Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Virgin Media's Q4 2011 report: Brits love TiVo, Fast Broadband, Vampire Diaries]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/virgin-media-2011-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/virgin-media-2011-q4/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/08/virgin-media-2011-q4/#comments Virgin Media's Q4 2011 report: Brits love TiVo, Fast BroadbandVirgin Media's school report for both last year and last quarter has been pretty positive for the Branson-Branded service. It pulled down £4 billion ($6.3 billion) in revenue for the year and made its first ever profit with a tidy £76 million ($120 million). In the last quarter alone, it added 273,000 TiVo subscribers, a figure that doubled its overall figure to 435,000. Favorite shows included Coronation Street, which was most caught-up with and The Vampire Diaries, which was the most binge-watched series. It's also clear that us Britons do love some super-fast broadband, 133,000 users plumped for speeds over 30MB in Q4. Flush with cash, it's going to buy back some shares and double consumers broadband speeds as it promised in January -- which we suppose is a fair way to spend your first profit, even if we'd have preferred to go to Disneyland.

Virgin Media's Q4 2011 report: Brits love TiVo, Fast Broadband, Vampire Diaries originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011BillionCoronation StreetCoronationStreetEarningsFinancialhdpostminiMediaNumbersQ4StatisticsStatsThe Vampire DiariesTheVampireDiariesTiVoVirginVirgin MediaVirgin Media TiVoVirginMediaVirginMediaTivoWed, 08 Feb 2012 06:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook gets chatty, brings Comments Box plugin to mobile media sites]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/facebook-mobile-comments-box-media/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/facebook-mobile-comments-box-media/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/facebook-mobile-comments-box-media/#comments
Chiming in on your favorite posts is about to get a little bit easier, now that Facebook has brought its Comments Box mobile plugin to media websites. Today's announcement comes just about a month after the social network introduced its Subscribe button, marking its latest efforts to enhance user engagement on mobile web platforms. According to Facebook, the new feature will use "social signals" to automatically detect the highest quality comments for each individual, with each thread ordered to show the most relevant and popular comments from a user's friends. There's also an integrated moderation function so, you know, play nice. Developers interested in getting in on the action can find more details at the coverage link below.

Facebook gets chatty, brings Comments Box plugin to mobile media sites originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 23:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appcommentscomments boxCommentsBoxdeveloperfacebookfacebook mobileFacebookMobilemediamobilepostminiplug inPlugInsocial mediasocial networkingSocialMediaSocialNetworkingwebWed, 11 Jan 2012 23:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple promises 'education announcement' in New York on January 19th]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/apple-education-announcement-event-nyc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/apple-education-announcement-event-nyc/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/apple-education-announcement-event-nyc/#comments We'd heard it was coming, and for the second year in a row, Apple has disrupted the natural flow of CES by announcing an event of its own. Granted, this one -- slated to be held January 19th at the Guggenheim Museum -- is packing far fewer implications than the Verizon iPhone event of 2011, but suffice it to say, anyone who enjoys "learning" should be tuning in later this month. If you'll recall, it was reported by TechCrunch that the event would be entirely related to publishing, with no new hardware on tap; Fox's own Clayton Morris followed up to say that it'd have something to do with iTunes. We're guessing it'll link somehow to iTunes U, and considering that Apple hasn't made a major public push into the land of EDU since the eMac, perhaps it's time that the company got things like Reading Rainbow into the hands of dazed and confused grade-schoolers everywhere.

Apple promises 'education announcement' in New York on January 19th originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementappleeddy cueEddyCueeducationeventitunesitunes uItunesUmedianew yorknew york cityNewYorkNewYorkCitynycschooltextbooktextbooksWed, 11 Jan 2012 12:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nielsen's 2011 media usage report: conventional TV still rules, but online viewing is skyrocketing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/nielsens-2011-media-usage-report--tv-netflix-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/nielsens-2011-media-usage-report--tv-netflix-android/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/07/nielsens-2011-media-usage-report--tv-netflix-android/#comments 2011's come and gone, but Nielsen's media report on the year remains. The latest figures from the year that was have been published, and conventional television is still riding a wave of popularity. We're told that 290 million Statesiders are still ogling at least one television, with around one in three American homes (35.9 million for the mathematicians) owning four or more of the things. Across the wire, some 211 million Americans are online, with a staggering 116 million aged 13 and up accessing the mobile web. Other figures include 253 million DVD players owned, 162 million game consoles, 129 million DVRs and 95 million satellite subscribers. There's also some 111 million people watching timeshifted programming, and Netflix itself has four times the average viewing time per person, per month compared to the boob tube. Concerned about mobile? Android's US market share (again, according to Nielsen) is pegged at 43 percent, while the iPhone has 28 percent and RIM's BlackBerry OS claims 18 percent. Hit up the links below for more charts, numbers and things that your grandmother couldn't possibly care less about.

Nielsen's 2011 media usage report: conventional TV still rules, but online viewing is skyrocketing originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 22:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcesces 2012Ces2012contenthdtvmediaminipostNielsonprogrammingsocialsurveytvusageviewershipviewingSat, 07 Jan 2012 22:46:00 EST<![CDATA[SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/sugarsync-brings-autosync-technology-to-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/sugarsync-brings-autosync-technology-to-videos/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/sugarsync-brings-autosync-technology-to-videos/#comments If you're jonesing to get your photos and movies from your smartphone back to the home computer without futzing around with cables, the folks at SugarSync have a new spoonful of sweetness for Android and iOS devices -- and with its free price, it should be easy to swallow. In the latest version, the company has applied its AutoSync technology to videos, which means that all media files can now be synced to the cloud and pushed to linked computers without user intervention. As this could involve a significant amount of data, AutoSync Videos works only over WiFi, and users may select from three compression qualities based on their desire for picture quality or upload speed. The latest SugarSync apps also feature a redesigned photos tab, which lets users view all their pictures -- not just the recent ones -- and offers quicker navigation along with larger, high-res previews. The company gives all users 5GB of storage absolutely gratis, so if you have a lot of media to unload, it may be worthwhile to hop aboard. You'll find the complete PR announcements just after the break.

Continue reading SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos

SugarSync updates Android and iOS apps, brings auto sync technology to videos originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 15:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappAppleappscloudcloud computingCloudComputingCloudStoragegoogleIOSiphoneiphone 4Iphone4iPodipod touchIpodTouchmediamobilemobilepostminimoviesoftwaresugarsyncvideowireless syncWirelessSyncWed, 04 Jan 2012 15:53:00 EST<![CDATA[PayPal's Scott Thompson becomes CEO of Yahoo; signing bonus probably stuck in a frozen account]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/paypals-scott-thompson-becomes-ceo-of-yahoo-signing-bonus-prob/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/paypals-scott-thompson-becomes-ceo-of-yahoo-signing-bonus-prob/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/paypals-scott-thompson-becomes-ceo-of-yahoo-signing-bonus-prob/#commentsThink you're having a good day? Try being Tim Morse, who was just relieved of the seemingly impossible task known as "being the Chief Executive Officer of Yahoo." After years of turmoil and bouts of bickering with Alibaba, Yahoo has just appointed Scott Thompson as its new CEO -- marking the introduction of a new year with the introduction of a new head honcho. Mr. Morse, who was standing in as interim CEO, will resume his role as Chief Financial Officer, and Thompson will become a member of the company's Board of Directors starting January 9th. Scott served most recently as President of PayPal, where -- so far as we can tell -- he did nothing to remove the draconian 'dispute' process that has jaded so many souls belonging to slighted eBayers. Bitterness aside, his primary focus in his new role will be to "continue the strategic review process to identify the best approaches for the company and its shareholders," and the release makes clear that Yahoo is "considering a wide range of opportunities for the company's business, as well as specific investments or dispositions of assets." Sounds fun, no?

