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VUDU brings Pandora, Picasa and Flickr to connected HDTVs, promises more apps soon

by Darren Murph posted Nov 5th 2009 at 12:00PM

And you thought HDTVs were made for watching TV. VUDU has today slung its (admittedly paltry) library of applications over to its television partners, making both Picasa and Flickr access possible through LG and Mitsubishi sets with integrated VUDU software. Of course, all of this was already available to those relying on one of VUDU's dedicated set-top boxes, but it's always nice to have everything wrapped up neatly within the display itself. In related news, Pandora streaming is also available on VUDU-infused Mitsubishi panels, though for whatever reason, LG has "requested that only free TV and games be available on their devices." All bummers aside, the company has asserted that even more internet apps will be released to VUDU customers in the coming months, so make sure hold 'em to their word.

Pandora rolls into production this month, emulates Dreamcast now

by Joseph L. Flatley posted Oct 2nd 2009 at 1:57PM

The OpenPandora kids have dropped us a line to say that yes, finally, "after a lot of serious tweaking," it looks like Pandora is ready to roll. And as an added bonus, they've given us a little demonstration of the open source game platform rocking a Dreamcast emulator. Not that you'll be able to play The House of The Dead 2 flawlessly on the thing -- apparently the CPU suffers from some sort of floating point unit problem and a great many texture / blending modes are not supported. So don't abandon that Dreamcast Tablet just yet. As far as getting your hands on the handheld yourself, here's the skinny: of the four thousand devices in the initial lot, there are about a hundred units unspoken for and still available for pre-order. Priced at $330 each, if you're interested you'd better jump now -- there won't be another batch until 2010. In the meantime, you can see that Dreamcast emulator we told you about in action after the break.

[Thanks, Devon]

Continue reading Pandora rolls into production this month, emulates Dreamcast now

HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame

by Paul Miller posted Sep 17th 2009 at 12:30AM

Photo frames sure have come a long way -- from back when they were photo frames. The new HP DreamScreen 100 and 130 (which we spotted back in July) pack in 2GB of built-in storage, and all the assorted connectivity for pulling in photos from a camera, drive or networked PC (802.11b/g or Ethernet), but stack on top of that 10,000 internet radio stations, Facebook, Snapfish internet photos, a full-featured music player, Pandora, weather and even a fancy clock. The unit has a built-in speaker, but you'll probably want to use the sound-out jack to get any reasonable enjoyment in listening. The 10-inch DreamScreen 100 goes for $249 and is available today, while the DreamScreen 130 bumps it up to 13.3-inches and will be out this fall for $299. PR is after the break.

Gallery: HP DreamScreen press shots

Gallery: HP DreamScreen hands-on

Continue reading HP's new DreamScreens pack Pandora and Facebook into a wireless photo frame

Pandora comes to Android, world's networks that much closer to buckling

by Chris Ziegler posted Sep 9th 2009 at 4:08AM

As must-have mobile apps go, Pandora ranks high on the books -- with the proliferation of 3G and WiFi, it comes dangerously close to obsoleting the need to carry around your own 8, 16, or 32GB worth of tracks -- and another big-ticket platform has now joined the compatibility short list. This time around it's Android that's getting hooked up, offering a home screen widget and background playback (we'd expect no less on Android) over whatever type of network connection you've got handy. Using Wham! as a station seed is still indefensible, but we'd say the argument for scooping up a G1, myTouch 3G, or Sprint Hero (when it's available, anyhow) just got a bit stronger.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Samsung has a new Blu-ray HTIB with the HT-BD3252

by Ben Drawbaugh posted Jul 21st 2009 at 11:35AM

Samsung's latest Blu-ray HTIB features just about anything an all-in-one customer could want; in fact we're not sure how you can even build a 5.1 system with rear wireless speakers and a Blu-ray player for $799. The HT-BD3252 of course supports the latest HD audio codecs like TrueHD and DTS-HD, and a mic for automatic calibration. Not wanting to leave anything out from its stand-alone players, Samsung has also included the same internet services like Pandora, Netflix and Blockbuster via the included WiFi dongle. Oh, and don't forget the very important iPod dock, we mean, who would buy a HTIB in this day and age without one? Not us, that's for sure.

