media manager
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Boxee updates iPad app to version 1.2, adds global Spotify support
It's only been a couple of months since Boxee unleashed its much anticipated iPad app, but the company has already come out with that much needed update to version 1.2. With the upgrade, users will be able to navigate across content sent to their Boxee Boxes using a remote control interface that's now located at the bottom right corner of the app. iPad owners can also pause video sent to their Box and pick up later where they left off, using the Boxee Media Manager. And, as expected, AirPlay sessions can now run in the background, giving you one less thing to worry about while lazing on the couch. On a related note, Spotify users can now use Boxee to access their accounts from anywhere in the world (previously, access was only granted in countries where Spotify is available). To get your app up to speed, check out the coverage link, below.
Boxee launches iPad app, new Box update, media server and bookmarklet today
The long awaited Boxee for iPad app is finally ready to launch, and coming with it is a fresh update for the Boxee Box, plus new Media Manager software for your PC or Mac to make streaming locally stored files to the tablet or PC even easier. We got an early look at the iPad app (which lacks access to the Box's apps) and while the interface had been lightly reworked since our last hands-on experience at CES it was very crash prone, with a tendency to close suddenly while streaming videos from YouTube or a connected PC. Boxee Box owners may not have to worry about that however, since the new v1.2 update adds AirPlay compatibility as an "experiment" for any online content (check after the break for the full list of changes). The Media Manager software on the PC makes it easier to organize content for playback on the tablet or Box, while a new Watch Later Bookmarklet also makes one-click sharing of online video from browser to device possible. All in all the idea is to make Boxee the "one place to discover, watch and share video" no matter where you are and we can see it getting there -- once everything stays up and running consistently. %Gallery-130236%
Verizon FiOS will stream live TV, VOD plus your own stuff to TVs, iPads & mobile devices soon (video)
Despite whatever other tablets Verizon may have on the way, it showed off a new trick for FiOS TV at a press conference today by streaming live TV and video on-demand to the iPad. NewTeeVee grabbed the above picture of the app, which Chief Information Officer Shaygha Kheradpir says brings the same software from its set-top boxes to the iPad and other screens. That hasn't stopped potential licensing issues with offering video on off-TV devices, but Reuters reports the company doesn't expect to pay any additional fees to programmers, probably because the app will only work from subscriber's homes. While live TV streaming is a big draw, it also showed off a video on-demand app called FlexView due later this year for Verizon's new Android phones, the Blackberry Storm and Windows Mobile 6.5 (other platforms due later on, it will work on other mobile networks as well) that would let videos purchased/rented via the cable box or website be downloaded onto up to five different devices, while its Media Manager service will be refreshed with an update that lets users upload video to 70GB of cloud storage and then stream it to their PCs, TVs or mobiles. Reports indicate live TV streaming should be available early next year, we'll see if FiOS beats Cablevision to the punch. Update: ZatzNotFunny pointed out a video of the demo posted by Steve Donohue on YouTube, check it out after the break.
Media Manager for Mac enables iPhone / iTunes media streaming to FiOS TV DVR (video)
We're hearing that the PC version of this here software still beats out the Mac counterpart, but equality is slowly but surely becoming a reality. The main new feature over on the OS X side, however, is a good one: the ability to stream iPhone and iTunes media directly to your TV via your FiOS TV DVR. Fire up an iTunes playlist and watch the fun roll by on your home TV, and there's even support for photo slideshows and the like. It's available to download right now from the read link, and those still skeptical can catch a demonstration vid just past the break. [Via Zatz Not Funny]
Media Manager, Remote DVR scheduling features reach more FiOS subscribers
New features they aren't, but Verizon has just loosed its Media Manager software and Remote DVR scheduling features to more customers, now that they're available to all subscribers with both FiOS TV and internet service. Previously available only to Home Media DVR owners, and then all DVR owners, now more customers get the unending joy of scheduling recordings even away from home, or streaming pictures, music and compatible movie formats to the set-top box from their PC.