Continue reading PayPal's Scott Thompson becomes CEO of Yahoo; signing bonus probably stuck in a frozen account

PayPal's Scott Thompson becomes CEO of Yahoo; signing bonus probably stuck in a frozen account originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessceocorporationindustryinternetmediapaypalscott thompsonScottThompsonyahooWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple gearing up for 'media-related announcement' later this month?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/apple-media-related-announcement-this-month-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/apple-media-related-announcement-this-month-rumor/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/02/apple-media-related-announcement-this-month-rumor/#comments Leave it to Apple to completely avoid CES, yet be one of the largest stories surrounding its dates. Much like last year's invite to what would eventually be the introduction of Verizon's iPhone 4, All Things D has it on good authority that the folks in Cupertino are spending their first hours back on the job planning a "media-related announcement" for later this month. Contrary to earlier beliefs, we're told by All Things D that this particular event won't be related to the next-gen iPad, and it's also "unlikely" to be connected to a "large-scale rethinking of its interactive television initiative."

So, knowing what it won't entail... what will be talked about? According to unnamed sources, Apple SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue is reportedly involved. For those unaware, Cue is responsible for a sizable chunk of Apple's media units, not the least of which include the App Store, iBookstore, iTunes Store and iCloud. Sadly, details outside of that are few and far betwixt, but you can bet we'll be keeping an ear to the ground for more -- even if it's smack-dab in the middle of a Sony CES keynote. Cough.

Update: TechCrunch is reporting that it'll focus on the publishing sector, with no new hardware whatsoever on tap.

Update 2: Clayton Morris has chimed in and confirmed that it'll be related to iTunes.

Apple gearing up for 'media-related announcement' later this month? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Jan 2012 16:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementappleapple tvAppleTve-readerEddy CueEddyCueibookstoreinteractiveinternetiosipadiphonemediarumorrumoredrumorssoftwareMon, 02 Jan 2012 16:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Roku brings v3.1 software update to first-gen boxes, Amazon Instant Video channel gets refaced]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/roku-brings-v3-1-software-update-to-first-gen-boxes-amazon-inst/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/roku-brings-v3-1-software-update-to-first-gen-boxes-amazon-inst/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/23/roku-brings-v3-1-software-update-to-first-gen-boxes-amazon-inst/#comments Early birds may get the worms, but early adopters aren't always as equally rewarded. But, as they say, maybe first-gen Roku owners should simply be elated that their box is still on the update trail. A week (and change) after the Roku 2 and Roku LT saw a fairly significant software update, the company is now pushing v3.1 to OG models. As the company says: "Unless your Roku player is smaller than a hockey puck, this update applies to you." The fresh bytes provide added enhancements to support the official Roku iPhone app, improved playback of MP4 files streamed over the internet and over USB via the USB Media Player channel, and the ability to purchase Roku players, accessories and toys within the Roku Channel Store.

Furthermore, we're told that issues found when navigating channels that display content in a grid screen have been solved, and perhaps most importantly, there's support for Amazon's downright delightful new Instant Video channel. Every last unit should see the update pushed their way in the coming hours, but if you're not exactly the "patient" type, just head to Settings -> Playing info -> Check for update.

Roku brings v3.1 software update to first-gen boxes, Amazon Instant Video channel gets refaced originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Dec 2011 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon instantAmazonInstantcontentfirmwarefirmware updateFirmwareUpdatehdpostminimediamedia streamermedia streamingMediaStreamerMediaStreamingprogrammingrokuroku 2roku ltRoku2RokuLtsoftware updateSoftwareUpdatestreamstreamerstreamingupdatevideoFri, 23 Dec 2011 08:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung SE-208BW SmartHub packs DVD writer, we ask why then take it for a spin (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/samsung-se-208bw-smart-media-hub-packs-dvd-writer-we-ask-why-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/samsung-se-208bw-smart-media-hub-packs-dvd-writer-we-ask-why-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/05/samsung-se-208bw-smart-media-hub-packs-dvd-writer-we-ask-why-th/#comments Is there any better way to ring in 2012 than to drop 129 bills on a shiny new wireless-enabled DVD burner? Absolutely. But if your New Year's resolution includes archiving smartphone pics to optical media and steaming DVD flicks over WiFi, Samsung is prepared to make those nostalgic dreams a reality, with its SE-208BW SmartHub. The premise here is quite familiar -- little black box takes content from an attached storage device and streams it to connected devices over WiFi, or over the Web. Samsung's twist on the traditional model brings optical media into the equation, however, with a CD/DVD burner enabling music and movie playback, along with remote file archival. You'll need to wait until late January (or perhaps early February) before introducing Samsung's shiny streamer to your wired or wireless network, but we got an early look at the new DLNA-enabled gadget today.

If you've used an external DVD burner made in the last decade, you're already familiar with the form-factor employed here -- there's a slim disk tray up front, with full-size and mini USB connectors, Ethernet and a DC input on the rear. This is strictly a streaming device, so there's no HDMI or other AV connectivity -- you'll need to use an Android, iOS or smart TV app, along with Samsung AllShare or an FTP client to access content. We tried steaming 720p video and a few photos using the Android app and the AllShare application included with most recent Samsung devices, and everything worked as expected, with content loading quickly without any hiccups.

You can access files on a connected HDD or USB flash drive remotely from the built-in FTP server, but you'll need to use Samsung's apps to stream DVDs and music CDs from that built-in optical drive, or to burn smartphone pics or other remote files to a blank disc. You can view content directly on your smartphone or tablet, or on a connected TV, using the former device to control playback. The hub also serves as an internet bridge, so you won't lose web access when connected directly over WiFi. There's nothing groundbreaking here, unless the absence of an optical drive has been keeping you from adding such a device to your collection, but jump past the break to see it in action.

Gallery: Samsung Smart Media Hub hands-on

Continue reading Samsung SE-208BW SmartHub packs DVD writer, we ask why then take it for a spin (video)

Samsung SE-208BW SmartHub packs DVD writer, we ask why then take it for a spin (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Access PointAccessPointblu-rayburnercdcd writercddvdcdsCdWriterdvddvd moviedvd writerDvdMoviedvdsDvdWriterhands-onhdpostcrossmediamoviemoviesmusic streamingMusicStreamingnetworknetworkingODDoptical discoptical disc drivesoptical driveOpticalDiscOpticalDiscDrivesOpticalDriveSamsungSamsung SE-208BWSamsungSe-208bwstreamingvideowifiwifi extenderWifiExtenderwirelesswireless burnerWirelessBurnerMon, 05 Dec 2011 12:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Nook Tablet limits internal storage for non-B&N purchased content to 1GB]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/nook-tablet-limits-internal-storage-for-non-bandn-purchased-conten/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/nook-tablet-limits-internal-storage-for-non-bandn-purchased-conten/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/16/nook-tablet-limits-internal-storage-for-non-bandn-purchased-conten/#comments
Well, this is definitely a bummer. Barnes & Noble has spent a fair amount of time talking up all of the Nook Tablet's internal advantages over the Kindle Fire, a list that includes 16GB of storage to the Fire's 8GB. That particular spec may not be quite as good as it looks on paper, however. It seems that Barnes & Noble is currently limiting internal storage on the Android slate to 1GB of content not downloaded directly from B&N. Bummer, right? Especially for those expecting to store their multimedia content on the device. It's not all bad, though. Keep in mind that, unlike the Fire, the Nook's got a not-so-secret weapon -- expandable memory via a microSD card slot located behind the tablet's distinctive loop. We've reached out to B&N for comment, and we're guessing a firmware update will remedy this PR nightmare in 3... 2... 1....

Update: Barnes & Noble confirmed that the above numbers are correct, but added that future multimedia download plans from third-party vendors will utilize the space currently devoted to B&N content only.

