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Verizon finally takes control of Intel's doomed internet TV service
Intel's whirlwind fling with IPTV has come to an end, as all its assets from the ill-fated OnCue project have been sold to Verizon. Started less than a year ago to create a product with "beautiful industrial design" that could stream movies, TV shows and other media, it quickly fell out of favor with Intel brass. Following rumors it would be killed, a possible Verizon deal was reported, which has now been finalized for undisclosed terms. Verizon will get all related intellectual property and said that all 350 Intel employees working on the project will be retained. It added that it already has extensive content and customer relationships for video delivery -- a reported stumbling block for Intel -- and will use the tech "to better serve audiences on a wide variety of devices." We're not sure if that'll include any tie-ins to Big Red's Redbox Instant streaming service, which hasn't exactly made the likes of Hulu or Netflix nervous (yet).
Sony's launching a new cloud-based TV-streaming service in the US this year
SCEA President Andrew House just announced Sony's launching its long-rumored IPTV service, as a cloud-based offering with both live TV and video on-demand that personalizes itself for the viewer. According to House, it will be able to pause and resume viewing across multiple screens, including on Sony's connected devices like the PS4, and third-party hardware including the iPad. There aren't a ton of details yet, but it will start testing later this year. Sony execs claimed as recently as last year that the project was on hold due to issues like the low limits of bandwidth caps, so it will be interesting to see how they work that out.
U-Verse dropping Xbox 360 receiver support after December 31st
We hope you weren't bent on using the Xbox 360 as a U-Verse TV receiver. AT&T is now telling customers that it will drop IPTV support for Microsoft's older console after December 31st, leaving viewers with little choice but to use a conventional set-top box. Subscribers will get a $99 credit in return for their troubles, the provider says. We've reached out to AT&T for more details regarding the move, but there are no signs of an official Xbox One substitute on the horizon. [Thanks, Chuck]
Google widens Fiber rollout in Kansas City, shows how signups will work in Austin
Did you move to the Kansas City area too late to register for Google Fiber? Don't fret -- Google has both reopened sign-ups in the region's 180 current fiber neighborhoods and detailed an upcoming expansion. Those in existing Fiber areas can sign up for service by December 22nd, with installations due by the spring. Meanwhile, those in outlying locations such as Gladstone, Grandview, Kansas City North, South Kansas City and Raytown will get a chance to sign up in March. The search giant has also provided a brief explanation of how Austin residents will sign up for Fiber service when it's available in their town. As in Kansas City, Austinites will be organized into fiberhoods that have to meet registration goals within a few weeks to qualify for a deployment. There's still no word on just when the process will begin, although the mid-2014 service target doesn't leave much time for Google to get the ball rolling.
Google Fiber TV subscribers get Watch Disney and WatchESPN streaming
You'd think that Google Fiber would embrace streaming TV services when internet video is practically its reason for being, but it has lagged behind many conventional providers. It's about to catch up, however: Google has just enabled Watch Disney and WatchESPN access for its TV subscribers. As elsewhere, customers who sign in can stream 11 channels of live broadcasting as long as they have both a supported device and a broadband connection. Disney's service will be available for all Google Fiber TV users, so those in Austin and Provo can look forward to one more treat when Google lights up their neighborhoods.
Google Fiber sign-ups begin in Provo, but only for a lucky few
Provo citizens who've been craving Google Fiber can finally sign up for service -- some of them, anyway. Google is now accepting early registrations from Veracity Networks' residential customers, whose internet access is already linked to the former iProvo network that Fiber will use. Qualifying locals who register by October 31st will get Google's internet and IPTV services before anyone else, with pricing unchanged from what Google offers in Kansas City. Be prepared to wait if you're not one of the fortunate few, though, as Google won't start general sign-ups until January.
MediaPortal 1.5 released with CableCARD and Windows 8.1 support
Give credit to the MediaPortal team for making swift progress: just a few weeks after revealing a pre-release build of MediaPortal 1.5, the group has released its finished software for download. As promised, the home theater PC client now supports CableCARD tuning for most channels outside of pay TV. The update also brings support for Windows 8.1, a directly integrated PowerScheduler++ feature and improved IPTV streaming. The only drawback is the end to Windows XP support, but we suspect that backward compatibility isn't as much of an issue these days.
Sweden's Com Hem launches TiVo soon, will offer Netflix in December
It appears the tests of an IPTV-ready TiVo on Sweden's Com Hem service went well, as the provider is officially launching service September 30th. It's also built a few new service packages around the three tuner, 1TB HDD-equipped DVR, with the TiVo Max option offering about 80 channels and TiVo Combo Max bundling internet and phone service. Another part of some of the TiVo packages is a TiVoToGo offering that let's users stream several live TV channels and video on-demand to other devices, along with DVR scheduling and remote control features from the iOS app. The other juicy detail is that, like Virgin Media in the UK and Google Fiber in the US, Com Hem will allow the Netflix app on its set-top boxes. The Netflix feature is expected to launch on its TiVos in December, and we figure there will be plenty of customers ready, with a claimed 45,000 already preregistered for the new boxes since May 15th.
