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Plex rewrites its media streaming app for Windows 10
Plex users on Windows have been stuck with an old Windows 8 app for awhile now, but that changes today. The media streaming server's desktop app has been completely rebuilt for Windows 10 as a Universal Windows app -- giving users the same Plex experience across tablet, desktop and mobile platforms. Well, almost the same experience: Plex says it's still working on the mobile release of the UWP app, but promises it will be along soon.
WiFi-connected hard drive fits a Plex server in your pocket
Over the years we've seen Plex's media software run across a number of different devices, from PCs to game consoles to NAS and cellphones. Now, it's teamed up with Western Digital for what it says is the first portable Plex Media Server. The hardware is handled by the My Passport Wireless Pro, a battery-powered portable hard drive that can run standalone for 10 hours, charge mobile devices, and back up data via SD or USB 3.0. The all-in-one box can even create a WiFi network to sync with mobile devices or stream media to any device running Plex, similar to Dish Network's HopperGo but without the need for a satellite subscription. The 2TB version is ready to take your stuff on the go for $230, and upgrading to 3TB only costs an extra $20.
NVIDIA's Shield is now an all-in-one Plex box
Everybody loves Plex, but it's always been a stumbling point for novice users that it still needs a dedicated, always-on PC to run the show. Thanks to the power of NVIDIA's Shield TV, that's no longer the case, and Plex has revealed that the device can act as a dedicated, standalone Plex server. Rather than having to tend to that media center machine you've got tucked under the stairs, the box under your TV can now handle it all, including remote play to mobile devices outside the home. Naturally, while both the Shield and Shield Pro can do the business, it's the latter unit that'll really come into its own, thanks to its 500GB of built-in storage.
Plex on the web gets smarter with media searches
Plex's web interface just got much, much better at helping you find that favorite movie. The company has introduced a revamped dashboard for its media front end that's at once smarter and more organized. The search feature now finds everything across multiple categories as you type, and it's both considerably faster and more forgiving -- even if you don't know how to spell "Stellan Skarsgård," you'll probably spot both him and the movies he stars in. Navigation is easier, too, as you'll get the latest discovery features front and center, with better mouse and touch control as well as zoomable posters. Check it out now if you regularly venture beyond Plex's native apps when browsing your media collection.
Engadget giveaway: win a Nexus 6P courtesy of Younity!
Left a file on your desktop and you're already halfway across town? Want to share that movie, song or photo, but don't have a local copy or cloud backup? You can do all that easily -- and for free -- with Younity, a media server that connects all of your devices putting your digital stuff in reach. It creates private peer-to-peer streaming and file access, making it a great free alternative to services like Plex Premium. Younity can serve up media such as iTunes catalogs, Adobe Lightrooom libraries along with your regular files, so you'll always have your data available. Starting today, Android has joined Younity's roster of available platforms, which includes iOS, Mac and Windows. This week, the company has provided us with a Nexus 6P to celebrate the addition of Android and one lucky reader will get to stretch their legs in Younity's world of access on the handset. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning. Winner: Congratulations to Steve E. of West Lafayette, IN!
Plex streaming app now free on Xbox and PlayStation
Plex, the app that helps a large number of folks organize and stream their media collections, is now available for free on Xbox and Playstation consoles. Up until now, it was in the preview stages and required a $5 per month or $40 per year Plex Pass. Users without the pass will now get the basic version of the app on the Xbox One, Xbox 360, Playstation 4 and PS3. With a pass, you'll get extra features like premium music libraries, mobile sync and preview releases like the aforementioned console apps.
Engadget giveaway: Win a PS4 and two lifetime Plex Passes!
We're careening into the gifting season at full throttle and Plex is making things easier this year. You can now give the gift of Plex to friends and family with just a few clicks. Whether they've been clamoring for a Plex Pass or have yet to experience the clean interface for streaming media from their server (or a friend's), it's now easier than ever to share. Just head over to the company's gifting page and you can send wrapping-paper-free digital presents with Plex premium features — just in time for your holiday visit.