Nook Tablet limits internal storage for non-B&N purchased content to 1GB originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android tabletAndroidTabletbarnes and nobleBarnesAndNoblee booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersmedianooknook tabletNookTabletstoragetabletWed, 16 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB tuner now shipping, offers infinite entertainment for $300]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/ceton-infinitv-4-usb-tuner-now-shipping-offers-infinite-enterta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/ceton-infinitv-4-usb-tuner-now-shipping-offers-infinite-enterta/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/01/ceton-infinitv-4-usb-tuner-now-shipping-offers-infinite-enterta/#comments It's a little bit behind schedule, but the Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB has finally begun shipping, nearly ten months after it was first unveiled. Originally scheduled to ship on September 19th, this external CableCARD TV tuner is now available from Amazon, New Egg and other retailers for $300. For that price, you'll be able to record four HD shows at once, stream live shows to your PC or TV and access all your photos, music and Netflix account from a single device. Interested? Hit up the coverage link below to grab one for yourself.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB tuner now shipping, offers infinite entertainment for $300 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonavailabilitycablecard tunerCablecardTunercetonceton infinitv 4 USBCetonInfinitv4UsbhdpostminiInfiniTV 4 USBInfinitv4Usbmedianetflixnew eggNewEggPCpriceshippingstreamingtunerTVTue, 01 Nov 2011 18:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxee updates iPad app to version 1.2, adds global Spotify support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/boxee-updates-ipad-app-to-version-1-2-adds-global-spotify-suppo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/boxee-updates-ipad-app-to-version-1-2-adds-global-spotify-suppo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/27/boxee-updates-ipad-app-to-version-1-2-adds-global-spotify-suppo/#comments
It's only been a couple of months since Boxee unleashed its much anticipated iPad app, but the company has already come out with that much needed update to version 1.2. With the upgrade, users will be able to navigate across content sent to their Boxee Boxes using a remote control interface that's now located at the bottom right corner of the app. iPad owners can also pause video sent to their Box and pick up later where they left off, using the Boxee Media Manager. And, as expected, AirPlay sessions can now run in the background, giving you one less thing to worry about while lazing on the couch. On a related note, Spotify users can now use Boxee to access their accounts from anywhere in the world (previously, access was only granted in countries where Spotify is available). To get your app up to speed, check out the coverage link, below.

Boxee updates iPad app to version 1.2, adds global Spotify support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplayapplicationboxeeboxee appboxee boxboxee ipad appboxee media managerBoxeeAppBoxeeBoxBoxeeIpadAppBoxeeMediaManagercontenthdpostminiiosios 5ios appios5IosAppipadipad appIpadAppmediamedia managerMediaManagerspotifystreamingtabletTVThu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Google wants you to add writers on Google+, so do writers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/google-wants-you-to-add-writers-on-google-so-do-writers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/google-wants-you-to-add-writers-on-google-so-do-writers/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/24/google-wants-you-to-add-writers-on-google-so-do-writers/#comments
Find an interesting article, add its author. That's the very simple idea behind a very simple feature that Google has just begun testing. As TechCrunch recently noticed, Big G has started rolling out a new "add to Circles" button within some search results, allowing readers to more easily and instantaneously follow their favorite web authors on Google+. Writer profiles have already been integrated within search pages, but until now, users had to actually click on author pages before following them. This new circle button, on the other hand, cuts out that middle click and seems like a logical next step in Google's ongoing integration. It also seems like a great way to help writers feel better about themselves, which we always support. And if you're not seeing it, you're not going crazy -- Google's just rolling it out to only a few users.

Google wants you to add writers on Google+, so do writers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>add to circle buttonAddToCircleButtonauthorbuttoncirclecontentfollowgooglegoogle plusgoogle+GooglePlusmediaminipostnewssocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingwebwriterMon, 24 Oct 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SlingPlayer app now available for Honeycomb tablets, priced at $30]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/slingplayer-app-now-available-for-honeycomb-tablets-priced-at/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/slingplayer-app-now-available-for-honeycomb-tablets-priced-at/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/11/slingplayer-app-now-available-for-honeycomb-tablets-priced-at/#comments
It was teased back in September and now, it's finally arrived -- the SlingPlayer Android app optimized specifically for Honeycomb tablets. Available today on the Android Market, Sling Media's latest app allows Slingbox owners to stream TV directly to their slates, and features a new program guide, designed to help users browse content and change channels with greater ease. The SlingPlayer app for Android handsets, meanwhile, will continue to function on tablets in "compatibility mode," without exacting extra charges, though it won't offer the same resolution quality you'll find on a Honeycomb-laced device. Interested parties can grab the app for the familiar price of $30, at the source link below. Otherwise, click past the break for more details in Sling's refreshingly brief press release.

Continue reading SlingPlayer app now available for Honeycomb tablets, priced at $30

SlingPlayer app now available for Honeycomb tablets, priced at $30 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>android 3.0android marketAndroid3.0AndroidMarketappapplicationavailabilityboxchannelcontenthdpostcrosshoneycombhoneycomb tabletHoneycombTabletmediapriceprogram guideProgramGuideresolutionslateslingsling mediaslingboxSlingMediaSlingPlayerSlingPlayer Android appSlingPlayer Honeycomb appSlingplayerAndroidAppSlingplayerHoneycombAppstreamstreamingtabletTVvideoTue, 11 Oct 2011 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Arthur C. Nielsen Jr., leader of TV ratings and market research firm, dies at 92]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/arthur-c-nielsen-jr-leader-of-tv-ratings-and-market-research/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/arthur-c-nielsen-jr-leader-of-tv-ratings-and-market-research/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/06/arthur-c-nielsen-jr-leader-of-tv-ratings-and-market-research/#comments
Arthur C. Nielsen Jr., the man who turned the A.C. Nielsen Company into a global leader in market research and television ratings, has died at the age of 92. Nielsen's father founded the company in 1923 and was known for spearheading much of the innovation behind it, but it was the younger Nielsen who led the firm to prominence, after joining in 1945 and taking over as president in 1957. In 1948, he convinced the firm to devote $150,000 to building the first general-purpose computer, the Univac. Building off of his father's revolutionary TV audience measurement system, he later expanded A.C. Nielsen's reach to new areas, including the development of a coupon clearinghouse and data-tracking services for magazines and even oil wells. Perhaps his most impressive achievement, however, was his ability to maintain A.C. Nielsen's position as the nation's pre-eminent TV and media ratings firm, even amidst the proliferation of cable networks.

Arthur "Art" Nielsen stepped down from his role as chairman of the company in 1983, a year before orchestrating its sale to the Dun & Bradstreet Corporation for $1.3 billion in stock. Throughout the course of his illustrious career, he served on the board of more than 20 companies, including Motorola and Walgreen, and advised three US presidents. But his life's work and lasting legacy could just as well be summarized by a simple proverb he learned from his father: "If you can put a number on it, then you know something." Arthur C. Nielsen passed away on October 4th in Winnetka, Illinois. He is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

Arthur C. Nielsen Jr., leader of TV ratings and market research firm, dies at 92 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A.C. NielsenA.C. Nielsen CompanyA.c.NielsenA.c.NielsenCompanyarthur c. nielsenarthur c. nielsen jrarthur nielsenArthurC.NielsenArthurC.NielsenJrArthurNielsenbusinesscable TVCableTvcoupondeathmarket researchMarketResearchmediamoneynielsen ratingsNielsenRatingsobitobituaryratingstelevision ratingsTelevisionRatingsTVunivacThu, 06 Oct 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino-powered lighting system infuses your LED with some Ambilight-like pizazz (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/arduino-powered-lighting-system-infuses-your-led-with-some-ambil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/arduino-powered-lighting-system-infuses-your-led-with-some-ambil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/05/arduino-powered-lighting-system-infuses-your-led-with-some-ambil/#comments
Why spend your hard-earned money on one of Philips' Ambilight displays when you can just make your own, using some Arduino-based wizardry and a little bit of elbow grease? Fortunately, Minty Boost creator ladyada is here to help. All you'll need is a strand of digital RGB LED pixels, a five-volt DC power supply (along with a female power adapter), any USB-equipped Arduino micro-controller and, of course, the appropriate Processing programming environment. You can find the full how-to at the source link below, but the results are pretty impressive -- a capture-based sketch system that's compatible with just about any media player. See it for yourself in the video after the break.

