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Garmin intros three smartwatches, all of them aimed at sports junkies
Credit where it's due: Garmin has managed to basically reinvent itself. Once the king of in-car GPS navigation, the company is now equally known for its sports watches and fitness trackers. Indeed, with the exception of a few low-end navigators no one cares about, Garmin is pretty much only showing wearable devices here at CES. In brief, this year's lineup runs the gamut, with prices starting at $250 and going all the way up to $600. Still, they all have this in common: They're equal parts smartwatch and fitness tracker.
MLB.tv and Epix streaming apps are coming to Xbox One
Xbox One owners already have their fair share of video services to choose from in the US, but they're about to get a pair of welcome additions. Major League Baseball now says that MLB.tv Premium should be available to stream live games on the console in time for opening day. Meanwhile, Epix has revealed plans to bring its primarily movie-focused service to the Xbox One in the near future. And don't worry about being left out if you're still hanging on to your Xbox 360 -- Starz has just launched Encore Play and Movieplex Play apps for the earlier system, while Major League Gaming released its e-sports app yesterday. All told, it looks like you'll have plenty of viewing options this spring.
New Xbox One, Xbox 360 entertainment apps debut this week
Microsoft has rolled out a slate of new entertainment apps on Xbox Live, giving Xbox 360 and Xbox One owners access to a broader variety of sports, competitive gaming, and film offerings. Starting this week, Xbox Live Gold members can keep up with live-broadcast tournaments and other competitive gaming events via the Xbox 360's Major League Gaming app. Major League Gaming launched its own dedicated e-sports network last year, serving up competitive gaming streams at up to 1080p resolution. Xbox 360 owners can access new film catalogs via the Encore Play and Movieplex Play apps starting this week, while MLB.TV Premium will deliver live games and league archives to subscribers on the Xbox One. Microsoft notes that its Encore Play, Movieplex Play, and EPIX apps are also scheduled to hit the Xbox One in the coming months. [Image: Microsoft / MLG]
Epix hits PlayStation 3 today, arriving on Vita in coming weeks
Took a couple of months, but EPIX is finally ready to fulfill its promise of PlayStation 3 movie streaming today. The network's launching its app for the console, giving users access to some 3,000-plus titles including the likes of The Avengers, Skyfall and The Hunger Games, plus a slew of documentaries, concerts and such. The app itself is free, but requires a premium subscription to really do its job. In fact, if you're already a paid-up member of PlayStation Plus, you'll get a free movie or special every week. A more handheld version of the service is set to hit the Vita in "the coming weeks," according to the company.
Epix heading to PlayStation 3 and PS Vita
iOS, Android, Google TV, XBox -- heck, Epix even has an app for the BlackBerry PlayPook. So, what's surprising is not that the premium movie channel is coming to the PS3 and Vita, but that it took so long for it to happen. Soon Sony's gaming faithful will be able to download the app from the PlayStation Store and start streaming the network's sizable catalog of movies and original content. Of course, you'll have to have actually subscribe to it through your cable provider first, but you knew that already, didn't you. For more check out the PR after the break.
Epix app hits PS3 in Q1, PS Vita in the spring
Epix subscribers will be able to access the streaming service on PS3 sometime before the end of March, and on PS Vita in spring.Use of the free Epix app requires a subscription through cable, satellite or telecommunications distributors. A full list of other supported devices is available on the Epix website – just don't let your set-top box see you checking out those other devices. It's sensitive.
Amazon joins up with Epix, adds thousands of flicks to Prime Instant Video roster
Truth be told, Amazon's Prime Instant Video selection isn't the most comprehensive library on the net, but it's well on its way, thanks to a new licensing agreement with the Epix. The entertainment network, which partners with studios that include Lionsgate, MGM and Paramount, brings access to recent blockbusters like The Avengers, The Hunger Games and Thor, along with evergreen gems like Justin Bieber Never Say Never. Most importantly, it means Netflix is no longer the only subscription streaming home for those titles after its two year exclusive deal ran out. Amazon's streaming service, which includes thousands of movies and television shows, enables customers subscribing to Prime for $79 per year to stream content without additional monthly fees, in addition to benefits that include discounted shipping and a Kindle book loan program. The terms of the deal have not been announced, but the press release (available in full after the break) lists the partnership as a "multi-year licensing agreement," benefiting customers in the US.
DirecTV and Viacom deal brings MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon and the rest back on the air
After a week or so of increasingly contentious negotiations Viacom and DirecTV have come to some sort of agreement, returning the missing channels to satellite TV subscribers as of... now. Naturally, each side is sticking to its guns, and even with a long term deal inked they still disagree on the number of channels involved. So who won? The exact financial numbers have not been revealed, but you can check out the dueling press releases after the break. The contested Epix package is an option (but not a requirement) for DirecTV, while the satellite broadcaster is happily adding access to Viacom content on mobiles, PCs and "other media devices" as a part of its DirecTV Everywhere service. Thanks to support from other pay TV providers, DirecTV is taking the more aggressive position, but we'll wait for the inevitable "people in a position to know" to chime in with some dollars and cents figures before calling a victor. Update: As expected, Bloomberg reports "people with direct knowledge" claim the new agreement is another seven year contract priced at more than $600 million per year, about 20 percent more than what Viacom was getting before. At least one analyst called it a win for both sides -- we'll see how subscribers fared if (when) there's a rate hike any time soon.
