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Twonky Beam update for Android, iOS streams to Roku, Xbox 360
As good as a catch-all that Twonky Beam can be for pushing mobile and web video to TVs, there's been a glaring hole as long as some of the most popular media hubs weren't streaming targets. An update rolling out to the Android and iOS apps is patching things right up by adding support for Roku and Xbox 360 hardware as destinations. There's not much to know beyond that, although it's a giant help for compatibility -- along with support for DLNA, some TVs and U-verse boxes, the refresh should have Packet Video's app reaching about 90 percent of the networked devices you'd find in front of the couch. That still makes it a handy compliment to (or even a replacement for) living room apps like SmartGlass.
Twonky Beam Browser hands-on
Showing your friends the latest viral video traditionally requires huddling around a smartphone or tablet, which is odd when you're sat in a room with a 40-inch flat-screen. Web connected TVs or media units like the Apple TV will let you watch YouTube as long as you spend five minutes tediously inputting the search term on your remote. For those of us who can't afford a unified Airplay setup, there's PacketVideo's Twonky Beam Browser, which lets you push mobile content to your TV as fast as your wireless router can handle it. Does it work as well as advertised? Is it the answer to your prayers? Read on to find out, dear reader, read on.
Spotify sued by PacketVideo for patent infringement
We imagine getting smacked with a lawsuit soon after landing Stateside isn't quite the welcome wagon Spotify had hoped for. Alas, PacketVideo isn't interested in jamming with this musical newcomer, and has instead picked a patent fight with Spotify in the Southern District of California. The patent in question is for streaming music in digital form from a central source, and it's been licensed by mobile mavens Verizon, NTT DoCoMo, and Orange. According to the complaint, PacketVideo told Spotify in May about its IP, but Spotify wasn't picking up what PacketVideo was putting down, and continued its supposedly infringing ways. Thus, the present action was filed and now PacketVideo is seeking a permanent injunction and triple damages due to Spotify's alleged willful infringement. Of course, this is only the opening salvo in what could easily become a lengthy dispute, so feel free to break out the popcorn while we wait for Spotify's response.
HP responds to MediaSmart Server issues, offers no real solution at all
It's no secret that HP MediaSmart Server owners have been having an awful time getting their device to operate correctly, er, at all since HP loosed its most recent software update on July 21st. In order to make sure owners have a solution implement its best damage control tactics, HP's own Director of Marketing for the Connected Entertainment group has put out a statement informing users that the problems (slow console shown above) are more than a figment of their imagination. Furthermore, the so-called solution is to simply "install each update one at a time, independently," because clearly HP cannot be bothered to fix a problem it helped create. Oh, it gets better. HP is also aware that PacketVideo (bundled with the update) "no longer supports media streaming to Sony's PlayStation 3," so it simply encourages owners to surf on over to a third-party website and hack up the PV database in order to get things back to normal. Jump on past the break for the patently ridiculous letter in its entirety.[Image courtesy of Within Windows]
PacketVideo brings Mobile TV to any WiFi device
PacketVideo has a new receiver which can pump mobile TV over good ol' WiFi. PV claims the device will ultimately ship before the year is out in versions supporting over-the-air DVB-H and MediaFLO broadcasting as well as TDtv and WiMAX streaming. Although it's presumably compatible with any WiFi device, they specifically cite support for the iPhone, N-Series Nokias and HTC devices while demonstrating the device with an iPod touch at Mobile World Congress. The 6.4 x 1.8 x 4-cm block is powered by a lithium-ion battery of unspecified capabilities. Although it's not stated, we assume the received television can be shared with multiple devices over that wireless link -- else why bother with WiFi? [Via Slashphone]
HP MediaSmart Server getting security, media streaming updates
For those who've overcome the stereotype and admitted HP's MediaSmart Server into your abode, we applaud you. Apparently, HP thinks pretty highly of you as well, as it's gearing up to beam out a number of software enhancements to its iconic Windows Home Server-based device. First up is the addition of integrated server-side anti-virus software, which will be provided by McAfee but will only remain free for the first seven months. More interesting, however, are the updates involving PacketVideo technology and 64-bit Vista support. Apparently, the former will "enhance the media streaming process from the server to other digital media devices in the home, such as the MediaSmart TV," and it will also add "advanced graphics such as thumbnails of photos, in-menu browsing and album art." As for the latter, HP simply informs us that 64-bit Vista support will be added in. When can you expect the goods? Look for the whole lot to be delivered automatically sometime next month.