[Thanks, Phil]

Continue reading Arduino-powered lighting system infuses your LED with some Ambilight-like pizazz (video)

Arduino-powered lighting system infuses your LED with some Ambilight-like pizazz (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Oct 2011 06:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambilightarduinoarduino microcontrollerArduinoMicrocontrollerDCDC powerDcPowerdisplayDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfladyadamediamicrocontrollerphilipsProcessingprogrammingprojectRGB LEDRGB LED pixelsRgbLedRgbLedPixelssoftwareTVUSBvideoWed, 05 Oct 2011 06:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook partners up to bring music, news and videos to your profile through Open Graph (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/facebook-partners-up-to-bring-music-and-videos-to-your-profile-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/facebook-partners-up-to-bring-music-and-videos-to-your-profile-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/22/facebook-partners-up-to-bring-music-and-videos-to-your-profile-t/#comments Facebook's f8 developer conference is going on today, and Andy Samberg Mark Zuckerberg has just revealed another part of his master plan for the social network. Open Graph will now integrate many of your favorite news and music services, including Spotify, Rhapsody, Rdio and MOG onto your Facebook page with custom apps, and will also bring video from Vevo, Netflix, Hulu and many more. The media platform's already up and running, so you can see (and hear) the results of Mark's labor right now.

Update: Unfortunately for Facebook users in the US, Netflix has confirmed that its Facebook integration will only be available in Canada and Latin America initially, due to a US law that "creates some confusion over our ability to allow U.S. members to share what they watch." That doesn't apply to the music services, however, and you can get an idea how Spotify will work in the video after the break. Even TiVo's gotten in on the action, announcing new sharing buttons for its iPhone and iPad mobile apps, although there's no direct DVR integration mentioned yet.

Continue reading Facebook partners up to bring music, news and videos to your profile through Open Graph (video)

Facebook partners up to bring music, news and videos to your profile through Open Graph (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 14:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apiappappsblockbusterbreaking newsdirectvf8f8 2011f8 developers conferencef8 developers conference 2011F82011F8DevelopersConferenceF8DevelopersConference2011facebookFacebook PlatformFacebookPlatformflixsterhdpostcrosshuluimdbintonowlikemark zuckerbergMarkZuckerbergmediametacafemisomogmusicnetflixopen graphopen graph apiOpenGraphOpenGraphApipitchforkrdiorhapsodysharingsocialsocial networksocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingspotifytivotv.comvevovideoThu, 22 Sep 2011 14:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/magisto-edits-videos-automagically-deluges-the-interwebs-with-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/magisto-edits-videos-automagically-deluges-the-interwebs-with-i/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/20/magisto-edits-videos-automagically-deluges-the-interwebs-with-i/#comments Oh, the plague of social media and its irrational empowerment of at-home, amateur media moguls. Well, truth be told, not everyone has the tenacity to sit and slog through hours of footage to create a skillfully made, ready-for-prime time upload. Not to worry you talentless hacks, Magisto's got a web-based tool that'll automate your lack of video editing expertise, and churn out YouTube-worthy, ADD-style clips replete with background music and fancy multi-window effects. The service, which makes use of an algorithm to recognize "people, pets and landscapes and can even...[analyze] sounds and images," had formerly been available in a private beta, but is now open and free to anyone with a camera, a computer and a decent internet connection. We've seen the results of the company's handiwork and it's all pretty much the same thing -- an incoherent, tune-laden mashup. Which is to say, ideal for the Twitter and Facebook IV drips we've come to subsist upon. Go ahead and test the hyper-editing software out at the source below -- it's not like you actually have to do anything, anyway. Just click.

Continue reading Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy

Magisto edits videos automagically, deluges the interwebs with idiot auteur savancy originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>algorithmeditingMagistomediasocial mediaSocialMediavideovideo editingVideoEditingvideosTue, 20 Sep 2011 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[JetStreamHD starts shipping, leaves iPad media streaming vapor trails in its wake (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/jetstreamhd-starts-shipping-leaves-ipad-media-streaming-vapor-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/jetstreamhd-starts-shipping-leaves-ipad-media-streaming-vapor-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/15/jetstreamhd-starts-shipping-leaves-ipad-media-streaming-vapor-t/#comments
With Pogoplug Video out of the picture, Nuvyyo's JetStreamHD is ready to become your default iPad media streamer. The tower plugs into your router and delivers streaming content like hi-def videos, music and photos from your home network to your Apple tablet. And the free JetSteamHD iPad app makes it easier to sort through your content, while promising the best available resolution for seamless entertainment streaming. The device is shipping now, for a suggested price of $199. Video and PR after the break.

Continue reading JetStreamHD starts shipping, leaves iPad media streaming vapor trails in its wake (video)

JetStreamHD starts shipping, leaves iPad media streaming vapor trails in its wake (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 00:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applehdpostcrosshome networkHomeNetworkiPadJetStreamHDmediamedia streamingMediaStreamingnetworkNuvyyorouterstreamingvideoThu, 15 Sep 2011 00:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung outs new Blu-ray and media hub drives: dammit, the ODD still lives]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/samsung-outs-new-blu-ray-and-media-hub-drives-the-odd-lives/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/samsung-outs-new-blu-ray-and-media-hub-drives-the-odd-lives/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/02/samsung-outs-new-blu-ray-and-media-hub-drives-the-odd-lives/#comments You've seen our musings on the continued relevance of optical drives and it seems Samsung agrees entirely: it's just announced two external spinners to keep pace with our "evolving mobile entertainment demands." Er, great Sammy, but how? First off, there's the USB-powered SE-506AB Blu-ray writer depicted above, which will give that awful Pacific boxset one last chance on your ODD-neutered Mac or netbook. But that's not nearly as interesting as the SE-208BW CD/DVD writer, which doubles as a WiFi media hub to stream music and movies to your smartphone, tablet or PC. It works the other way round too: letting you backup content from your mobile device direct to a disc. It even supports Dynamic DNS and can cooperate with a flash drive or HDD to become a "personal cloud server." Still not impressed? This wonder drive additionally functions as a WiFi extender, or it can create an access point from scratch when cabled up to your network. Man, that's ODD OD. The media hub will arrive at the beginning of 2012, while the new Blu-ray drive should be out any time now. No word on pricing, but check out the PR double-shot after the break for the full specs.

Continue reading Samsung outs new Blu-ray and media hub drives: dammit, the ODD still lives

Samsung outs new Blu-ray and media hub drives: dammit, the ODD still lives originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Sep 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Access PointAccessPointblu-raycdcd writercddvdcdsCdWriterdvddvd writerdvdsDvdWriterhdpostcrossmediamedia hysteriaMediaHysteriamobilepostcrossmoviesmusic streamingMusicStreamingODDoptical discoptical disc drivesoptical driveOpticalDiscOpticalDiscDrivesOpticalDriveSamsungSamsung SE-208BWSamsung SE-506ABSamsungSe-208bwSamsungSe-506abstreamingwifiwifi extenderWifiExtenderFri, 02 Sep 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PowerDVD Mobile for Android brings streaming media to your Honeycomb tablet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/powerdvd-mobile-for-android-brings-streaming-media-to-your-honey/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/powerdvd-mobile-for-android-brings-streaming-media-to-your-honey/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/01/powerdvd-mobile-for-android-brings-streaming-media-to-your-honey/#comments Heads up, PowerDVD fans, a new streaming solution is in the Android Market that's designed specifically for your Honeycomb-powered tablet. It's known as PowerDVD Mobile for Android, but don't let the name fool you, because smartphones need not apply. The software allows users to stream media from PowerDVD on their computer directly to the tablet, share media between tablets, and stream media from the tablet to DLNA-certified TVs. Additionally, users will find CyberLink's all-in-one media player that combines support for videos, photos and music, along with the ability to touch up snapshots and create slideshows. If you're looking to hop on board, the software sells for $20 in the Android Market, although users of PowerDVD 11 Ultra may activate a free version with a code that's provided in the desktop version of their software. As usual, you'll find the full PR after the break.

