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Google gets go ahead to provide video services to all Kansas City residents
In what may be a watershed moment for in-home entertainment, both Kansas and Missouri have given Google permission to provide video services to Kansas City residents as a part of its Google Fiber project. Missouri's Public Service Commission gave Big G the thumbs up on March 1st, and Kansas' Corporation Commission followed suit last Friday, meaning Google now has the green light to provide video services to residents on either side of the state line. Of course, the folks in Mountain View haven't committed to taking down the cable companies just yet, but these approvals put the necessary franchise licensing in place for them to do so if they choose. Comcast, Cox, Time Warner... your newest competitor has arrived. [Thanks, Jerry]
Digiboo kiosk video service launches, opts for USB drives instead of DVDs
Judging by its quirky name, you'd think Digiboo is anything but an à la carte video service hoping to fight it out with the famed Redbox, or even Qwikster Netflix. The outfit's kiosks allow you to grab a two-day rental from a 700-plus film menu for $3.99, while $14.99 makes any title yours to own. Here's the interesting part -- rather than getting a DVD for your cash, though, you'll insert a flash drive to download your movie in as little as "30 seconds." Digiboo's setting up shop at airports in Portland, Seattle and Minneapolis-St. Paul to start, but mum's the word on its plans for expansion. Taking a trip over to P-Town anytime soon? Be sure to let us know your results if you happen to try it out.
Google Fiber just got better? Big G asks for permission to provide video service to Kansas City
Here we thought the citizens of Kansas City couldn't get any more fortunate after being chosen by Google to get a fiber optic gigabit network. Turns out, Google Fiber may be bringing more than just web access, as the company has asked the state of Missouri to allow it to deliver video services as well. We first heard about Big G's possible foray into pay-TV late last year, as the company was in talks with various content providers to see if it could make it happen. Given this official move towards becoming a video provider in America's heartland, we'd say those conversations must have gone fairly well. Either that, or the folks in Kansas City will be watching a whole lot of YouTube's new niche content.
Nintendo Video's 3DS app plays coy, is / is not launching in the US today
Is Nintendo Video launching in the US, or is it just coming soon? Someone over at the house that Mario built needs to make up their mind -- Reggie knuckle sandwich, anyone? The application was quietly announced this morning via Nintendo Download, then listed as a non-downloadable item on the eShop and featured on the company's official site with a release dated today. So, where is it then? Your guess is as good as ours. When it finally hits your parallax display, expect this 3DS only app to update weekly with fresh content, promising limited-time only 2D and 3D comedy, action and adventure shorts. Head to the eShop right now, and you'll be treated to a music-backed, text-only tease of the service and a College Humour video, apparently. If a curated experience from the makers of the Wii U fits your bill, then go right ahead and set that Spotpass to download.
Nintendo Video arrives on Japanese 3DS tomorrow, American equivalent and Netflix 'later this summer'
It wouldn't be a Nintendo product if the JDM release didn't get special treatment, and that practice continues here for the 3DS. The Nintendo Video service hits the Japanese version of the parallax-busting handheld tomorrow, allowing the download of 2D and 3D content that's been "recommended" by the house Mario built. It's actually the second video service to hit Japanese systems, following SpotPass TV's earlier launch with original content. When will we Americans get something fulfilling? "Later this summer" according to a Nintendo statement, which also confirms Netflix will be available "soon" -- soon enough to save your subscription?