DirecTV and Viacom disagree on their disagreements, standoff continues
Seeing that DirecTV and Viacom can't even agree on the number of channels that have gone off the air (one says 17, the other 26) as a result of their deal expiring last week, it's no surprise that the two are continuing to challenge each other's statements on every element of the negotiations. The latest tiff? DirecTV claims it has "accepted all material terms...including an increase that was more than fair" for the channels that were pulled, but accuses Viacom of trying to force an addition of the Epix channel package at a cost of around half a billion dollars. Viacom, for its part, calls the statement a "complete work of fiction" and accuses DirecTV of creating more obstacles in the way of a compromise. Both point of views are linked below, we figure DirecTV customers will have plenty of time to read them while they're busy not watching the new episodes of Workaholics and Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta until this is resolved.
Reuters: Apple in talks to stream films owned by Epix, no deal expected before September
It's reasonably well known at this point that Apple is looking to line up partnerships for some sort of a streaming video service. We've heard again and again that it's coming, so get ready to hum along with that 'ol tune one more time. Reuters is reporting that Apple has been in negotiations with Epix since earlier this year, hoping to secure access to films from Lions Gate, MGM and Paramount Pictures. There's no indication of when such a service might come to light, but Reuters indicates the company's current deal with Netflix, which expires on September 1st, could be a conflict (though that hasn't stopped Google TV in the past). So, no proper Apple-branded TV until the fall? Stay tuned...
Xbox 360's new video services won't all launch right away; Comcast, Verizon, and HBO Go delayed
Microsoft's new dashboard for the Xbox 360 is close at hand (read our full review for the details) but not all of the video partners that were announced for the new Kinect-centric experience will be launching alongside it. As of launch December 6th the list will look basically the same as it does now, with Lovefilm and Epix joining options like Netflix, Hulu Plus, and Sky Go. Later on in the month more new providers like Crackle, Dailymotion, Rogers On Demand, Vudu, and Verizon FiOS TV will filter in, while the UFC app is timed to launch December 20th. Finally, a few highly anticipated additions including MLB.tv, HBO Go and Comcast's Xfinity On Demand are among those slated for arrival in "early 2012". Check after the break for the complete list (update: and a video trailer), we'll let you know about more specific launch dates as they become available. %Gallery-141022%
Epix brings its thousands of movies to Google TV; apps for Android, Roku and Playbook on the way
While some video providers are moving away from Google TV, Roku and the Playbook, and Netflix still has yet to officially release its movie streaming app on any Android devices, the Epix channel is going all in. Following its "Big on Any Screen" slogan, it will roll out apps on a slew of devices over the second quarter beyond its current Flash player. The Google TV portal is already up and running as seen above and apps are on the way for "Android tablets and phones from HTC, LG and Motorola" -- we've pinged to see if this will be device exclusive but haven't received a response yet -- the BlackBerry Playbook, Samsung TVs and Blu-ray players and Roku streaming players. Not listed in the press release is anything iOS, but Epix confirmed it is working on an app that is waiting for Apple's approval. Not familiar with the channel? It has over 3,000 movies from Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM plus original programs and live events that is available via your cable or satellite TV provider and launched with an HBO Go-style online component. Verizon FiOS is apparently on deck to help push the new apps, check out the rest of the details in the press release after the break. Update: We've confirmed with Epix the Android app should work on all devices running 2.1 or higher, while the site will also remain available to any other hardware that supports the Flash player.
DishOnline.com adds streaming movies from Epix
Nearly a year after Dish added Epix's premium movie channel to its catalog the satellite company is announcing it has integrated the online portion with DishOnline.com. Subscribers to the Epix HD can log in and check out HD flicks like Star Trek, Shutter Island and Iron Man 2, right next to content from their SlingLoaded set-top box if they wish. there's a press release after the break if you need more details, but we're pretty sure you're capable of heading to the site and figuring out how to press "play" all on your own.
Netflix gets Paramount, Lionsgate and MGM movies
Netflix on your console is about to get much better. Starting September 1, movies from the Epix TV channel will hit instant streaming. Movies will arrive 90 days after premiering on Epix, which is run by MGM, Paramount and Lionsgate, amounting to a major addition the Netflix streaming library.