Continue reading PowerDVD Mobile for Android brings streaming media to your Honeycomb tablet

PowerDVD Mobile for Android brings streaming media to your Honeycomb tablet originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid 3.0android 3.1android 3.2Android3.0Android3.1Android3.2cyberlinkdlnagooglehoneycombmediapowerdvdpowerdvd 11powerdvd mobilepowerdvd ultra 11Powerdvd11PowerdvdMobilePowerdvdUltra11streamingtablettabletsThu, 01 Sep 2011 22:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget's back to school guide 2011: accessories]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-accessories/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-accessories/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/29/engadgets-back-to-school-guide-2011-accessories/#commentsWelcome to Engadget's Back to School guide! We know that this time of year can be pretty annoying and stressful for everyone, so we're here to help out with the heartbreaking process of gadget buying for the school-aged crowd. Today, we've got a slew of accessories -- and you can head to the Back to School hub to see the rest of the product guides as they're added throughout the month. Be sure to keep checking back -- at the end of the month we'll be giving away a ton of the gear featured in our guides -- and hit up the hub page right here!


Fall's slowly, but surely creeping back in, and we bet you've already started to gather up the necessary gear for your return to the residence hall. Sure, you've got the basics covered, with a computer, smartphone, MP3 player and even a tablet at the ready. But wouldn't it be nice to start the school year off in style with some handy accoutrements to trick out those digital crutches? Let's face it, you're going to need a lapdesk buffer zone between you and your laptop's scorching heat for those countless hours spent churning out term papers. Or, an external hard drive, so you can store those full seasons of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia and bring the late night funny to your stressed-out friends. However you manage to make it through the year and snag that 4.0 GPA, we've got a selection of accessorized aids to match your collegiate budget. Oh, and don't forget, we're giving away $3,000 worth of essential back to school gear to 15 readers, and you can be among the chosen few simply by dropping a comment below! Click on past the break to start browsing.

Continue reading Engadget's back to school guide 2011: accessories

Engadget's back to school guide 2011: accessories originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesAndroidAppleAuraSoundAuraSound Sound StationAurasoundSoundStationaviiqAviiq Portable Charging StationAviiqPortableChargingStationback to schoolback to school shoppingBackToSchoolbacktoschool2011BackToSchoolShoppingBluetoothcalculatorcalculator mouseCalculatorMouseCanonCanon X Mark I Mouse LiteCanonXMarkIMouseLitedockdocking stationDockingStationeSATAexternal hard driveExternalHardDriveFireWire 800Firewire800gearHDIomegaIomega Mac Companion Hard DriveIomegaMacCompanionHardDriveiOSiPadiPad 2ipad caseIpad2IpadCaseiPhoneiPodiPod touchIpodTouchkeyboardKingstonKingston Wi-DriveKingstonWi-drivelapdeskLCDlogitechLogitech Touch Lapdesk N600LogitechTouchLapdeskN600mediamousemultimediaPCPciExpressportable chargerPortableChargerRAIDRocketfishRocketfish Advanced Series Keyboard CapsuleRocketfishAdvancedSeriesKeyboardCapsulescoscheScosche goBATT II Portable ChargerScoscheGobattIiPortableChargerslateslatesstoragestorage solutionstorage solutionsStorageSolutionStorageSolutionstabtablettabletsUSBUSB 2.0Usb2.0Western DigitalWestern Digital My Book Studio Edition IIWesternDigitalWesternDigitalMyBookStudioEditionIiWiFiMon, 29 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[UK set to legalize CD and DVD copying for personal use]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/02/uk-set-to-legalize-cd-and-dvd-copying-for-personal-use/#commentsThe fact that it hasn't technically been legal may not have stopped many folks in the UK from ripping their CDs all these years, but it looks like there may soon be a tad less anarchy involved in that process. Reuters is reporting that the British government will announce tomorrow that it plans to legalize the copying of CDs and DVDs onto computers or portable media players for personal use -- a move that will bring it up to speed with most other European countries (and the US and Canada). Of course, the key words there are "personal use." You still won't be legally allowed to share that music over the internet after you copy it without permission, and it's not yet clear how the new rules will apply to DVDs (or Blu-rays) with copy protection measures -- although the British Video Association unsurprisingly doesn't seem too pleased with the changes regardless, calling them "extremely damaging."

UK set to legalize CD and DVD copying for personal use originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 22:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britaincdcd copyingcd rippingCdCopyingCdRippingcdscopyingdvddvdslegalizemediamusicrippingukTue, 02 Aug 2011 22:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/13/philly-papers-to-offer-subscribers-discounted-android-tablets-th/#comments As the internet has overtaken newspapers as an information source, convincing readers to shell out the dough for online news has proven an uphill battle. Now two papers are trying a new approach: entice customers with discounted Android tablets and pre-loaded content apps. The Philadelphia Media Network, which owns the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Philadelphia Daily News, is planning a pilot program for mid-August which will offer around 2,000 tablets; if successful, it could expand to more readers. The combined price of hardware and a one- to two-year daily subscription should be about half of retail. So far we have few details on what you'll get for your money, but expect a WiFi tablet from a major manufacturer, with 3G and/or 4G possible in the future. If you're from the city of brotherly love and want more details on this early-stage plan, see the video after the break.

Continue reading Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video)

Philly papers to offer subscribers discounted Android tablets that make terrible birdcage lining (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 13 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsbusinesse booke bookse readere readerse-booke-bookse-readere-readersEBookEBooksEReaderEReadersipadjournalismjournalism onlineJournalismOnlinemedianewsnewspapersPhiladelphiaPhiladelphia Daily NewsPhiladelphia Media NetworkPhiladelphiaDailyNewsPhiladelphiaMediaNetworkvideoWed, 13 Jul 2011 00:32:00 EST<![CDATA[France bans Twitter, Facebook mentions on TV, in the name of market competition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/france-bans-twitter-facebook-mentions-on-tv-in-the-name-of-mar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/france-bans-twitter-facebook-mentions-on-tv-in-the-name-of-mar/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/06/france-bans-twitter-facebook-mentions-on-tv-in-the-name-of-mar/#comments The words "Facebook" and "Twitter" are now verboten on French TV, because France thought it'd be a good idea to follow its own laws. Last week, the country's Conseil Supérieur de l'Audiovisuel (CSA) ruled that TV networks and radio stations will no longer be able to explicitly mention Facebook or Twitter during on-air broadcasts, except when discussing a story in which either company is directly involved. The move comes in response to a 1992 governmental decree that prohibits media organizations from promoting brands during newscasts, for fear of diluting competition. Instead of inviting viewers to follow their programs or stories on Twitter, then, broadcast journalists will have to couch their promotions in slightly more generic terms -- e.g. "Follow us on your social network of choice." CSA spokeswoman Christine Kelly explains:

"Why give preference to Facebook, which is worth billions of dollars, when there are many other social networks that are struggling for recognition? This would be a distortion of competition. If we allow Facebook and Twitter to be cited on air, it's opening a Pandora's Box - other social networks will complain to us saying, 'why not us?'"

It didn't take long for the US media to jump all over the story, with many outlets citing no less objective a source than Matthew Fraser -- a Canadian expat blogger who claims, in ostensible sincerity, that the ruling is symptomatic of a "deeply rooted animosity in the French psyche toward Anglo-Saxon cultural domination." Calling the ruling "ludicrous," Fraser went on to flamboyantly point out the obvious, stating that such regulatory nonsense would never be tolerated by corporations in the US. But then again, neither would smelly cheese or universal healthcare. Apple, meet orange. Fueling competition via aggressive regulation may strike some free-marketeers as economically depraved, but it certainly won't kill social media-based commerce. Facebook and Twitter have already become more or less synonymous with "social networks" anyway, so it's hard to envision such a minor linguistic tweak having any major effect on online engagement. That's not to say that the new regulation will suddenly create a level playing field -- it won't. But it probably won't put America's social media titans at a serious disadvantage, as some would have you believe. Rather, these knee-jerk arguments from Fraser and others seem more rooted in capitalist symbolism and cross-cultural hyperbole than anything else -- reality, included.