C Spire prepping gigabit 'Fiber to the Home' service, asks where to put it
Gigabit internet access is all the rage these days, and C Spire is entirely willing to give in to peer pressure. It just announced an upcoming C Spire Fiber to the Home service that will supply 1Gbps internet access and IPTV to Mississippi residents sometime in 2014. Exactly where it arrives will depend on feedback, however. Much like Google, C Spire wants both municipal governments and residents to plead their case; the more vocal regions will get service first. Only local leaders can solicit C Spire at this stage, but everyone else will get their chance starting on September 30th.
MediaPortal 1.5 enters pre-release; adds CableCARD, Windows 8.1 support
We're finally half way to MediaPortal 2.0, and while version 1.5's updates are more nuts and bolts than 1.3's flashy visual overhaul, they're important nonetheless. Now let's dig in, shall we? First up, PowerScheduler++ has been integrated directly to the app, which should make it easier set up and schedule system reboots -- it adds options for remote clients, too. Next, IPTV support got a makeover and the dev team says its product should meet your needs both "now and well into the future." CableCARD users still have to deal with DRM restrictions on pay-TV channels, but most everything else -- ESPN, TNT and USA, for example -- should function without the cumbersome workarounds of days passed. None of the latest additions break version 1.4's skins or plugins, and it's even supposed to be compatible with the Windows 8.1 preview. The only bad news is if you're still rocking Windows XP, since MediaPortal is finally killing support for the OS -- but that can't affect too many people, can it?
ESPN exec is willing to talk to Google, Sony, Intel about IPTV -- if they'll take bundles
For those who find sports is the string keeping them from cutting loose of traditional pay-TV services, ESPN president John Skipper's comments today are a bit of good news / bad news. Speaking to Bloomberg, he revealed the network has had talks to offer its content on internet TV services like the ones we've heard Google, Sony and Intel (among others *cough Apple*) are interested in offering. What he and a network spokesman made clear however, is that any agreement would involve those services offering a package of channels, just like current cable, satellite and telco providers. That would make it harder for any online service to differentiate itself on content or pricing, but we'll have to wait for one to actually launch to find out for sure.
Com Hem launches TiVo IPTV test, asks participants to blog their experience
Been wondering what it would be like to watch the tube through an IPTV box? Brush up on your Swedish: Com Hem is having its TiVo IPTV testers blog about it. The Stockholm-based TV provider dished out twenty (familiar looking) Samsung built receivers to select customers last week, asking them to document their experience on a company's website. The box promises participants the usual suite of TiVo features, including support for TiVoToGo and simultaneous DVR recording of up to three HD channels. The handful of participants who were at the launch event seem pretty jazzed, though updates quickly came to a halt as they settled in for some weekend TV time. Care to read up? Prime a Google Translate tab and hit the attached source link.
WSJ: Sony looking to launch online cable competitor, in talks with Viacom, Disney
Sony's reportedly made some headway on a solution that may well convince a number of subscribers to cut their cable cords once and for all. According to The Wall Street Journal's usual gang of anonymous sources, the electronics giant is in talks with several high profile media organizations to help populate an internet-based service that will stream channels and offer up on-demand content. The offering, which Sony is apparently looking to launch by the end of the year, would be the realization of some long time aspirations. Viacom is apparently at top of the list of potential partners, as the home of channels like MTV, Comedy Central and Nickelodeon. That deal is said to be in the preliminary agreement stage, news that comes a few weeks after Viacom inked a deal with Twitter. According to the WSJ, Sony's also been holding meetings with a number of other content providers like Disney, Time Warner and CBS. All parties involved have, naturally, refused to comment.
Foxtel Play IPTV service now live in Australia ahead of official launch
Australians with Mac and PC computers, eligible Samsung Smart TV models and Xbox 360s can now get an IPTV package through Foxtel's Play service, even though the official launch is still two weeks away. For $25 AUD per month, you'll get you one genre-based package (the maximum four will cost $50), while sport, premium drama and movie channels will run an additional $25 each. Current cable or satellite subscribers will get the service for for free on up to two registered devices, including iPads, iPhones and Samsung models. Unlike Foxtel's regular TV offerings, though, you can grab an IPTV package on a month-to-month basis, with no commitment. For those who wish to remain unplugged, that could come in especially handy for certain sporting events.
Google reportedly pitching streaming online TV service to multiple media companies
Streaming online television services appears to be the next big thing in the Valley -- at least, if you ask Google, Apple, Intel and other tech giants that are considering making a move in that direction. According to the Wall Street Journal, Google has approached several media companies about licensing TV channels for such a service, which involves offering cable TV-like channel packages over broadband. This wouldn't be the first time we've seen the folks at Mountain View putting feelers out, as the company opened up discussions with media companies two years ago. Nothing came of them, of course, but it's hard to say if the current conversations will meet the same fate -- a couple years is a long time in the industry, and things may be different enough to merit a more appealing offer on either side, especially given the rise of Netflix, Roku, Amazon Instant and others. A report from the New York Times indicates that these talks are still likely preliminary and not anywhere close to a deal, so we shouldn't anticipate watching new TV shows live on our Google TV anytime soon.
