Plex server software runs on Mac OS X (Intel only), Windows and Linux. The iOS clients require iOS 4.1 or later. [hat tip MacStories]
myPlex makes streaming your media simple, gives you one queue to rule them all
Plex is one of the more popular solutions to the problem of how to get all that (legally downloaded, of course) media sitting on your home PC to your various devices for consumption. But, like many of its competitors, getting the whole shebang set up isn't always the easiest task. The company's new myPlex platform aims to solve this conundrum, and adds a few welcome features along the way. Now, setting up a server or a client is as simple as logging in to your Plex account -- no matter how many of either part of the media-streaming equation you may have. As an added bonus, your account is also now home to a queue that is shared across all devices. Stopped watching a movie half way through on your commute home? You can pick up right where you left off on your Roku. You can even add web clips from sources like YouTube to the list. Check out the source link for a few more details.
Skifta leaves beta, streams media to and from your Android device wherever you may be
When we first saw Skifta back in February, it was a pretty neat app for beaming media on your phone to other DLNA capable devices in your home. Well, now it's left beta and added a new trick to it repertoire -- stream media from your other gear to your Android device, over 3G. To celebrate Skifta hitting the magical 1.0 mark, Qualcomm Atheros also unveiled a new media server plug in for Linux, OS X and Windows that lets you pull music and movies from your home PC to your phone or tablet, even while you're out and about. Skifta (in addition to its terrible name) also sports a Channel Library which allows you quickly queue up content from Facebook, TED, ShoutCast, Revision3 and more. You'll find full PR after the break but, more importantly, the download links at the source.
UltraViolet 'digital locker' opens for business. Lets you buy once, play anywhere... eventually
The first UltraViolet-enabled disks wont actually appear on shelves till tomorrow, but that doesn't mean you can't get a head start on migrating to DECE's buy once, play anywhere platform. The digital locker is now open for business (sort of) and consumers can go sign up for an account right now. Sadly, there isn't much you can do just yet. Though the Flixster app for PCs and iOS was updated to add UltraViolet support, there doesn't appear to be anyway to link your various accounts (like iTunes or Netflix) with the service just yet. An account can have up to six different users associated with it, and you can control what content they will have access too -- a feature sure to be welcome by families with children. If you want to be able to purchase your flicks once and take them anywhere, right now your only hope is UltraViolet and Blu-ray discs bearing its logo -- a slow trickle of titles which begins October 11th with Horrible Bosses.
Budget-friendly Roku LT pops up at the FCC as the 2400X (Updated with pics)
Well, this is kinda interesting: a brand new Roku just hit the FCC, sporting model number 2400X. Beyond the fact that we just got a trio of new streaming media boxes from the company, the model number would almost seem to imply this is a last-gen device (the Roku 2 lineup all start with "30"). It's clear the Roku LT (the name it will eventually go to market with) is going to be the new low-cost member of the family, but it's not just rebranded old tech. Inside is the same Broadcom 2835 SOC that powers the Roku 2 XD, XS, and HD and, while it tops out at 720p just like the low-end HD, it actually sports more RAM than the current budget model. Presumably the loss of Bluetooth and the SD slot will offset any cost increase associated with moving up to 256MB of memory. When the Roku LT will actually ship and how much it'll cost is anyone's guess, but we'd put our money on soon and cheap. For a few more specs check out the chart after the break. Update: We got ourselves some exclusive pics of the upcoming Roku LT, check 'em out in the gallery below. %Gallery-135013% [Thanks, Anonymous]
Sony's SMP-N200 player set to take on Roku, Apple TV for $99 next month
The successor to Sony's underappreciated Netbox was introduced at IFA recently, and now the company has revealed pricing for the SMP-N200 in the United States. It'll be on sale for $99 in October, and updates the old box with support for 3D, live streaming content and other unspecified new features. The original featured then-impressive support for local media playback and streaming, but does the Blu-ray-less wonder does it have what it takes in 2011? If it has a UI refresh and access to comparable sources thanks to Sony's now streamlined Video Unlimited / Music Unlimited media approach then this could play well as a one-two punch with a connected PC, phone or tablet. We'll find out next month, check out the details after the break or our hands on pics from CEDIA here.
