mobilevideo
Latest
Facebook's changing the way News Feed videos display, but it's mobile-only for now
Facebook's experimenting with a new way to play videos uploaded to its News Feed, but not everyone will get to take part -- not yet, anyway. This new Vine-like feature, which will begin rolling out to a limited group of US-based mobile users, allows for videos viewed on mobile to play silently as a user browses the News Feed. Audio will only play when a user elects to click on the video, at which point it will expand for the duration of the clip. So far, Facebook is limiting these auto-play videos to those that come from accounts with verified pages (read: celebrities) and individual users, not marketers. So you don't have to worry about your News Feed getting spammed for now, although the company is evaluating whether or not to let the big bad wolves of the ad world join in. For a preview of what this new video tweak will look like, head on past the break.
Yahoo launches Screen video app for iOS with emphasis on comedy clips
Armed with a fresh new logo, Yahoo's getting down to business. Today, the company unveiled its first major mobile product: a video-discovery app for iOS called Screen. The service lets users browse trending videos and swipe through channels to watch clips from The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live, in addition to Yahoo Originals programming. The company says it currently has "over 1,000 hours of comedy" on offer -- and thanks to a deal with Viacom, that includes plenty of clips from Comedy Central shows. Those using Apple's mobile OS can download the free app via the second source link below.
80% of mobile videos watched happen on iOS devices
The New York Times is reporting on a FreeWheel study [PDF] that says the majority of video views that happen on a mobile device occur on an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch. The iPhone and iPod touch account for a 30 percent share each, while the iPad accounts for a 20 percent share. About 19 percent of video views happen on an Android device with the remaining 1 percent happening on all other mobile devices. Ever since Apple unveiled the original iPhone without Adobe Flash support, its competitors have been shouting that users were missing the "full internet." There were also plenty of people that said lack of Flash support would doom the iPhone since most mobile videos were in the Flash format. We now know, of course, that lack of Flash doesn't hinder video viewing on the iPhone in the slightest. Most videos on most major websites are encoded in multiple formats now -- all perhaps thanks to the iPhone not supporting Flash. Matter of fact, FreeWheel asserts that Apple's dominance in mobile video views is due to the fact that its devices top the priorities of video publishers and mobile developers who encode and develop for Apple's iOS gear first and Android and other devices only after they have stable iOS offerings.
RIM wants Hulu Plus on the Blackberry PlayBook, 'conversations' continue
RIM wants Hulu Plus on the just-released Blackberry PlayBook. It also wants everyone to know it wants Hulu Plus on the Blackberry PlayBook, after the streaming video service unceremoniously blocked access to its videos just days after the tablet's launch. Now, both PC Mag and The Wall Street Journal are reporting the same terse email statement from RIM: "We are in conversations with Hulu to bring the Hulu Plus subscription service to BlackBerry PlayBook users." No word on the content of those conversations or a timeline for resolution, so for now PlayBook users will need to find another way to satisfy their yearning for Seinfeld reruns.
Hulu blocked on the BlackBerry PlayBook, Android fans say, 'told you so'
In news that should surprise no one, Hulu has blocked videos from playing in the BlackBerry PlayBook's native browser, adding the tablet to a long blacklist of devices. But where there's a will, there's a way -- over at CrackBerry, one commenter reported success in emailing himself the embed code and then opening the link from his Gmail inbox. If that tedious workaround doesn't help, you're in for a lengthy, disgruntled wait for a change of tide-- right behind some very impatient Android users.
More music videos now playing on Android YouTube app, more pre-roll commercials, too
Let's get the bad news out of the way first: pre-roll ads are coming to YouTube on Android in a big way. Big G is adding the digital speed bumps to "tens of thousands of YouTube partner videos" starting now, but it's for a sort of good reason: Katy Perry. Well, her and a bunch of other music videos, all appearing in the YouTube 2.0 app on Android, with the initial batch provided by VEVO. Music videos will be identified by a note icon and, while you're watching one, you can get artist info and quickly view other tracks that are available. Right now this is a feature only available on Android but, with Google happily extolling that it drove a 300 percent growth in mobile video viewership in 2010, we're guessing it'll be coming to other platforms soon enough.
Panasonic and Verizon team up to Mobile HD Visual Communications System using LTE
LTE is hardly available everywhere, but that's not stopping Verizon from looking for novel ways to exploit all that lovely bandwidth, recently partnering with OnStar to do everything from streaming in-car security cameras to Skype video chatting from the highway. Now it's Panasonic getting down with 4G, the two companies partnering to the Mobile High Definition Visual Communications System, basically a collection of remotely controlled cameras, microphones, and a display on each end that enables two distant sites to communicate wirelessly. The initial implementations here are primarily medical, like an ambulance calling ahead and giving doctors an idea of what's inbound, or a patient being able to visit with a doctor remotely. However, we can see plenty of other potential applications going forward. Remote access to the CES show floor so that everyone can experience the insanity? Oh yeah.
