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Plex Live TV and DVR launches for subscribers
Last fall Plex started beta testing a DVR feature for its popular media server setup, and now it's making the next big step by offering live TV and DVR for all Plex Pass subscribers. They will need to bring their own tuner(s), connected to a TV antenna or cable jack, but Plex will do the rest, providing the necessary guide data as a part of the Pass subscription if you live somewhere with DVB-T or ATSC (North America) broadcasts. . As of today, it not only supports more kinds of tuners, it's also ready to stream live TV to iOS or Android TV, with Android mobile devices and Apple TV next up.
A sly Now TV update is culling sideloaded apps like Plex
Ever since the launch of the first Now TV box for just £10 in 2013, some buyers have been using the little streaming pucks in ways Sky hadn't originally intended. Cut through the branding, and Now TV boxes are just Rokus in disguise, complete with a developer mode that lets users sideload apps not available in the sparse Now TV store. But no longer, as Sky has quietly begun issuing an update to Now TV boxes that disables developer mode and purges any apps that've been installed on them using the loophole.
Plex turns any cloud folder into an instant media server
After a slightly rocky beta test, Plex's new cloud-based media server is now ready for public consumption. Rather than relying on a media server PC or a networked storage drive, Plex Cloud allows users to stream their own media libraries from Dropbox, Google Drive or OneDrive to any device with a decent internet connection and the Plex app.
Plex snaps up news streaming app Watchup
Plex wants to be in charge of all the videos you watch, even the news. The media player system has acquired news streaming service Watchup to make the latest reports from Fox News, CNN, CBS, Euronews, Sky News and other sources more accessible on mobile and streaming devices. Watchup gives you a way to collect news broadcasts from 150 sources in one place using its iOS, Android, Amazon or Nintendo Wii U app. Neither company has revealed the details of the acquisition, but it sounds like Watchup's features will be available on Plex.
Plex brings its streaming app to Kodi media centers
If you run your own media server, you've likely weighed up the pros and cons of Kodi and Plex. Normally, you'd run one or the other, but some enterprising developers have fused the two, creating third-party plugins that integrate Plex within the open-source software. As of today, however, there is an official add-on in town.
Plex can pull media from Google Drive, Dropbox and OneDrive
Plex has added support for Google Drive, OneDrive and DropBox to its Plex Cloud service. The original idea with the service, which debuted in beta this September, was to void the need for a dedicated media server or network attached storage (NAS) drives. That way, assuming you have a decently fast internet connection, you can stream your movies or songs wherever you are via files that are parked securely in the cloud.
Plex's new Kodi plugin lets you enjoy the best of both worlds
If you've dabbled with building your own media center, it's likely that you will have encountered Plex or Kodi. Both started life as offshoots of the famed XBMC software, but over time their propositions have diverged, with Plex embracing subscriptions and Kodi remaining open-source. In the past, that meant you'd pick the project that would best organize your media collection or utilize a third-party service that combined the two, but Plex has decided to embrace its streaming counterpart by launching an official Kodi plugin.
Engadget giveaway: Win an HD DVR package courtesy of Plex!
So you've cut the cord, but want to catch a few shows on major networks without adding a new paid TV subscription. If you splurge on a digital tuner (or cable card) and antenna, you're free to enjoy uncompressed HD broadcasts from most of the majors like ABC, NBC, CBS and more -- at no charge. Add to that Plex's recent DVR feature, which lets you record shows when they air and save them to your Plex server. It's the perfect pairing, allowing you access to both your own media and Plex DVR content anywhere you want using the app. To help celebrate this recent addition, Plex has given us two complete setups for pulling in free HD TV, recording shows and streaming them. That includes an HDHomeRun Connect dual digital tuner, an HD antenna and a free lifetime Plex Pass, for unmitigated access to all of Plex's best features. Just head on down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning this economical HD TV package! Winners: Congratulations to Tom B. of Waterford, VA and Jonathan S. of Bellevue, WA!
Plex's machine learning tech auto-tags photos for you
Plex has made it easier for premium users to organize their photos and to unearth specific snapshots from their massive collections. The service now auto-tags photos based on what its new machine learning technology sees. If the tech detects a dog in a photo, for instance, it could tag that image with the words "dog" and "puppy." Since tags are useless if you can't sort your images with their help, Plex has also updated its web app's interface to be able to search tags. Further, the interface will now display related images based on the tags you look up.
Netgear's new Nighthawk router doubles as a Plex server
Video streaming is becoming one of the main things we do on the internet, and few things in life are more annoying than having to wait for a clip to finish buffering. To keep up with our growing appetites for speed, Netgear has unveiled the Nighthawk X10 router, which it says is the fastest in the world. It's got a 1.7GHz quad-core processor onboard that the company says is the speediest in a home router, as well as Quad Stream Wave 2 WiFi architecture that helps the device get up to 7.2 Gbps. Plus, it supports the latest 802.11ad standard. But what's really interesting about the Nighthawk X10 is its Plex Media support that lets you turn any USB 3.0 flash drive or hard disk into a server, without requiring a computer.