Netgear unveils NeoTV Streaming Player, takes another shot at the smart TV market
Looks like Netgear is taking what it learned from licensing Roku's tech last year and streamlining its connected TV offerings. With the NeoTV Streaming Player the company is striking out on its own once again and delivering the usual lineup of streaming media (Netflix, YouTube, Vudu, Revision3, Pandora, etc...). On the hardware side you're looking at a glossy black box with a 300Mbps WiFi radio, Ethernet, optical audio out and, of course, HDMI. The NeoTV is available for pre-order now and will start shipping towards the end of the month for $80. And once you get tired of rewatching every episode of Next Generation, you can play a few hands of Blackjack or check out this little thing you may have heard of called The Engadget Show. Full PR is after the break.
Orb Live finally lands for Android: streams video, delivers Hulu without the Plus
Orb may have taken its sweet time, but an Android port of its Orb Live streaming app is finally available. By now you probably know the deal: install the Orb Caster app on your PC then fire up Live on your handset and you can start watching Netflix, Hulu (without a Plus account), YouTube, live TV (with the aid of a tuner) and video from other streaming sources like ESPN3 right on your phone over 3G, 4G or WiFi. In fact, Orb will stream just about any media from your PC to your phone, provided you can swallow the $10 price of the app. Orb Live for Android isn't showing up in the market just yet for us, but we suspect it won't be much longer now. [Image credit: GigaOM]
Adobe unveils new software tools, adds iOS-compatible streaming video option
At the International Broadcasters Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam yesterday, Adobe unveiled a slew of new software solutions, including Adobe Pass, Flash Access 3.0 and Flash Media Server 4.5. Pass allows cable operators and other content providers to provide streaming TV from multiple sources through a single sign-on solution, while Access is content protection platform that can now deliver streaming video to mobile devices. But, it's Media Server 4.5 that has been garnering the most attention from the press, thanks to its support for iOS. Now don't get too excited, you still can't actually use Flash on your iPhone. But, the latest version of the software provides the option to stream video using the Apple-friendly HTTP Live Streaming format. So, still no Kongregate for iPhone users, but partners like MediaPlatform can now put live webcasts on your iPad. Check out the PR after the break.
Netflix lands in Brazil, 43 other Latin American countries within the week
Netflix promised our friends in Central and South America would soon be able to enjoy the pleasures of Watch Instantly. Starting today with Brazil, and with 43 other Latin American countries to follow before September 12th, the pioneering streaming video service is making good on that promise. Customers in the land of Carnival can enjoy a free one-month trial, after which a subscription will run BR$14.99 a month. The roll out will be staggered over the coming days, with most areas getting a price point equivalent to $7.99 in American currency and some having both English and Spanish language options. For more details check out the PR after the break and the chart above. [Thanks, Nicolas]
Qriocity video streaming coming to Xperia packing pocket near you
Sony's Qriocity video streaming service is going mobile. The on-demand pay-per-view offering (which is probably best known for its supporting role in the recent PSN outage debacle) is making the jump from the living room to your pocket -- provided said pocket is stuffed with a 2011 Xperia smartphone. Initially it will only be available to Mini and Mini Pro owners, but eventually it'll be pushed to rest of the current lineup in nine markets, including the US, UK and Japan. Check out the source link for more details.
Mango quietly enables music streaming from SkyDrive, hides amongst your spreadsheets
Here's a little feature that Microsoft quietly sneaked into Mango -- you can stream music straight from your SkyDrive account. With the latest WP7 update comes some nice integration with Redmond's cloud storage service, but it's not just for pulling up spreadsheets. You can navigate to any folder and, if you tap on an compatible sound file, it'll start playing the tune in the music app. It's not a full fledged streaming and syncing service like Google Music or a tightly integrated ecosystem such as iTunes and iCloud, but it is a pretty neat trick. And, lets be honest, no matter how cumbersome, sometimes those unofficial solutions are much more gratifying. Check out the video of it in action after the break.
