AdaptiveStreaming
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Apple reportedly working on "adaptive streaming" for iCloud music
The Guardian is reporting that Apple is working on a new method of "adaptive streaming" for music stored in iCloud that will "adjust itself to the bandwidth and storage available on the receiving device." The UK paper is less clear on exactly how that new format will be implemented, saying that it could offer high-definition audio to users of iPhones, iPads, and iPod touch or alternatively offer a streaming service. The latter makes sense when the Apple acquisition of streaming service Lala.com in 2009 is considered. The service will apparently be available at some unspecified date to upgrade iTunes Match. According to a source for The Guardian, a London-based studio has been asked to prepare audio files for a new adaptive streaming format. The source was quoted as saying "All of a sudden, all your audio from iTunes is in HD rather than AAC. Users wouldn't have to touch a thing – their library will improve in an instant." Adaptive streaming could allow mobile users to access their music in a less bandwidth-intensive manner, while those on a fast network at home or work would hear the music in studio quality. It's unknown whether the files are converted to smaller, lower-quality types in real time, or if Apple will store a master file in a number of different formats. Whatever Apple will unveil in terms of adaptive streaming, the curtain could be opened to music fans as soon as the announcement of the next-generation iPad next Wednesday, March 7.
Widevine DRM upgrade enables new features (multichannel audio) on streaming services
It's not that we're in love with DRM, but if you enjoy any rental video services online it's an inescapable part of the deal. The good news from Widevine today is a number of new features added to its platform in version 4.4.4 which could help change the way we use services from its customers like CinemaNow. DVD-style chapters, live streaming, progressive downloads, and adaptive streaming features are all great features we've seen before in various forms, but the most anticipated one around these parts is multichannel audio. Netflix has mentioned its use of WMDRM as a reason behind the lack of surround sound on Watch Instantly streams, but as a new customer mentioned (alongside Blockbuster) in the press release, a shift in solutions will likely coincide with the feature arriving later this year.
Sonic upgrading CinemaNow movie streaming to 1080p
VUDU and Xbox Live, welcome your new competition in the 1080p movie streaming arena, now that Sonic Solutions has announced its CinemaNow service will offer "Blu-ray Disc resolution" (3D is already on the way) with buffer-free playback thanks to its new Cinevision Adaptive HD encoding and delivery system. Sonic claims to have a leg up since the system is already used for Blu-ray disc production, and it's teaming with Widevine for the adaptive streaming backend. As usual, even if you're not directly a CinemaNow user, its wide compatibility and position behind Blockbuster's store and upcoming ones from Best Buy and Zip.ca should mean 1080p streaming to an ethernet equipped home theater device will be available no matter where you are, whether you're ready to ditch the discs (and downloads) or not.