Fox Mobile launches Bitbop beta, a Hulu for your phone
While Hulu might be missing out on the mobile space due to licensing issues, Fox Mobile-backed Bitbop is looking to step in and take the reins. The app, currently in beta and available only for select BlackBerry devices, has 25 content partners including Fox (of course), CBS, NBC, and Comedy Central. It's said to work over WiFi or even 3G data connections and is free so far, though a section in the FAQ intimates that Fox will also launch a premium plan with "unlimited, full-length, network TV shows with no commercial interruptions" for $10 a month, and mobile movie rentals are also apparently on the way. And never fear, Android and iPhone lovers -- mocoNews reports that apps for your smartphone of choice are coming, too. Let's hope Fox gets it working on Froyo, before Hulu kills that workaround.
Bitbop hands-on: is this the Hulu of mobile?
Fox Mobile unveiled its Bitbop venture this week that promises to provide a wealth of TV and movie entertainment from a variety of top-tier studios, and if you can get past the fact that you're actually going to have to pay for this content, it's shaping up to be a pretty promising system when it launches later this year. There's no live programming -- just a database of show episodes and movies that you have your choice of either streaming or downloading for later consumption over 3G or WiFi -- which makes it a little bit like using an on-demand service from your cable company. Bitbop was only demoing the BlackBerry version of its app at CTIA this week, but it looks like there'll be iPhone and Android versions on the way; at any rate, video quality looked plenty good on the Bold's 480 x 320 display. Initially, there'll be just one plan -- $9.99 a month for access to shows, while movies will be pay-per-view exclusively -- but we got the impression that the company is leaving the door open for other payment models down the road. Great, just what we needed: another really cool way to kill productivity. At least we'll be able to catch up on Gossip Girl in the process, we suppose! Follow the break for video.%Gallery-89051%
Sungale introduces 4.3-inch Kula: the WiFi-enabled portable TV
Not so keen on coughing up a month's worth of WoW coinage in order to pay for FLO TV services? If so, and you can somehow keep yourself surrounded by WiFi waves at all times, Sungale just might have a cheaper alternative. The outfit has just revealed what it says is its "first IPTV," though frankly it sounds more like a WiFi-enabled PMP with a knack for finding web programming. The 4.3-inch Kula is described as an "ultra-portable WiFi-enabled IPTV that allows users to access a large number of live streaming television programs from all over the world, selectable by country, language and topic like News, Sports and Finance all without the high rates." Aside from using WiFi, there's no mention of any other protocol to tap into various channel "packages," though we're not completely shutting out that possibility until we see this bugger at CES. Other specs include 2GB of internal memory, an SD / MMC expansion slot and support for a slew of file formats. Hop on past the break for the full release, which naturally omits any semblance of a price tag in keeping with the elusive theme.
mSpot brings new release movie streaming to major US carriers
mSpot has been streaming full-length movies to cellphones for a few years now, but not until this week has the company had a potential customer base of 40 million. As of right now, mobile phone users on Sprint, AT&T, Verizon Wireless and T-Mobile (yes, that includes the G1, Pre, iPhone and every other smartphone with a half-decent browser) can surf over to m.mspot.com in order to stream major motion pictures, and being that the service is on-demand, you can also pause and restart 'em whenever you darn well please. Deals have been inked with Paramount Studios, Universal Pictures and the Weinstein Company, and we're told that more agreements are in the works. Movie rentals will cost $4.99 per title, and can be viewed from 24 hours to 5 days after they're rented. Naturally, mSpot recommends paying for an "unlimited" data plan, and if you're smart, you won't utilize the service whilst traveling abroad.