FiOS TV expansions: May 16, 2009
This has been an odd week for Verizon FiOS TV news, with 69,000 subs finding out they will be Frontier customers within the next year (for what it's worth, the promise is there will be no changes, at least for a year.) Still, there's at least one bit of expansion to balance things out, with six new HD channels including Comedy.TV, Recipe.TV, ES.TV, MyDestination.TV, Cars.TV and Pets.TV. The future is also bright, with word that streaming internet video is coming to FiOS TV boxes with Dailymotion, Veoh Networks and Blip.TV signed on for the service launching sometime in the second quarter. It will require a PC running Media Manager software PlayOn-style to transcode the clips, but FiOS viewers can browse with their standard remotes, plus Twitter and Facebook access is still on the way. Read - Verizon FiOS TV Customers Get Six New HD Channels From Entertainment Studios Read - Verizon to Divest Wireline Businesses in 14 States; Significant Benefits to Verizon Shareholders Read - Next On FiOS: Web Videos On Your Flat-Panel TV
Verizon welcomes HD DVR owners, all cellphones to the Remote DVR party
It isn't an iPhone app, but we're sure plenty of people can appreciate Verizon's new, more widely available Remote DVR Management program. Previously limited to FiOS TV Media Manager subscribers only, accessed by the website or select VZW phones, now any FiOS DVR subscriber can queue up recordings via the website, while Media Manager subs can use http://m.verizon.com/tv from any cellphone, on any carrier for remote DVR programming. [Thanks, Scott! Via Phone Scoop]
Verizon FiOS HD DVR owners all granted Remote DVR access, cellphone scheduling costs extra
It isn't an iPhone app, but we're sure plenty of people can appreciate Verizon's new, more widely available Remote DVR Management program. Previously limited to FiOS TV Media Manager subscribers only, accessed by the website or select VZW phones, now any FiOS DVR subscriber can queue up recordings via the website, while Media Manager subs can use http://m.verizon.com/tv from any cellphone, on any carrier for remote DVR programming. [Thanks, Scott! Via Phone Scoop]
Media Manager 3.0 now available for PSP / PC
Has anyone seen our stack of Cloud Cult MP3s? We could have sworn we left it on our PSP ... or was it the PS3? See, this is why need something to manage ... our media. If someone, somewhere could just come up with some sort of "software" that facilitates the transferral of music, photos and save data to and from our PlayStation Portable, and even allows access to the PC PlayStation Store, that would be rad. Oh, and if the latest version of this hypothetical application could be available for download over here at the marvelous price of zero dollars, it would be even better. We'd wish for a Mac version too, but that's just a little too outlandish. Oh well.[Via PSP Fanboy]
PlayStation Store for PC reopens with Media Manager 3
The new PlayStation Store for PC has opened, and it looks good. Once again, it's limited to Windows PCs. This time, it'll require the installation of the free Media Manager 3.0 software. After a brief installation and registration process, you'll be able to access the PlayStation Store directly from the interface. Anyone that has used the PS3 version of the PlayStation Store will be quite familiar with the layout of the Store.Other features of the Media Manager include the ability to transfer music and photos to your system through a simple drag-and-drop interface. You'll even be able to rip music off of audio CDs directly onto your system. You'll also be able to back up for save and game data. Overall, we'll say the new Media Manager software is great -- especially with its current price tag.Update: A new video walkthrough is available, after the cut.
PSP Media Manager now free to download
The PSP Media Manager, which allows you to transfer files more easily to and from your Sony portable, is now available for free. The software is available via the Japanese website and installs with a Japanese menu, but after you get through all that hassle you'll discover the program runs in English. The Media Manager is available for Windows computers only (sorry, Apple users). Now that it's free, is it too much to ask from Sony to have the software bundled with all future PSPs?[Via PSP Fanboy]
Media Manager software now free to download
Sony is offering their PSP Media Manager software ... FOR FREE. This nifty bit of code allows you to easily transfer files, such as photos, music and videos to your PSP. Most readers of PSP Fanboy should already know how to use PSP's file system, but for those that are new to the system, this is a definite must-have. You'll have to download the program from the Japanese site, but rest assured -- as Kotaku found out, the program will run in English.A Pro version is also available for those that want more. Who thinks that Sony should bundle this kind of software with every PSP? We certainly do. Sony should make it easy to get the most out of their hardware.