Netflix, EPIX deal is official; Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate movies start streaming September 1
Netflix streaming queue starting to look a little stale? It's working on that, and has signed a deal that brings EPIX's library of movies to Watch Instantly -- just not that instantly. If you're not familiar with EPIX, allow us to refresh you, it's a network launched last year by Paramount, MGM and Lionsgate that brings their movies home (though often unfortunately cropped and zoomed to 16x9) through a linear channel, video on-demand or internet streaming. Under this new agreement, movies from those studios can come to Netflix 90 days after they debut on the premium pay-tv and subscription VOD services. While that means streamers won't get access to Iron Man 2, The Expendables, or Dinner for Shmucks anywhere near day-and-date with their DVD or Blu-ray releases, those kinds of high profile flicks will show up and stick around with greater regularity than we've been used to. The companies haven't released further details, but rumors reported by the L.A. Times suggest licensing costs could reach $1 billion over the next 5 years. The first movies covered by the new deal arrive September 1, likely with flicks from the Star Trek, James Bond and Indiana Jones series (hopefully not Kingdom of the Crystal Skull) among them. Update: Analyst Dan Rayburn claims on Business of Video that Netflix won't be getting any EPIX movies in HD, so we asked Netflix VP of Corporate Communications Steve Swasey whether we could expect HD streaming movies with Movie Parties or if they would have Starz-like restrictions. The answer? "HD over time and no restrictions on Party Viewing." Take from that what you will.
EPIX HD adds online streaming, sign up via Charter.net
Say hello to a new wrinkle in EPIX HD's online/VOD/linear channel offering, now that its online library is accessible for Charter subscribers through the Charter.net website. Subscribers can sign up for the channel and stream content online in HD, all on one page with their existing Charter login. Not sure about trying it out yet? It appears all Charter60 internet subscribers have free access to the online streams through December 31, so why not click over and check a flick (or two) out.
EPIX HD brings the Black Eyed Peas to TV, PC on May 15 -- get your ticket here
Didn't get tickets to the Black Eyed Peas "The E.N.D. World Tour 2010"? Don't worry about it, EPIX HD is bringing the show to TV and online May 15 at 10 p.m. The multiplatform network is flipping on all the ClipSync social features viewers can handle, with polls, comments and more. Even if your provider isn't offering EPIX HD just yet, no problem, just click the link right here for an invite to the online broadcast, and tell 'em Engadget HD sent you (and to say what's up to our boy James Cameron.)
Dish adds EPIX HD and eight more to crack 200 HD channels, depending on how you count to 200
Dish hasn't let the TiVo case hanging over its head stop the ball from rolling, first launching the Sling-powered ViP922 DVR and now announcing it will add eight new HD channels including EPIX HD (coming in May), G4 HD, Headline News HD, History International HD, Nat Geo Wild HD, ShortsHD, Style HD and Turner Classic Movies HD. However the libations may be flowing a bit too heavily around the Englewood, Colorado headquarters since the company claims this puts it over the 200 HD channel mark -- an odd statement since just a few weeks ago it was only at 160 or so, even including PPV feeds. The trend towards HD VOD has certainly changed the channel (or "choices" as the latest trend has become) counting game, but we'll have our eyes pinned to the guide to figure out how this latest bit of funny math went down once these channels are actually on the air. Update: Looks like the new channels are live according to a post on SatelliteGuys: 375 Shorts 380 Epix 115 Style 202 HLN 191 G4 132 TCM 121 History International 190 Wild Update 2: According to Multichannel News, that "200" claim includes 57 ViP922-only VOD "channels". That counts, right? No?
Epix TV network to deliver real pilot based on a fake Steve Jobs
It looks like our old friend, the Fake Steve Jobs, is doing pretty well for himself. A popular blog, a well-received book, and now -- with any luck, at least -- a new TV series. Currently the Epix network (still only available on FiOS TV) is teaming up with the money men at Media Rights Capital to deliver a pilot called iCON. Featuring a character named Tom Rhodes, "a composite of Jobs and other Silicon Valley titans," the story is described as "a savage satire, a study of ego, power and greed." The man behind it all is none other than Larry Charles (of Borat, Bruno, and Seinfeld fame) who will direct the thing and oversee the script being written by Dan Lyons (Fake Steve Jobs himself). As you might have guessed, the announcement is pretty nutty: "We are attempting to do nothing less than a modern Citizen Kane," Charles said. "A scabrous satire of Silicon Valley and its most famous citizen. We needed a bold environment to nurture such a vision. One that was free of pre-conceived ideas. And Epix made it clear they were that place. They asked us to make their home our home. And we have." Since no one we know has actually seen Citizen Kane, we can't tell you if that's a good thing or not. But if it turns out to be anything like Fast Times at Ridgemont High, we love it already! PR after the break.
Viv magazine iPad concept is sin city, man (video)
Want to get our attention in a hurry? Tip us on a digital magazine concept for the iPad that combines footage captured by a prototype RED Mysterium-X sensor from inside of a Frank Miller style, noir hellscape. Of course, just because it was created for the iPad doesn't mean that the concept isn't applicable to any of the hundreds (not an exaggeration) of tablet devices destined to arrive over the next year. The feature concept, created by Alexx Henry and Andrew Grant together with co-directors Cory Strassburger and Ming Hsiung, redefines the art of infotainment. And make no mistake: as mainstream media fights for eyeballs this is blood for blood and by the gallon. These are the old days, the bad days, the all-or-nothing days. They're back. There's no choice left. And publishers are ready for war. See the video (and making of) after the break. Update: While the making-of video says the footage was shot using a "RED Epic M-X Sensor" a screen grab of the actual camera shows that it's a RED ONE (with M-X sensor), not an Epic. Image after the break.