France bans Twitter, Facebook mentions on TV, in the name of market competition originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbrandbusinesscompetitionConseil Supérieur de lAudiovisuelConseilSupérieurDeLaudiovisuelCSAculturedecreeeconomicsfacebookfrancefrenchgovernmentjournalismknee-jerkmedianewsoutcrypoliticsradioregulationregulatorysocial mediaSocialMediaSocialNetworkingtvtwitterwebMon, 06 Jun 2011 08:28:00 EST<![CDATA[X-Prize reveals plans for tricorder competition, suspiciously lacking Nimoy endorsement]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/x-prize-reveals-plans-for-tricorder-competition-suspiciously-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/x-prize-reveals-plans-for-tricorder-competition-suspiciously-la/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/13/x-prize-reveals-plans-for-tricorder-competition-suspiciously-la/#commentsWe could feed you a line about the final frontier or exploring strange new worlds, but we'll just give it to you straight: the X-Prize Foundation has teamed up with Qualcomm to design the Tricorder X-Prize, a $10 million competition designed to boldly go where no contest has gone before. Sorry, we couldn't help ourselves. The most recent addition to the ambitious X-Prize stable is aimed at producing a mobile medical device, similar to those used on Star Trek, that can "diagnose patients better than or equal to a panel of board certified physicians." Said device would allow regular folks to "quickly and effectively assess health conditions, determine if they need professional help," and then decide on a plan of action. The Tricorder X-Prize competition is still in the planning stages and should be ready to launch sometime in 2012. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading X-Prize reveals plans for tricorder competition, suspiciously lacking Nimoy endorsement

X-Prize reveals plans for tricorder competition, suspiciously lacking Nimoy endorsement originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 May 2011 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carehealthhealth careHealthCaremediaMedicinesciencesensorStar TrekStarTrekTricorder X PrizeTricorderXPrizeX PrizeX Prize TricorderX-PrizeXPrizeXPrizeTricorderFri, 13 May 2011 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook admits hiring PR firm to smear Google]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/facebook-admits-hiring-pr-firm-to-smear-google/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/facebook-admits-hiring-pr-firm-to-smear-google/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/facebook-admits-hiring-pr-firm-to-smear-google/#comments It seems like the ongoing rivalry between Facebook and Google has taken a turn for the subversive. Last night, a spokesman for the social network confirmed to the Daily Beast that Facebook paid a top PR firm to spread anti-Google stories across the media and to encourage various outlets to examine allegations that the Mountain View company was violating user privacy. The PR firm, Burson-Marsteller, even offered to help blogger Chris Soghoian write a critical op-ed piece about Social Circle -- a service that allows Gmail users to access information on so-called "secondary connections," or friends of their friends. Social Circle, in fact, seems to have been at the epicenter of Facebook's smear campaign. In a pitch to journalists, Burson described the tool in borderline apocalyptic terms:

"The American people must be made aware of the now immediate intrusions into their deeply personal lives Google is cataloging and broadcasting every minute of every day-without their permission."

Soghoian thought that Burson's representatives were "making a mountain out of a molehill," so he decided to prod them about which company they might be working for. When Burson refused to spill the beans, Soghoian went public and published all of the e-mails sent between him and the firm. USA Today picked up on the story, before concluding that any claims of a smear campaign were unfounded. The Daily Beast's Dan Lyons, however, apparently forced Facebook's hand after confronting the company with "evidence" of its involvement. A Facebook spokesman said the social network hired Burson to do its Nixonian dirty work for two primary reasons: it genuinely believes that Google is violating consumer privacy and it also suspects that its rival "may be improperly using data they have scraped about Facebook users." In other words, their actions were motivated by both "altruistic" and self-serving agendas, though we'd be willing to bet that the latter slightly outweighed the former. Google, meanwhile, has yet to comment on the story, saying that it still needs more time to wrap its head around everything -- which might just be the most appropriate "no comment" we've ever heard.

Facebook admits hiring PR firm to smear Google originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 07:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Burson-MarstellerChris SoghoianChrisSoghoiandaily beastDailyBeastembarrassingfacebookGmailgooglegoogle social circleGoogleSocialCirclemediaPR firmsPrFirmspublic relationsPublicRelationsrivalrySilicon ValleySiliconValleysmearsmear campaignSmearCampaignsocialsocial circlesocial mediasocial networkingSocialCircleSocialMediaSocialNetworkingThu, 12 May 2011 07:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Coalition of companies creates WebM Community Cross License initiative]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/coalition-of-companies-creates-webm-community-cross-license-init/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/coalition-of-companies-creates-webm-community-cross-license-init/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/26/coalition-of-companies-creates-webm-community-cross-license-init/#comments When Google unveiled its WebM open source media format and declared it to be the one codec to rule all others, there were those who decried its usefulness and felt that H.264 should inherit the earth. WebM's power converted some of those staunch detractors, and to rally more to the VP8 / Vorbis cause, 17 companies have now formed the WebM Community Cross-License (CCL) initiative by inter-mingling their WebM-related IP resources. The initiative was founded so that all may use El Goog's preferred multimedia codec free from the threat of patent litigation, and the CCL superfriends will welcome more members to bolster their legal might -- but those wishing to join must grant a royalty-free license to any of their patents that cover WebM technology. A passion for streamlining web standards and a willingness to spread the word about WebM couldn't hurt, either -- new formats don't sell themselves, y'know.

Coalition of companies creates WebM Community Cross License initiative originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercclcodeccross licensecross licensingcross-licensecross-licensingcross-licensing agreementCross-licensingAgreementCrossLicenseCrossLicensingformatgoogleh.264licensemediastandardsvideovideo formatVideoFormatweb browserweb standardsWebBrowserwebmwebm cclWebmCclWebStandardsTue, 26 Apr 2011 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Elgato updates EyeTV iOS app, does the AirPlay dance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elgato-updates-eyetv-ios-app-does-the-airplay-dance/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elgato-updates-eyetv-ios-app-does-the-airplay-dance/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/elgato-updates-eyetv-ios-app-does-the-airplay-dance/#comments If you've been longing to use your EyeTV HD to sling content from your AirPlay-enabled iOS device to your designated Apple TV 2 setup, listen up. Elgato has pushed an updated version of the EyeTV iOS app (version 1.2.3) that enables Apple's wireless streaming technology to play nicely with your ATV2 or third-party AirPlay device. Remember, the app costs $4.99, but wouldn't you rather watch Seinfeld reruns on the living room 74-incher? Yeah, us too.

Elgato updates EyeTV iOS app, does the AirPlay dance originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 09:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.2.3air playairplayappappleapple tv 2AppleTv2appselgatoelgato eyetv hdElgatoEyetvHdeye tveyetveyetv hdEyetvHdiosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmediamedia streamerMediaStreamerstreamstreamerstreamingupdateupdatesWed, 06 Apr 2011 09:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple could be licensing AirPlay for video streaming, HDTV integration seems imminent]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/apple-could-be-licensing-airplay-for-video-streaming-hdtv-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/apple-could-be-licensing-airplay-for-video-streaming-hdtv-integ/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/apple-could-be-licensing-airplay-for-video-streaming-hdtv-integ/#commentsThere's nothing concrete to sink your teeth into just yet, but a couple of people "familiar with the matter" have informed Bloomberg that Apple could be taking AirPlay to the next level. Up until now, companies have been shelling out $4 per device to add AirPlay audio streaming into their products, but there's a very real demand for video to be included in that as well. According to sources, the video streaming protocol is already baked in, but not enabled / allowed under the current licensing agreement. It's bruited that the folks in Cupertino could soon expand the AirPlay license program to include video streaming from iPhones and iPads, with integration into HDTVs being the most obvious application. Specifically, the new plan would enable electronics makers to "use [AirPlay] in devices for streaming movies, TV shows and other video content," but there's no clear time table as to when any of this would go down. Will CEDIA 2011 be the launchpad for AirPlay-enabled televisions? If so, don't ever say we didn't see it coming.