Cox Communications set to launch a cellular network
Well, it's been a long time coming, and it probably shouldn't come as a surprise at this point, but Atlanta-based Cox Communications, the third largest cable provider in the United States, has announced plans to launch its own cellular network. We heard essentially the same news back in October of last year, but the company's reaffirming its commitment to do so by the end of 2009, almost certainly using its portion of the winnings from the 700MHz auction (estimated to be worth around $304 million dollars). Details such as pricing are still a mystery, but Cox's VP of its wireless division, Stephen Bye, said that the network will allow them to offer a bundled television, broadband and wireless service, that it hopes to focus on the burgeoning mobile video market, and that it may launch an app store in order to compete with "what's already out there." We wish them luck.[Via Phone Scoop]
Softbank's iPhone 1seg tuner / battery charger gets unboxed
If you're American, don't even pretend you care about this. 'Cause you don't care about mobile TV at all, and we've got the facts to prove it. For those parked in Japan, though, you have every right to get jazzed. Softbank's 1seg TV tuner / battery charger has finally been loosed on the carrier's home turf, and the lucky cats over at DVICE were able to acquire one and give it a whirl. Setup was said to be a breeze, the 1seg pickup was crystal clear and the device itself was satisfactorily lightweight. As for downsides, the entire app is in Japanese, and even with the extra juice, watching TV on the go zapped the life out in around an hour with brightness maxed. Check the full writeup and unboxing gallery in the read link below.[Via OhGizmo]
ATSC gives initial thumbs-up to MPH mobile TV standard
Merely weeks after a handful of TV broadcasters voiced their approval of the MPH mobile TV standard, the almighty ATSC has elevated its specification for Mobile Digital Television to Candidate Standard status. Or it will early next week, based on the futuristic December 1st date on the press release. Anywho, the thumbs-up brings the standard one huge step closer to actual implementation in the United States, though a final standard isn't apt to be agreed upon until late next year. Not that the delay is really a problem -- after all, a grand total of 19 people in this great nation even care about TV on the go, right?[Via mocoNews]
TV broadcasters pleased with MPH mobile TV test results
The world needed another mobile TV standard about like it needs another hole in the ozone layer, but regardless of that, we've still got broadcasters backing MPH. We originally heard that said protocol was being tested by Raleigh's WRAL back in July, and since then, a whopping 800 local stations (which make up the Open Mobile Video Coalition) have joined in to work out the kinks. Currently, the general consensus is one of satisfaction, with the group now hoping to "prove the viability of the proposed system before the ATSC." If all goes well, a candidate standard will be ready to present next month, which "would keep handset manufacturers on schedule to have commercial devices available by the holiday 2009 shopping season." OMVC is also planning a multi-station demo at CES in January, so you can bet we'll be there giving it a run for its cheddar.[Via RCRWireless]
Cricket adds unlimited video clip package for $5 per month
While the world still tries to decide if its really into mobile TV or not, Cricket is moving forward with plans assuming that she is. The wholly-owned subsidiary of Leap Wireless has just announced a flat-rate unlimited mobile video service that will enable users with "select handsets" to view one-to-four-minute-long video clips for $5 per month. Watching the clips won't tack on any additional data charges, and as for content, customers can look for clips from FUEL TV, Hollywood Insider and an array of other sources. Nah, there's no live TV (yet), but the pricing sure is admirable.[Via phonescoop]
DVB-H to become European mobile video standard
The European mobile phone community was rocked by the news today that DVB-H (or Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld) is set to become the new standard for mobile TV across the Union. The technology -- a superset of DVB-T -- has been spearheaded by Nokia, and this move is meant to help widen the system's audience. Though the move has been opposed by some EU states, such as Germany and Britain, the standard is being pushed through. "DVB-H will be published by the Commission in the list of official EU standards," said an EU executive, adding that, "As a result, all EU Member States will have to support and encourage the use of DVB-H for the launch of mobile TV services, thus avoiding market fragmentation and allowing economies of scale and accordingly affordable services and devices." So much for our fledgling standard, DVB-X (the X is for extreme).
Select ABC stations offering free video for mobiles
Sure, we've seen the local-news-on-your-handset card pulled out before, but unlike similar alternatives, this one should work with any network and on any phone capable of handling the video. A group of ten ABC-owned television stations have announced that they will be offering up "free video content" for cellphones, most of which will consist of ad-supported streaming news clips. The service will be powered by Local Wireless, and will be available to users near WABC-TV in New York, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, WLS-TV in Chicago, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia, KGO-TV in San Francisco, KTRK-TV in Houston, WTVD in Raleigh-Durham, NC, KFSN-TV in Fresno, California, WJRT-TV in Flint, Michigan, and WTVG in Toledo, Ohio. You know the drill: give it a go, and post your adoration / gripes below.[Via Textually]
Adobe Flash Lite 3 adopts video support
Have Adobe Flash Lite installed on your mobile? If so, you'll be glad to know that a near-future upgrade will support video soon. Adobe's Flash Lite 3 is due out sometime before July and will natively have video support built in. The format, you ask? Well, naturally, Adobe's native video support in Flash Lite 3 will be its own Flash video format (FLV) that is used for videos all over the web these days (yeah, that goes for ads, too). Flash Lite 3 will be available on S60, BREW, and Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 (most likely WM6 as well). Don't fret, though, if you don't have one of these mobile OSes at your disposal -- Adobe Flash Lite 3 will also be available on embedded operating systems from many OEMs.
On2 Technologies to demo TrueMotion VP6 / VP7 codecs at CES
Likely coinciding with XM's unveiling of its media-packed "infotainment" concept vehicle at CES, On2 Technologies will be showcasing its TrueMotion VP6 and VP7 compression codecs. While On2's codecs have been at work in XM's gadgetry (among other things), On2 is now aiming to take its compression software to the high definition realm as well as beefing up its stake in the portable arena. The VP6 codec will primarily be used in VOD, broadcast, digital video signage, and other bandwidth-constrained networks and mass-market devices for fixed and mobile video; the VP7, however, will demonstrate compression technology at "data rates as low as 2Mbps," which will supposedly allow "greater penetration of high definition video across low cost devices and existing networks for on-demand, broadcast and other streaming applications." The technology could eventually be used to broadcast HD content over 2.5G, 3G, and 4G mobile networks whenever we get displays large enough (and with enough pixels) to view them, but we'd be perfectly content with a little HD streaming on our navigation systems for now.