Plex Cloud lets you dump your home media server
Thanks to streaming, physical formats like CDs and Blu-rays aren't as popular than they once were. Some people choose to sign up for a monthly subscription like Netflix or Spotify, while others take the DIY approach. For many years, Plex has helped people build their own media collections and stream that content to (nearly) every connected device they own. However, it required either a computer or Network Attached Storage (NAS) to do so. Today, the company has opened a new avenue in its media streaming strategy with the launch of Plex Cloud. Gone is the need for the server in the cupboard, replaced with an Amazon Drive subscription and a Plex Pass.
Plex adds a DVR feature for over-the-air and CableCARD tuners
Ask any media hound about the best way to stream your your video files, and they'll probably direct you to Plex. Now, the streaming software is getting even more useful with a long-awaited feature: DVR support. Just plug an HDHomeRun tuner (with antenna) into your PC, set it up in Plex, and you can record any over-the-air (OTA) broadcast in your reception area. And, of course, you can view the videos on any device with the company's app and a Plex Pass membership ($5 a month, $40 a year or $150 lifetime).
Plex streams your music collection to Sonos speakers
If you're using Plex to store your music and video files, there's a new option for listening to those tracks around the house. The company announced today that access to your audio collection is now available inside the Sonos app. This means that you'll be able to browse and control playback of any stored music on Sonos' line of speakers. Plex says users can also expect access to their libraries away from home as well thanks to the Sonos mobile software. You know, in case your pals have one of the company's audio setups, too.
Plex rewrites its media streaming app for Windows 10
Plex users on Windows have been stuck with an old Windows 8 app for awhile now, but that changes today. The media streaming server's desktop app has been completely rebuilt for Windows 10 as a Universal Windows app -- giving users the same Plex experience across tablet, desktop and mobile platforms. Well, almost the same experience: Plex says it's still working on the mobile release of the UWP app, but promises it will be along soon.
WiFi-connected hard drive fits a Plex server in your pocket
Over the years we've seen Plex's media software run across a number of different devices, from PCs to game consoles to NAS and cellphones. Now, it's teamed up with Western Digital for what it says is the first portable Plex Media Server. The hardware is handled by the My Passport Wireless Pro, a battery-powered portable hard drive that can run standalone for 10 hours, charge mobile devices, and back up data via SD or USB 3.0. The all-in-one box can even create a WiFi network to sync with mobile devices or stream media to any device running Plex, similar to Dish Network's HopperGo but without the need for a satellite subscription. The 2TB version is ready to take your stuff on the go for $230, and upgrading to 3TB only costs an extra $20.
NVIDIA's Shield is now an all-in-one Plex box
Everybody loves Plex, but it's always been a stumbling point for novice users that it still needs a dedicated, always-on PC to run the show. Thanks to the power of NVIDIA's Shield TV, that's no longer the case, and Plex has revealed that the device can act as a dedicated, standalone Plex server. Rather than having to tend to that media center machine you've got tucked under the stairs, the box under your TV can now handle it all, including remote play to mobile devices outside the home. Naturally, while both the Shield and Shield Pro can do the business, it's the latter unit that'll really come into its own, thanks to its 500GB of built-in storage.
Plex on the web gets smarter with media searches
Plex's web interface just got much, much better at helping you find that favorite movie. The company has introduced a revamped dashboard for its media front end that's at once smarter and more organized. The search feature now finds everything across multiple categories as you type, and it's both considerably faster and more forgiving -- even if you don't know how to spell "Stellan Skarsgård," you'll probably spot both him and the movies he stars in. Navigation is easier, too, as you'll get the latest discovery features front and center, with better mouse and touch control as well as zoomable posters. Check it out now if you regularly venture beyond Plex's native apps when browsing your media collection.
Engadget giveaway: win a Nexus 6P courtesy of Younity!
Left a file on your desktop and you're already halfway across town? Want to share that movie, song or photo, but don't have a local copy or cloud backup? You can do all that easily -- and for free -- with Younity, a media server that connects all of your devices putting your digital stuff in reach. It creates private peer-to-peer streaming and file access, making it a great free alternative to services like Plex Premium. Younity can serve up media such as iTunes catalogs, Adobe Lightrooom libraries along with your regular files, so you'll always have your data available. Starting today, Android has joined Younity's roster of available platforms, which includes iOS, Mac and Windows. This week, the company has provided us with a Nexus 6P to celebrate the addition of Android and one lucky reader will get to stretch their legs in Younity's world of access on the handset. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning. Winner: Congratulations to Steve E. of West Lafayette, IN!
Plex streaming app now free on Xbox and PlayStation
Plex, the app that helps a large number of folks organize and stream their media collections, is now available for free on Xbox and Playstation consoles. Up until now, it was in the preview stages and required a $5 per month or $40 per year Plex Pass. Users without the pass will now get the basic version of the app on the Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 4 and PS3. With a pass, you'll get extra features like premium music libraries, mobile sync and preview releases like the aforementioned console apps.
Engadget giveaway: Win a PS4 and two lifetime Plex Passes!
We're careening into the gifting season at full throttle and Plex is making things easier this year. You can now give the gift of Plex to friends and family with just a few clicks. Whether they've been clamoring for a Plex Pass or have yet to experience the clean interface for streaming media from their server (or a friend's), it's now easier than ever to share. Just head over to the company's gifting page and you can send wrapping-paper-free digital presents with Plex premium features — just in time for your holiday visit.