Continue reading Samsung has a new Blu-ray HTIB with the HT-BD3252

Pandora creeps ever closer to production in latest round of photos

by Laura June posted Jun 2nd 2009 at 11:26AM

We keep hearing about how Pandora's "almost" in production... and we don't like to be naysayers, so we're not going to get sarcastic about it now. And while it is taking it's sweet time in getting to us, the evidence of progress just keeps piling on, day in, day out. The newest photos that have emerged show a nearly final casing, and we have to say, we do like what we're seeing. We're assured that video is en route, and we'll let you know as soon as it turns up. Because, you know: we want to believe. There are another two shots after the break, hit the read link for the full set.

[Via Gadgetoid]

Continue reading Pandora creeps ever closer to production in latest round of photos

The future of Ford's SYNC starts on May 26, future of US auto industry still uncertain

by Tim Stevens posted May 20th 2009 at 8:49AM

If you were around for our 2009 CES coverage you might have caught our ears-on demonstration of the future of Ford and Microsoft's SYNC technology, which delivered traffic, directions, and weather over a Bluetooth-tethered handset -- no monthly fee or even a data plan required. It was said the update would be included in 2010 Fords, which is still true, ~~but owners of older models can also get in on the fun~~ with an update coming early next week (installable via thumb drive). That's hot, but even hotter is talk of what's planned for the next update: internet radio, and Pandora is on the short list for hopeful inclusion. Have you streamed in a Ford, lately?

Update: As pointed out by commenter ericr34, it actually sounds like owners of earlier SYNC cars may not be able to get in on all this goodness. Here's to hoping that Ford enables pre-recession car buyers to experience the upgrade fun.

Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

by Darren Murph posted Apr 15th 2009 at 12:01AM

Much like digital photo frames, the whole internet radio sector is getting really, really tired. Thankfully, a little known company by the name of Livio is breaking in to spice things up. The simply titled (and classically styled) Livio Radio is the first and only dedicated device to offer Pandora's signature "thumbs up, thumbs down" controls on both the front panel and a remote, and while we suppose Pandora will be plenty for most of the targeted customers, it can also tune into a comprehensive list of other validated internet radio stations from around the world through Reciva. Outside of that, functionality is indeed limited, but Livio designed this thing to be a simple WiFi mix tape of sorts, not a bona fide home audio player. Naturally, all that's required to get tunes streaming is an AC outlet and an internet connection, so you can feel free to leave your PC / laptop at home. It's shipping now directly from Livio for $150, and the full release is after the break.

Gallery: Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

Continue reading Pandora-lovin' Livio Radio sports 'thumbs up / down' controls

Engadget Podcast 140 - 04.03.2009

by Trent Wolbe posted Apr 3rd 2009 at 2:02PM

Do you love people talking? Do you love technology? Then you're in the right place, friend. Welcome -- yes, welcome one and all to the Engadget Podcast! This week, you get to hear the coolest set of cats this side of the junkyard pontificating on the week's top stories. Listen as Josh, Paul, and Nilay dish about Palm's SDK happenings, marvel at the HTC Snap, relive a Dell unboxing, and get crazy on Sling for some questionable business practices. If you don't enjoy this podcast, you may not be listening to it closely enough.

Hosts: Joshua Topolsky, Nilay Patel, Paul Miller
Producer: Trent Wolbe
Song: 8BN - Push It

00:03:10 - Palm announces webOS SDK availability, Palm OS emulation for Pre, new cloud services
00:11:08 - Pandora, Amazon, other third-party apps demoed on Palm Pre
00:36:44 - HTC Snap hands-on
00:43:25 - Samsung Mondi WiMAX hands-on with video
00:52:37 - Dell Studio XPS 13 unboxing and hands-on
01:01:50 - Older Slingboxes won't work with SlingPlayer for iPhone

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Second "Meet Pre" video retains calming effects, shows off third party apps

by Ross Miller posted Apr 2nd 2009 at 1:17AM

If that first Meet Pre video wasn't soothing enough, Palm's released the second episode of its chill-inducing series, "This Weekend," showing off third party like Fandango and Pandora, as well as offering a sharper look at messaging and how SMS and internet clients like Google Talk / AIM are placed into one cohesive chat log with each contact. As with last time, integration is the key point to take from here, and of course being able to play Pandora in the background while browsing other apps has gotta be one of the most enjoyable features, especially for anyone who's been struggling with the iPhone's lack of multitasking. Sure, the video's great, but whether or not it'll function that well in practice is still up in the air. Hit up the read link to see it for yourself.