Plex comes to the new Apple TV for free
The Plex team just delivered the first version of its media streaming app for the new Apple TV. Now that there's an app store, Plex's media player is accessible without any jailbreaking or even AirPlay sidestepping necessary and better yet, it's free to use. All you'll need is one of the double-height media players and the latest version of Plex Media Server to give it a try -- no in-app purchases or PlexPass subscription necessary. At least for now, Plex says it's using TVML for the app instead of writing a fully native version, which enabled it to get up and running in just five weeks.
Plex's redesigned desktop media player comes with 4K support
Just as it did in 2012, Plex is once again bringing a new look to its desktop app for PCs. Back then the service focused on offering more of a living room-friendly experience, hence the application being renamed to Home Theater. Now, Plex Media Player intends to keep that going, but with an improved user interface that matches its various TV apps that will "leave all that original code behind." To help, it's switched the media playback engine to mpv, and hired the primary contributor from that open source project as a full timer to help out. Aside from the redesigned and speedier UI, which brings it in line with Plex's smart TV, console and set-top apps, there's support for a "true" 4K interface, multi-channel music tracks and improved compatibility with H.265 video files, among other things. PlexPass subscribers can try out an early preview of the app now, before it releases for everyone later on. According to Plex, Home Theater will continue to be available and open source, though the firm doesn't have any plans to continue developing for it.
Plex will bring its media streaming to Apple TV
Ask some media server users why they don't use an Apple TV, and they'll issue a common refrain: "because it doesn't officially run Plex." Well, that shouldn't be an issue with the new Apple TV. Plex tells ITWorld that it plans to bring its media streaming front end to Apple's latest set-top box through an app. The move should give you access to all of your home's compatible music, photos and videos, not just what you can see from internet streaming services or iTunes clients. That's a big deal when you previously had to jailbreak or otherwise rely on clever workarounds to make Plex work.
Plex's media-playing iOS app finally got an overhaul
Plex has overhauled its iOS app, which it's also calling the poster child "for new feature support", that includes Plex Home, music features like multi-disc support and mixes and music videos and secure connections. Because it's all new, you'll need iOS 8.1 or higher, but you've got that right? The app's free to download today, and will even double up as a remote for Plex on the big screen. You can also share content from your camera roll straight to any Plex player. To get full-fat functionality, you'll have to send some dollars through an in=app payment, but that's where most of the new stuff comes in.
Plex's Xbox One update brings music, playlists and more
There are a host of new features coming to Plex's Xbox One app. In addition to the standard fare of navigation tweaks, added SmartGlass functionality and bug fixes, the media organizer/caster now allows users to play music through their Xbone. Plex also now offers playlist support for both songs and videos. Plus, there's no longer need to convert videos either, the service can play back video in Xbox's native MKV file format. But arguably the coolest new feature is that you'll finally get real, honest-to-goodness trailers prior to watching your films. It's as close to the theater experience you can get without having to pay for IMAX and stale popcorn.
Plex gives your media server a secure connection
You probably don't think of your personal media server as a target for hackers and spies, but Plex isn't taking any chances. The company has started handing out free SSL security certificates to everyone using a media server, giving you an encrypted connection while you're picking a movie to watch or simply signing in. The feature works across devices, too -- you'll get the same locked-down link whether you're on your phone or the web. Support is live now on Android, Plex Home Theater, Roku players, Windows and the web, and it should land shortly on game consoles, iOS and smart TVs.
Plex brings photos, music and video streaming to TiVo June 8th
After a number of leaks and hints, this week Plex and TiVo announced their products will start working together soon. Plex media server gives users a way to easily stream photos, music or video files to devices like Roku and Chromecast, and pulls content from local hard drive or the cloud all the same. Mixing up its abilities with TiVo gives people who like traditional TV and their own media libraries an easy way to enjoy both (on an unrelated note -- the HDHomeRun DVR Kickstarter added Plex support as its $250,000 stretch goal).