[Thanks, Nilay]

Apple could be licensing AirPlay for video streaming, HDTV integration seems imminent originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 17:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplayApplecontentdisplayhd streamingHdStreaminghdtvmediarumorstreamstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideotelevisiontvwireless streamingWirelessStreamingWed, 23 Mar 2011 17:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas researchers aim to solve wireless bandwidth bottleneck, hopefully before SXSW 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/texas-researchers-aim-to-solve-wireless-bandwidth-bottleneck-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/texas-researchers-aim-to-solve-wireless-bandwidth-bottleneck-ho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/21/texas-researchers-aim-to-solve-wireless-bandwidth-bottleneck-ho/#comments As anyone attempting to stream high-quality video on any major metropolitan subway has likely found, doing so often requires the patience of Job and a willingness to spend more time 'buffering' and less time 'enjoying.' It's a problem that's particularly evident at crowded events like the never-ending South by Southwest, and it's probably no coincidence that a team from The University of Texas at Austin are now spending their waking hours attempting to solve the looming wireless bandwidth crisis. Five faculty in the school's Electrical and Computer Engineering Department have been selected to receive a $900,000 gift from Intel and Cisco to "develop innovative and novel algorithms that could improve the wireless networks ability to store, stream and share mobile videos more efficiently." Their work is part of a five university tie-up, seeking to solve quandaries such as tower interference, selective compression (read: pixelating the areas you don't pay attention to in order to squeeze more out of the existing infrastructure), cell tower intelligence and data output redundancy. Hard to say if any of the major carriers will be implementing proposed solutions in the near future, but we can think of at least one company that's crossing its fingers in hopes of that very outcome.

Texas researchers aim to solve wireless bandwidth bottleneck, hopefully before SXSW 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Mar 2011 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austinbandwidthcardan samplesCardanSamplesciscocontentintelmediastreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideosxswtexasuniversityUniversity of Texas at AustinUniversityOfTexasAtAustinvideoMon, 21 Mar 2011 16:09:00 EST<![CDATA[New York Times reveals labyrinthine subscription plans, Canadian readers already hitting paywall]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/new-york-times-reveals-labyrinthine-subscription-plans-canadian/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/new-york-times-reveals-labyrinthine-subscription-plans-canadian/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/17/new-york-times-reveals-labyrinthine-subscription-plans-canadian/#comments
We knew it was coming, and now The New York Times has followed through on its promise to erect a paywall for online content, which means no more free news -- kind of. Starting today in Canada and March 28th in the US, NYTimes.com will ask visitors reading more than 20 articles per month to pay for their info fix. The new plan offers monthly subscriptions of $15 with a smartphone app, $20 with tablet app, or $35 for complete digital access -- subscribers with a physical subscription will be granted a full pass, except on e-readers. Further convoluting the pay structure, entry from sites like Twitter and Facebook won't face the same restrictions, and access via Google is set at five free visits per day. Other news sources, including The Wall Street Journal, have already started charging for online content in the face of declining ad revenue, but this is certainly one of the most elaborate systems we've seen so far. The subscription plan was unleashed in Canada today, allowing the paper to iron out any kinks before hitting the US, which means you've got just under two weeks to hit NYTimes.com completely free -- after that, prepare to be confused.

New York Times reveals labyrinthine subscription plans, Canadian readers already hitting paywall originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contentdigitaldigital mediadigital subscriptionDigitalMediaDigitalSubscriptionjournalismmediaNew York TimesnewsnewspaperNewYorkTimesNYTimesnytimes.comonlineonline contentonline journalismonline mediaonline subscriptionOnlineContentOnlineJournalismOnlineMediaOnlineSubscriptionpaperpayPay Wallpay-wallpaymentpaymentsPayWallpublicationpublicationssubscribersubscriberssubscriptionsubscriptionsThe New York TimesTheNewYorkTimeswallThu, 17 Mar 2011 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Piracy is a problem of 'global pricing,' not enforcement, claims new report]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/piracy-is-a-problem-of-global-pricing-not-enforcement-claims/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/piracy-is-a-problem-of-global-pricing-not-enforcement-claims/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/piracy-is-a-problem-of-global-pricing-not-enforcement-claims/#comments The smart cookies at the Social Science Research Council have spent three years researching media and software piracy in so-called emerging economies -- countries like Brazil, Russia, India and Mexico -- which has this past week resulted in a comprehensive report aimed at establishing the trends and causes of the unauthorized consumption of intellectual property. The major theme of the report is that ever more stringent enforcement of IP rights has proven ineffective in countering the growing tide of content piracy, and it is instead a problem of "global pricing" that needs to be tackled first. Content distributors' primary concern is argued to be the protection of existing pricing structures in the honeypot nations of Western Europe and North America, which has resulted in prices in locales like Eastern Europe and South America being artificially inflated relative to the purchasing power of their population. Consequently, squeezed out of buying media the legal way, consumers have found themselves drawn to the, erm, grayer end of the market to sate their entertainment needs. There's plenty more to this report, including a proposed solution to fixing these broken economics, but you'll have to check out the links below for the full scoop.

Piracy is a problem of 'global pricing,' not enforcement, claims new report originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 19:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>academiaenforcementlawlegalmediamedia piracymedia piracy projectMediaPiracyMediaPiracyProjectmoviesmusicopinionpiracypricepricingproblemresearchsocial science research councilSocialScienceResearchCouncilsoftwaresolutionTue, 15 Mar 2011 19:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Online news overtakes paper, and nearly half of it is mobile]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/online-news-overtakes-paper-and-nearly-half-of-it-is-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/online-news-overtakes-paper-and-nearly-half-of-it-is-mobile/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/15/online-news-overtakes-paper-and-nearly-half-of-it-is-mobile/#comments Wait, this is just now happening? The Pew Project's 2011 report on mobile devices' effect on media was published this week; it's a fascinating read from end to end that reveals a wild swing in the way we've gathered news and information as human beings over the past decade, but a couple stats really stand out. First off, the internet has finally overtaken newspapers as a news source, putting it behind just television -- and we already know the writing's on the wall there since the young ones are already preferring the web. And of those web-savvy, voracious consumers of information, some 47 percent are getting at least some of it on the go, either through their phone or tablet (like, say, Engadget's lovely selection of mobile apps). Mass transit commuters have always been a haven for newspaper-toting businessfolk -- but with iPads continuing to sell like hotcakes, not even the subway is safe from the tablet onslaught.

Online news overtakes paper, and nearly half of it is mobile originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 14:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>informationmediamobilenewsnews gatheringNewsGatheringnewspapernewspapersstudytabletthe pew projectThePewProjectTue, 15 Mar 2011 14:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Skifta Android app nabs DLNA certification: tablets and smartphones now streaming to STBs and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/skifta-android-app-nabs-dlna-certification-tablets-and-smartpho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/skifta-android-app-nabs-dlna-certification-tablets-and-smartpho/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/skifta-android-app-nabs-dlna-certification-tablets-and-smartpho/#comments Using your Android phone as a remote is hardly new, but using it to actually send content to a TV-connected set-top box? Now that's a novel concept. Skifta for Android has just become the first piece of software to be certified by the Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) under its new Software Certification program, enabling any Android-based smartphone or tablet to stream onboard media to any DLNA source, including TVs, stereos, PCs and Sony's PS3. It's hard to say what kind of phone (and what kind of bandwidth) will be needed for this to actually be an enjoyable experience, but those curious to find out can download the app for free in the Android Marketplace... provided you're using a device with Android 2.2 (Froyo) or higher, of course. Head on past the break for a explanatory video.