Pandora, Amazon, other third-party apps demoed on Palm Pre

by Chris Ziegler posted Apr 1st 2009 at 9:23PM

Dovetailing dreamingly with the company's SDK announcement today, Palm's chosen CTIA to show off a round of third-party apps for the Pre, and the good news is that they're definitely dispelling some doubts we had about the robustness of webOS' development platform and its ability to deliver compelling software. We were emphatically reminded that everything here is strictly for the sake of preview -- it's all beta, just like the Pre itself -- but that being said, it all looked smooth and relatively crash-free (as best as we could gather anyhow without giving it a more ruthless hands-on beating of our own).

First off, we saw a NASCAR app, perfect for die-hard fans (but really, even more perfect for Sprint's track record of sponsoring NASCAR events) that culls video highlights, driver profiles, and more. Next, we were treated to a brief look at the Pre's Google Maps implementation, Pandora, Amazon's music store, and FlightView, a trick little flight status app that every frequent traveler will likely want loaded. We also saw a Pre version of the Sprint TV player -- a staple service on most of Sprint's devices -- proving that the Pre has the stones to handle multimedia within its development framework. Video was just a little bit choppy, but they're not making any claims that this is final, optimized code at this point. The best part of the whole demo, perhaps, is Pandora's notification implementation, which brings up a mini-player by tapping on the "P" visible at the bottom of any Pre screen; from here, you can play / pause, rank tracks up and down, and see a full track name, all without leaving the comfort of whatever app you might be in. Try that on an iPhone, eh? Follow the break for video!

Gallery: Palm Pre third-party app demo at CTIA

Continue reading Pandora, Amazon, other third-party apps demoed on Palm Pre

Complete, nearly finalized Pandora gets shown off on video

by Donald Melanson posted Mar 23rd 2009 at 11:34PM

Poor Pandora. It looks like the shock of actually being nearly finished has turned it stark white. The little trooper was still able to make it through its latest demo video though, and it looks to be running better than ever, with it sailing through Quake at the handheld's native 800 x 480 resolution and at a full 60 fps. Just as importantly, the d-pad, nubs, action buttons, and keypad are all now apparently in their final or nearly final states and seemingly up to their all-purpose tasks, as are the all-important blinkin' LED lights. Head on past the break for the full show, and keep your eye out for a promised follow-up video (including some Quake 3 action).

Continue reading Complete, nearly finalized Pandora gets shown off on video

Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

by Nilay Patel posted Mar 16th 2009 at 12:56PM

We've always had a soft spot for Vudu and its 1080p HDX movie rentals, and it looks like it's about to get even easier to love -- our man Dave Zatz says that Pandora will be launching on the device "imminently." Not only that, but it looks like the $150 box will also soon be able to stream video off your computer, making it even more flexible -- pending codec support, of course. We're on the lookout for official deets, we'll let you know as we get 'em.

Update: Full release is now after the break.

Continue reading Pandora coming to Vudu, LAN streaming too

Video: Pandora hardware prototype demoed

by Laura June posted Jan 29th 2009 at 12:29PM

We've seen Pandora (in various build states) doing a few things on video in the past but we have never -- and we mean never -- seen it playing a Sonic the Hedgehog game. Actually, what we're looking at is a nearly complete prototype of the hardware, and though the unit is still admittedly in rough-around-the-edges prototype form, it's good to know the project is progressing (and should be welcome news for all those people that pre-ordered way back in October). Near the end of the video there's an epic struggle between the pint-sized console and the hands that would seek to enslave it. Trust us: you don't want to miss this one, guys.

Continue reading Video: Pandora hardware prototype demoed

Pandora's CTO talks about Pre, webOS development, gaming, and small children

by Tim Stevens posted Jan 14th 2009 at 2:42PM

While we were happy just to see pictures, Tom Conrad, CTO of Pandora, is one of the lucky few to have seen in action the innards of the software that keeps things moving on the Pre. He sat down with Palm Infocenter (on the wrong end of a zero-bar concall by the sounds) to talk details of webOS software development. Conrad clarified that, despite all apps being mixtures of HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, webOS is more than just a big browser -- it has direct access to local files and UI elements. However, he echoed the fears of others that this web-friendly programming interface won't exactly be well suited for gaming, expressing hope that Palm will address this with integrated Flash support or some sort of a lower-level API to appease those who want to tap that OMAP processor directly. Hit the read link to hear the whole conversation yourself.

[Thanks, Jay]