TiVo adds MLB.tv in the US today, nears IPTV launch in Sweden
TiVo announced its quarterly earnings yesterday, revealing a net loss for the quarter of $10.8 million. Despite that, its push to partner with cable companies seems to be going well: it recorded its largest growth in MSO customers in seven years, adding 277,000 subscriptions that way. More interesting to most users however, will be news that the MLB.tv app Zatz Not Funny mentioned in January launches today. Additionally, Scandinavian operator Com Hem is about to start offering an IPTV service built on TiVo's devices, and is accepting preregistrations to be an early tester. The Com Hem project will combine an internet TV service with the usual TiVo features -- including TiVoToGo -- and DVR capable of recording up to three HD channels at once. What we can see of the box looks very similar to the one offered by Virgin in the UK, we'll wait and see if any other operators look the company's way when/if they make the transition to IPTV service in the future. Update: The MLB.tv app is live, and TiVo has posted a screenshot on its blog, check it out after the break.
Former DJ Hero devs exploring IPTV for multi-platform project
DJ Hero developer FreeStyle Games is hiring a producer for IPTV gaming, according to a job listing on LinkedIn. The position will lead "the development of new multi-platform games with specific emphasis on online infrastructure-heavy video applications." "IPTV" could mean any number of platforms, including set-top boxes such as Apple TV and Roku. The job listing noted that the developer is working on a "new ground-breaking multi-platform and mobile project." FreeStyle Games posted a number of jobs to LinkedIn in the last week, including one for a mobile gaming producer role that will "develop strategies to leverage mobile enabled business models including free-to-play and freemium." That person would also be in charge of creating "features to bridge online, console and mobile games to create a connected product." FreeStyle Games' most recent efforts were seen in Sing Party for Wii U, so the Activision-owned developer hasn't strayed too far from music-based games. Whether its next multi-platform and potentially free-to-play project falls in line with that genre remains to be seen.
Time Warner Cable's TWC TV app will add some VOD, live TV streaming while away from home
Time Warner Cable has expanded its TWC TV IP streaming of broadcast television to several different platforms since its launch two years ago, but so far it's been limited to use inside subscriber's homes. That will change tomorrow, according to a tipster who informed us a new version of the iOS app is coming that allows out of home streaming. This source previously gave us an early heads up on TWC TV for Roku, which just launched last month. The video doesn't include all of the channels that are a part of TWC TV, but will feature video on-demand from channels like BBC America, BET, Comedy Central, MTV, Nick, and Univision, among others. There will be ten live TV channels as well: Aspire, BBC America, beIn, Big Ten Network, FearNet, Fox News Channel, Fox business, GMC, Pac-12 Network and TV Guide Network The web portal will also be revamped in May, and Android users should expect an update in Q2 with access to streaming away from home. However, there are still a few strings. From what we've heard, streaming over 3G / 4G will be limited to Verizon Wireless until Q4, but all users will be able to access the video streams over WiFi. Time Warner already faced several legal challenges to the initial app, if the new features arrive tomorrow we'll see whether Viacom and other content providers head back to the courts for round two, or if any complaints have been negotiated away already. Update: Time Warner has confirmed the feature in a post on its blog, although there's no mention of any restrictions for streaming over cellular connections. The update is not live in the app store yet but it's scheduled to arrive by tomorrow morning, hit the source link to check out the official list of content. [Thanks, Anonymous].
Microsoft sells Mediaroom to Ericsson, pulls focus to Xbox TV
Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV business now belongs to communication tech company Ericsson, allowing Microsoft to focus its attention fully on the Xbox."With the sale of Mediaroom, Microsoft is dedicating all TV resources to Xbox in a continued mission to make it the premium entertainment service that delivers all the games and entertainment consumers want – whether on a console, phone, PC or tablet," Microsoft Vice President Yusuf Mehdi writes in a blog post.Mehdi writes that Microsoft will partner with a range of content creators, studios, networks, labels and distributors for the next generation of TV, made "more simple, tailored and intelligent." Mediaroom is the tech behind AT&T's U-Verse, Telefonica and Swisscom, among other services, and powers 22 million set top boxes worldwide.
Microsoft agrees to sell Mediaroom to Ericsson, goes all-in on Xbox
A fortnight after rumors surfaced hinting that Ericsson was lobbying to buy Microsoft's Mediaroom IPTV unit, both companies have announced that a deal has been signed. Microsoft VP Yusuf Medhi blogged that as the Xbox has become the heart of Redmond's home entertainment strategy, Mediaroom has become a resource-hogging distraction. The Mountain View-based IPTV outfit powers AT&T's U-Verse as well as similar VOD services from companies like Deutsche Telekom and Telefonica, and will be folded into Ericsson's Business Support Solutions outfit. The deal's expected to close in the second half of the year, with neither company talking about how much the sale cost.