Sony Media Manager goes Pro, supports PSN downloads
Sony's Media Manager software allows PSP owners to easily transfer music, videos and save data between their PCs and PSP systems. Although we always believed the software should be bundled with the PSP for free, Sony is keen on charging a nominal fee for its use, rendering it much less attractive. Well, it looks like Media Manager is getting a significant update in its new "Pro" revision: Windows Vista support PSN support - "This new feature lets you transfer downloadable PLAYSTATION Network games from your PC to the PSP system and back, including any Saved Data." FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Converter) support Backup mode, audio shuffle and search features. The software will retail for €9.99 in Europe (no US release has been announced). Most exciting of the new features must be PSN support, which will transfer downloadable games to the system. Hopefully, this won't be the only way to get games onto the PSP. In Japan, the PSP Store has a free client you can download. We're certain that SCEE will do the same.[Thanks, Paul K.!]
4GB Value Pack not such a good value
Sony has to start making "Value Packs" that live up to their name. The latest effort in the bundle-crazed European market is a new "Value Pack," going for €329 ($425 US). This package, a mark-up of €130 contains a 4GB Memory Stick and Sony's Media Manager 2.0. Considering how most freeware makes Media Manager unnecessary, and how Memory Stick prices are plummeting, there's no reason for Sony to charge as much as they are. Educated European customers will obviously avoid this bundle, and simply buy the Core system, with a Memory Stick of their own choosing.[Via kingplayer]
PSP Media Manager 2 reviewed
Sony really dropped the ball early on in the PSP's life when there was no official media software available. However, Sony finally came through when they released the PSP's Media Manager, but like many other available software programs, it had problems, too. Well, Sony is giving it another shot with Media Manager 2, and CNET has had a chance to take it for spin.Positives The new interface is "pretty stylish and sleekly designed." Features XMB crossbar. Better access to system's multimedia capabilities. Ability to transfer word documents and view them in HTML. Negatives Most of the functionality is available in other freeware programs. Somewhat high system requirements. Can't transfer copy-protected DVD's or audio files. Won't encode at 368x208 size. Overall, CNET gave Media Manager 2 a 6.3 and said if you have a decent understanding of how to run a computer, you'll be better off with a third-party software, such as PSP Video 9. While it looks like Sony didn't do much better with its latest media software incarnation, its release really begs the question "Do we really need it at this point?" I manage to do all my file transfers and video encoding through freeware just fine, so I see no reason why anyone should spend the $17 to download the software or especially the $25 for the boxed version. But if you really feel the need to pick this up, you can buy it here.
Windows Media Center support makes PSP an even better PMP
PSP fanboys know that the iPod can kiss our butts when it comes to being the best personal media player out there. Sure, the iPod outsells the PSP by a wide margin, but it lacks PSP's widescreen display, a crucial feature for any movie lover. Sure, the PSP was notorious for its unconvential naming scheme for videos, but ever since the 2.80 firmware upgrade, the PSP has been quite versatile in accepting iPod-formatted videos, no matter what they're named. Now, Sony's taken another step in beating Apple in the PMP game. Sony's newly updated Media Manager not only allows you to convert AVI, MOV, MP4, and WMV files for the PSP (something the free PSP Video 9 can handle quite well), but it'll convert Windows Media Center content, for those of you that use DVR on a Media Center PC.To quote our sister site PVR Wire: "If Microsoft is going to insist on using DVR-MS files, then it's nice to companies that don't include Windows software on their PMPs steeping up and making it easier to get DVR-MS files onto their devices. Sony's done it... Wouldn't it be nice if Apple followed suit?"[Via PVR Wire; Thanks, gregger!]
