Not that any of you would be shy from running beta software, but at least now your milquetoastian friends can experience Sling's latest, Windows-based SlingPlayer 2.0 without fear of the beta baddies. Still no Clip+Sling sharing, but the new 60-minute buffer, EPG, and on-screen SlingRemote certainly makes this a worthwhile update. We've also got good new for those of you waiting for the SlingBox PRO-HD to ship -- Sling says "any day now" in accordance to their late September pre-order promise. Righteous.

[Thanks, Martin]

In case you haven't noticed, today's a pretty big day for Sling Media. Not monumentally large or anything, but decently sized, we reckon. Of course, if you're a placeshifter and a UIQ user, you may disagree vehemently. Announced today, said company has unveiled a SlingPlayer Mobile version compatible with the UIQ interface on Symbian OS phones from Motorola and Sony Ericsson. For those out of the loop, said app will give Slingbox users the ability to "watch and control their home TV from a network-connected mobile phone." In related news, the freshest SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 has launched as a public beta, and with it comes a live video buffer, "The Guide," SlingRemote and a bevy of different viewing modes. Take advantage of that broadband connection while you still can -- get to downloadin'!

[Via SlingCommunity]
Read - SlingPlayer Mobile for UIQ
Read - SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 public beta

SlingPlayer 2.0 was announced way back at CES 2007 (and, uh, re-announced this year) and it looks you'll finally be able to get a taste, public beta style -- but only a taste, since it's missing its most hyped feature, Clip+Sling. If you'll recall, C+S was supposed to let you nab up to 5 minutes of content and share it online with your friends, but it looks like only the local DVR features have made the cut, so while we're still excited about the new 60-minute buffer and EPG, it's not all we've been promised. On the bright side, the holdup isn't technical, it's legal, so once all the appropriate networked partnerships and contracts have been signed, you'll be clipping and slinging like there's no tomorrow. Other minor changes include a tweaked UI (skin support has been dropped) and (finally!) the death of Slingbox Finder IDs in favor of user accounts. Windows-only for now, with a video demo after the break -- let us know how you're doing in comments!

Read - Slingcommunity announcement
Read - Dave Zatz's take

We had a feeling it was coming any day now, but now we have confirmation that Sling won't be leaving iPhone and iPod touch users in the lurch when it comes to streaming TV to their devices. The bad news is the software they showed us was pre-alpha proof-of-concept, and their whole situation is hamstrung by the fact that Apple hasn't officially accepted them into the developer program yet. So what we've seen is basically an app developed out of bounds for jailbroken devices -- thus it goes without saying that Sling won't be releasing it until they can do so legitimately. But assuming all goes well, they do intend to get it out the door by sometime this fall or winter. No word yet on the Android release. Video of the app in action after the break.

Remember the SlingCatcher from last year? Through with the delays, it's finally back! But while we've been eagerly awaiting for its launch, Sling Media's obviously been hard at work on all kinds of crazy new products. Ready? Here we go.

So the SlingCatcher. First up, we've finally got a price and date: $250, Q2. And yes, as we've long expected, it'll play just about every possible video format they can feasibly support out of box, including XviD, DivX, WMA, H.264, avi, mov, vob, etc. Also, unlike last year's launch, there won't be any external drive attachment -- users are expected to bring their own. Also launched with the Catcher: the SlingLink 802.11b/g adapter for $50, which is great and all, but the Catcher can't stream video files over your network (you're expected to manage your media with new SlingSync software or stream using the Projector software or another Slingbox), so it's not as practical or useful as it could be.

Next up, Sling's new software suite: SlingPlayer 2.0 with Clip+Sling and Projector. The new player software has a few new noteworthy bits like an EPG, but the good stuff happens with the other bits: Clip+Sling adds a 60 minute timeshifting buffer á la a DVR recording a live stream, so what you're watching can be paused, rewound / fast-forwarded, and most importantly, grabbed and exported to Sling's to-be-released TV clip sharing service (hence the name Clip+Sling). Users can grab up to five minutes of video, which Sling hosts on co-branded pages that network owners can sell their own ads and merch on -- has TV clip sharing online finally found a way? Another hot new software feature is Projector, which acts like a software-emulated Slingbox, sending the contents of a box, window, or your entire screen to a Slingbox, SlingCatcher and TV, or another SlingPlayer.

And, finally, Sling is announcing our old pal the SlingModem, originally outed in the FCC. While there aren't any cable providers yet announced, the SlingModem experience would completely simplify the process of adding a Slingbox to your life by putting it just outside your LAN.

Shortly after hearing that SlingPlayer Mobile would finally be headed to the BlackBerry, we're now getting word that Sling Media is updating its SlingPlayer software to version 2.0. Unfortunately, no details have been doled out regarding specific platforms, and there's not even a changelog to speak of just yet, but it looks as the firm wanted to make absolutely sure you realized its Clip+Sling feature would definitely be showcased. Stick around, we'll be sure to keep you up to date with any developments.

EchoStar -- parent Co of Dish Network -- just announced intent to purchase Sling Media for a cool $380 mil. Not a total surprise given the similarities of those logos. More telling, perhaps, is the fact that EchoStar was an early investor in the people responsible for the Slingbox and SlingPlayer software. The acquisition, expected to be approved before the year is up, gives EchoStar access to more displays and more locations thanks to Sling's streaming solutions in and outside of the home. And Blake Krikorian, co-founder, chairman and boss of Sling Media, reaction to the prospects of the new union? "We are psyched to make this announcement" as it "paves the way for the development of a host of new innovative products and services for our subscribers, new digital media consumers and strategic partners." Yeah bro, totally... like the SlingCatcher, eh dude?