Continue reading Skifta Android app nabs DLNA certification: tablets and smartphones now streaming to STBs and more

Skifta Android app nabs DLNA certification: tablets and smartphones now streaming to STBs and more originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcertificationcloudDLNAgooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidmediaqualcommQualcomm Services LabsQualcommServicesLabsremoteremote accessremote controlRemoteAccessRemoteControlSkiftasoftwarestreamstreamingstreaming mediaStreamingMediavideoThu, 03 Feb 2011 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Moovida's new media center software has great looks, so-so personality]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/moovidas-new-media-center-software-has-great-looks-so-so-perso/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/moovidas-new-media-center-software-has-great-looks-so-so-perso/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/28/moovidas-new-media-center-software-has-great-looks-so-so-perso/#comments With Microsoft planning a move away from the HTPC space and a shift to Windows Media Center embedded products, perhaps the gang at Moovida is looking to take Redmond's place in the home theater geek segment. The company has unleashed a beautiful new media browsing UI called 'Immersed' that's powered by a 3D game engine, a fact which makes its media center brethren look dowdy in comparison. There is a steep price to pay for this digital eye candy, however, as the current version lacks the ability to stream content -- so no Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube for you. Moovida's software also packs an underlying desktop-optimized UI, 'Core', that provides automated media backup and cataloging, syncs your music and video with peripherals, and plays any non-DRM content known to man. Presently in beta, Moovida promises greater functionality in future releases and we can only hope that means streaming capability is coming soon, as in immediately.

Moovida's new media center software has great looks, so-so personality originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 19:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>htpcmediamedia centermedia pcmedia pcsmedia streamerMediaCenterMediaPcMediaPcsMediaStreamermoovidamoovida coremoovida immersedMoovidaCoreMoovidaImmersedFri, 28 Jan 2011 19:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner, Disney and News Corp. bigwigs speak up against FCC stipulations in Comcast-NBC deal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/time-warner-disney-and-news-corp-bigwigs-speak-up-against-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/time-warner-disney-and-news-corp-bigwigs-speak-up-against-fcc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/time-warner-disney-and-news-corp-bigwigs-speak-up-against-fcc/#commentsHello, inevitable. It simply had to happen, and now, it is. As Comcast, NBC and the FCC attempt to work out stipulations over Comcast's proposed 51 percent buyout of NBC Universal, a smattering of major media companies are paying close attention to the play-by-play. Naturally, the precedents that are set from this deal will affect future agreements of this caliber, and lobbyists for both Disney and News Corp. (as well as Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes) aren't standing over on the sidelines any longer. All three outfits have reportedly been "voicing their concerns this week with the FCC, worried that such conditions could undermine their own efforts to profit from the nascent online video industry."

We're told that the media mega-corps are worried that the rules -- if hammered down -- could interfere with ongoing negotiations with online video providers, and in turn, give them less leverage to monetize and control their content on the world wide web. In other words, if NBC Universal is forced to provide content fluidly to all ISPs (and not just Comcast), what's to say other content makers and internet providers wouldn't also be forced into similar deals, regardless of whether or not they're involved in takeover negotiations? Needless to say, we're nowhere near the end of this journey, and while the nuts and bolts are pretty dry to think about, the outcomes could have a serious impact on our future viewing habits.

Time Warner, Disney and News Corp. bigwigs speak up against FCC stipulations in Comcast-NBC deal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlecomcastconflictcontentdisneyfcchuluinternet tvInternetTviptvmedianbcnbc unbc universalNbcUNbcUniversalnews corpNewsCorponline videoOnlineVideoproblemprogrammingregulationregulatorsstreamstreamingtime warner cableTimeWarnerCabletvtwcweb videoWebVideoFri, 14 Jan 2011 17:09:00 EST<![CDATA[How would you change Roku's XDS media streamer?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/how-would-you-change-rokus-xds-media-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/how-would-you-change-rokus-xds-media-streamer/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/03/how-would-you-change-rokus-xds-media-streamer/#comments 2010 may arguably be the year of the tablet, but darn if media streamers aren't breathing down their neck. This year, we've seen an explosion in the quantity and quality of media streamer options, with even the mighty Google buying in via its Google TV solution. One of the earlier birds, Roku, decided to dole out an updated box just a few months ago, and now it's competing against the Apple TV, a few WD TV Live units, D-Link's Boxee Box and scores of integrated options within HDTVs. At $99, there's an awful lot of choices on the market, but we're curious to know how XDS early adopters would tweak and / or overhaul things if given the golden opportunity. Would you change the exterior at all? How about the user interface? Add any content partners? How's the remote control situation treating you? Think of comments below like you would an AA meeting -- speak your heart and wait for nods. We're all one in this brainstorming bubble.

How would you change Roku's XDS media streamer? originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>How would you changeHowWouldYouChangeHWYCmediamedia streamerMediaStreamerrokuroku XDSRokuXdsstreamstreamerstreamingXDSFri, 03 Dec 2010 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[WD TV Live media players gain Blockbuster on Demand, USB wireless keyboard support]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/wd-tv-live-media-players-gain-blockbuster-on-demand-usb-wireles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/wd-tv-live-media-players-gain-blockbuster-on-demand-usb-wireles/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/wd-tv-live-media-players-gain-blockbuster-on-demand-usb-wireles/#commentsIt's not like anyone could predict the media streamer war that would erupt in 2010, but it looks like Western Digital's taking things pretty seriously. The company has just issued a somewhat major overhaul for its WD TV Live Plus and WD TV Live media players, adding Facebook support while also giving US-based users the ability to instantly rent or purchase movies via Blockbuster on Demand. Post-firmware update, users will also be able to tap into Deezer (an on-demand music service), Flingo (another internet TV portal) and AccuWeather (a place that "forecasts" what's happening in our "atmosphere"). Potentially more important than all of that, however, is the addition of USB wireless keyboard support -- simply plug in a USB wireless dongle that ships with most every wireless keyboard out there, and you'll be free to update your Facebook status or search for "Bed Intruder Song" through YouTube, all from the comfort of your sofa. Huzzah!

Continue reading WD TV Live media players gain Blockbuster on Demand, USB wireless keyboard support

WD TV Live media players gain Blockbuster on Demand, USB wireless keyboard support originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 02:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accuweatherblockbusterblockbuster on demandBlockbusterOnDemanddeezerfacebookfirmwareflingomediamedia streamerMediaStreamersocial networkingSocialNetworkingstreamerstreamingupdatewd tvWD TV LiveWD TV Live plusWdTvWdTvLiveWdTvLivePlusweatherWestern DigitalWesternDigitalWed, 24 Nov 2010 02:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Acer launches Alive digital content platform and app store, plans to pre-load it onto future machines]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/acer-launches-alive-digital-content-platform-and-app-store-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/acer-launches-alive-digital-content-platform-and-app-store-plan/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/23/acer-launches-alive-digital-content-platform-and-app-store-plan/#comments Acer's Global press event today focused primarily around its Clear.fi content sharing system and a slew of new hardware introductions, but there's one tidbit of software news that seems too significant to ignore. Here shortly, Acer will begin pre-loading its newfangled Alive digital content platform onto its machines. Hard to say if that includes tablets and smartphones (update: Acer has confirmed that it'll eventually hit "netbooks, laptops, smartphones and tablets), but the screens we're seeing today lead us to believe this is a desktop-only affair for now. Acer's playing this up as being "more than an app store," but there's no question that an app store lies at the heart. A cornucopia of partners (Intel, Zinio, Adobe, etc.) will be providing content, and newly pushed material can be easily viewed via Twitter or Acer's own Channel concept. Five main sections will be present: Listen, Watch, Read, Play and Application. Both free and paid content will be supported, with users in the UK and Italy getting first access next month. Mum's the word on how long it'll take to spread elsewhere (a more thorough rollout will "begin" in Q1 2011), and there's no mention at all about an SDK for developers. Something tells us this will end up as more of a collection of apps from various app stores than anything else, but at least we'll know for sure in just a couple weeks.

Gallery: Acer Alive app store and digital content platform

Continue reading Acer launches Alive digital content platform and app store, plans to pre-load it onto future machines

Acer launches Alive digital content platform and app store, plans to pre-load it onto future machines originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aceracer aliveAcerAlivealiveapp storeAppStorecontentmediamoviesmusicprogrammingTue, 23 Nov 2010 13:53:00 EST