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YouTube Android app update brings HD video streaming to 'capable' 2.2+ devices
Honeycomb and Ice Cream Sandwich Android-running hardware has had access to HD resolution YouTube streams since launch (as seen above), but an update to the app that rolled out yesterday finally brings HD to some devices running Froyo or Gingerbread. The catch is that YouTube HD res won't work on every Android 2.2 or 2.3 phone or tablet, as we're told it is set dynamically based on screen size and resolution. Another quirk is that some devices still won't install the updated version directly from the Market, like our Epic 4G Touch. Still, assuming you can snag the update -- through official or unofficial means -- if you have the pixels to spare you should see upgraded video quality from now on.[Thanks, Gideon]
Sony Bravia TVs updated with Twitter, YouTube HD and more
Just when it seemed all the wonders of the internet were destined to only work on the second screen, Sony's firmware update for its 2011 Bravia TVs is making us rethink things. For starters, you can now enjoy those HD YouTube videos in HD and even keep up with your friend's photos, videos and shared links on Facebook. Also, now they're compatible with a new lite version of the Remote Keyboard app -- a feature previously exclusive to Vaio PCs and Xperia smartphones. Finally, you can now get live Twitter updates along the bottom of your screen and even use a Shazam like feature called Track ID to determine the names of songs, or their artists, that are played during your shows or commercials. The free update is available now for those with compatible sets, those with older Bravia TVs, though. Not so much.
YouTube going 1080p, already?
A year removed from adding 720p streams to its repertoire, YouTube Director of Product Management Hunter Walk hit the stage at NewTeeVee Live and mentioned, among other things, that over the next few days it will be rolling out 1080p video, including going back and re-encoding all previous videos uploaded at that resolution. While other streaming services have offered 1080p for some time now we weren't exactly expecting YouTube to flip the switch just yet. With an eye towards improving quality for its 10-foot experience and moving beyond just the computer screen, clearly an upgrade was necessary, though Blu-ray or even VUDU quality is probably out of the question (though if the company jumps in the online rental biz all bets are off) the commitment is for your uploaded content to "look as good or better than the source quality." Check the video after the break for more tidbits about what's next for the site, including YouTube XL.
SoBe's 3D Super Bowl commercial available now on YouTube HD
Yeah, today's big game is but hours away, but if you're itching to put those newfangled 3D goggles to use beforehand, you're in luck. Reindeer has hosted up tonight's 3D SoBe ad on YouTube in high-def, and folks with those glasses -- which can supposedly still be picked up at hard-to-miss kiosks in grocery outlets and retail stores if any stock remains -- can tap the read link to have a look right now. Obviously we wouldn't do so if you're not much on spoilers, but we're betting your curiosity is going to get the best of you. Once you've watched, chime in below with your thoughts on the quality. Fair? Great? Just plain gimmicky?
Intel, Adobe plan a chicken in every pot, Flash on every HDTV
Intel's been talking up the CE 3100 (née Canmore) processor for quite some time now, and with Adobe as its newest partner -- late again Yahoo? -- pushing HD Flash streams to Internet connected TV's and set-top boxes. Frankly, we've already gotten quite used to YouTube and other online video access in the living room, but with the first Flash Lite-enabled system-on-a-chip due by mid-2009 and everyone and their mom watching TV on Hulu this could be the push that takes online video to the TV mainstream. Still, Intel must know that only Flash support so 2008, we'll be expecting more widgets to come.
YouTube makes finding high-def content easier with HD tab
YouTube already made the HD transition, but now it seems that finding content without unacceptable levels of pixelation is a whole lot easier. One eagle-eyed tipster picked up on the apparently new "HD" tab that now sits prominently beside "Most Popular" and "Most Viewed." At present time, there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of interesting (or becoming, to be frank) material on the HD side, but just give it a few months to grow.[Thanks, Victor]
HD quality comparison of online video sharing sites
Sure, you could just surf around the intarwebz and utilize the tried-and-true "eye test" to see which online video sharing site boasts the best HD quality, but there's always a good feeling associated with having some cold, hard facts to back things up. TechVideoBlog has done the hard work for you, spelling out the resolution, codec, audio quality, etc. associated with each. The assembler of the data personally prefers Facebook and YouTube, but we'll let you digest the data in the read link before asking you to share your own choice in comments below.
YouTube goes HD, finally!
Be still our hearts! Just days after a YouTube "hack" was discovered to view what appeared to be 720p content, and even fewer days since seeing the famed online video sharing site adopt a widescreen format, in comes the real deal: HD. Forever we've waited for the site to catch up with smaller entities that already do high-def, and while it's far from bona fide 1080p, the quality is pretty exceptional given the quick load times on a basic cable internet connection. 'Course, the original upload file has to be in an HD quality format in order for users to see the above pictured "watch in HD" option, but feel free to dig around and see what you find.[Via NewTeeVee]
YouTube shifts to a widescreen view of internet video
While YouTube is still just dipping an experimental toe in the HD waters, it's throwing old school 4:3 out the window for good, adjusting video players and webpages to 960 pixels widescreen aspect ratios. If you want the most resolution the service can offer, URL tweaks will still be in order but expect to see black bars to the sides each and every time you're RickRolled from now on. Naturally, opinions are mixed about the change, with 16:9 heads mostly cheering the news and others complaining their 4:3 vids are shrunk, plus any content uploaded with top/bottom bars already inserted is even smaller, but we'll sacrifice that for a better look at Bulletproof Monk, if we could just find it on the site.
YouTube "hack" reveals HD / surround sound testing
It's a feature we've been clamoring for as long as we can remember -- high-def on YouTube -- and it's about to happen. Thanks to a few curious YouTube browsers, a simple URL hack revealed that the online video site already has the ability to host and play back 720p clips, and better still, some users are reporting that surround sound is also in the works. Wired is claiming that YouTube has confirmed that this discovery is part of the site's efforts to test out different video formats, and with rivals like Viddyou already up to 1080p, it's about flippin' time. We can't say for sure when YouTube HD will roll out in official form, but you should definitely hit the read link and check the embedded vids; the top one is 720p, the bottom is the standard pixel-fest. We dare you to not be amazed at the difference.[Via NewTeeVee]