Windows Mobile and Palm devices won't be having all the placeshifting fun for much longer. Though carrier Hutchison 3 has had its own version for some time through its X-Series line, a generic, widely available SlingPlayer Mobile for Symbian has eluded the populace for ages; thankfully, it looks like that's all about to change with Sling announcing a private beta for its upcoming S60-based player. At this point, the beta's focus is pretty limited -- you've gotta be in the US and you need to be rocking a Nokia E65, N75, or N95. High speed data is obviously crucial here, and those three models happen to sport the prerequisite S60 plus WiFi -- in the case of the E65 and N95 -- or 3G, if you've gone the N75 route. Any Slingbox model will get the job done, and other than that, you basically just have to be able to keep your mouth shut, fill out some forms, and enjoy plenty of placeshifted teevee. The beta's tentatively scheduled to last about four weeks, so here's hoping we'll see a public release soon thereafter.

The day has finally come, Apple users -- your Mac SlingPlayer client is officially at v1.0 (and out of beta), and supports all of Apple's Human Interface Guidelines. Did we mention the Apple TV support? Yep, does that too. Get it while the gettin's good -- it's free, but as you well know, the box'll cost ya.

Hey you, rabid Palm OS fan, 700p owner, and Sling advocate -- remember that SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS Beta you signed up for last month? Well, it's time to lose a little more sleep over it, but this time you'll be enjoying the niceties of streaming media on your handset instead of sweating the release date. According to SlingCommunity, the beta will be going live today, and will officially support the 3G-enabled Treo 700p, but "early reports" are suggesting that 680 owners may be able to enjoy limited success even without Sling's stamp of approval. Of course, the beta will remain free of charge until a public release is ready to rock, and then you'll have the option of cutting ties or ponying up the $29.99 purchase price to keep on slinging. Additionally, the kind folks over at UneasySilence have done the hard work for you already, so be sure to hit them up for a nicely appointed pictorial walkthrough while your waiting to get your own install on.

[Via jkOnTheRun, thanks Tie Guy]
Read - SlingPlayer Mobile for Palm OS Beta launching
Read - UneasySilence's Walkthrough

By now, you're fully aware just how deceased Palm OS is, but Sling Media is still lookin' out for those loyal Treo owners out there looking to get their mobile TV viewing on. It wasn't too awfully long ago that we found that the SlingPlayer Mobile application would indeed be making a showing on Palm's handsets, and early last month we got a sneak peek that only made the anticipation that much more intense, but now we can all rest easy, sign up for the Palm OS Beta Program, and hope to get our go. So if you've made it this far without dashing to sign your own self up, well, we'll forgive you, but do your duty and hit the read link on the double if you want to secure your slot.

[Via jkOnTheRun]

We've been tracking the releases of different variants of the SlingPlayer software for quite a while now, so to see that Sling Media has finally shown off a working version of their SlingPlayer client for Palm OS doesn't quite have the wow factor it might have done a few months back. Still, it's nice to know that Palm users are finally assured the ability to view their media wherever they bring their Palm. According to Zatz, Sling is aiming to launch the final version of the software in Q1 2007, with a public beta coming sometime in the next 30 days -- you better watch out there Sling, we'll hold you to that! Meanwhile, Blackberry owners everywhere continue to collectively tap their fingers on the table.

It's always a bit dodgy pulling amps off the mains in the local, now it can land you in jail. Let's say you're out and about in the UK watching TV on your new, Mobile network 3 provided N73 or W960 cellphone mobile with SlingPlayer client. As soon as you jack into the wall to top up the battery -- you're breaking the law if you're watching TV. By plugging in, you invoke the wrath of TV licensing laws since your home license only covers your device outside of the home as long as the battery -- not the mains -- is providing the juice. But wait, it gets worse. You also risk violating the terms and conditions of broadcasters such as BSkyB's Sky satellite television service which forbid the viewing of their content outside the registered address. Of course, this applies to any system that allows you to watch broadcast, streamed, or recorded television outside the home so why is this now, suddenly an issue? Whatevs, with the service set to go hot next week in the UK, you can expect to hear a few "oi, unplug that cellphone mate!" warnings from up on high.

Believe it or not, in some countries personal broadcasting to mobile video is actually encouraged, and Sling's about to capitalize on that more democratic "wireless dialtone" trend. (Verizon, Cingy, we're looking at you.) Paired up with 3, they've announced their SlingPlayer Symbian client for UIQ and S60 alike. At least the N73 and W950 have officially now been shown running the new client it as a part of 3's X-Series initiative, aimed at making mobile internet, well, useful to customers without fear of reprisal for data usage. (Verizon, Cingy, we're still looking at you.) UK residents will be able to get their hands on X-series gear come December 1st, but the rest of us may have to wait some undetermined amount of time before the Symbian client is released for mass consumption.

It's been almost a solid ten months since we first heard about the SlingPlayer Mac client, but those who've long waited to get their place-shifted Slingbox content on their Apple portable need wait no longer. It's now officially really actually available for public beta download and use, so knock yourself out with version 1.0.1.104 (fret not if that doesn't look right, it's listed on their site as 1.0.0.104). We gave it a go and it works pretty well, no complaints here, but you be sure to let us (and Sling Media) know if it's harshing your Mac's mellow. Click on for a couple more caps.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]