Engadget giveaway: win an Xbox One, Chromecast and more courtesy of Plex!
You may have done the spring clean around the house, but have you organized your digital media, too? Installing the Plex Media Server software can help centralize all your scattered music, movie and photo files into one place and serve them up wherever you go. You can access that content using the Plex app, which is available for mobile, smart TVs, set top boxes, streaming devices and game consoles, and it's easy to share with friends, too. To help one lucky Engadget reader enjoy the full Plex experience this week, the company has provided an Xbox One and a Chromecast, along with a Lifetime Plex Pass for total access and premium features. There's also a $100 Amazon music gift card in the prize bundle to celebrate the recent update of Plex Music. Gracenote and Vevo are onboard to help build automatic playlists, provide mood-based soundtracks, match your collection with over 140,000 music videos and deliver extra helpings of metadata. Just head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to two chances at winning this powerful multi-media package. Winner: congratulations to Brian W. of Mammoth Lakes, CA!
Plex's revamped Roku channel gives you a better look at your videos
To put it mildly, the Plex channel for Roku players is due an overhaul -- an interface full of dull squares doesn't exactly do justice to your extensive media collection. Thankfully, Plex is giving the channel the makeover it needs. The new version brings the Roku client up to snuff with what you get on other platforms, including rich cover art and a greater emphasis on discovering video content like movie trailers and behind-the-scenes footage. As with Plex's other recent upgrades, though, there are a few things missing at the moment. The revamped software will handle your movies, music and TV shows, but channels, photos and playlists are still "coming soon." Also, you may have to be patient. The redesigned front end is available today to Plex Pass subscribers as a preview, but you'll have to wait if you'd rather not cough up cash for early access. Update: Roku has also rolled out a faster YouTube experience with the new UI seen on Xbox One and other platforms for the Roku 3 and Roku Streaming Stick, while Roku TVs (TVs with Roku embedded) finally have access to WatchESPN.
Plex finally brings media relief to US Playstation 4 owners
The media streaming options for Sony's Playstation 4 have always been its weak point, especially compared to the formidable PS3 living room experience. Now, there's some good news for US users: Plex is finally available on both PS4 and PS3 in North and South America, after it rolled out in Europe and Asia last month. The popular media server lets you put all your media in one hub on your PS4, regardless of where you actually store it. You can then organize it by criteria like poster art, plot summary, album cover and share it to other devices and platforms. Sony said that it'll only stream video at first, with music and photo sharing arriving shortly. There is one drawback: you'll need a Plex Pass, a service that costs $4.99 -- more than half the price of Netflix.
Plex media streaming app arrives on PS4, PS3
Plex, the personal media streaming service, can now send content directly to the PlayStation 4 and PS3 with a new app now available on the PSN. The program allows users to stream media from their computers to any Plex-ready device, including mobile phones, tablets and now the PlayStation home console ecosystem. While the service may not mean much to PS3 users – since that console has its own built-in media server support – a Plex debut on PS4 means users can now use the console as a hub for their own downloaded media content. There is a catch, of course: Plex streaming to PlayStation consoles is only available for Plex Pass subscribers, which is priced at $5 a month ($40 year, $150 lifetime). The app "will be made available, for a fee, to those without a Plex Pass" in the future, a post on the PlayStation Blog revealed. The PlayStation Blog says the app is available in the US, Canada and Latin America. On the Plex website, the company notes a select number of other regions where the app will be available, including the UK. The Plex site also reveals a few additional details, such as the PS3's limitation of streaming 720p content using the app and the Plex on PlayStation's lack of support for the MKV file format and DTS audio. At launch, Plex on PlayStation will only support video content, but music and photo streaming "will be coming shortly." [Image: Plex]
EVE Online player loses $1,500 in a ship attack
You would think that no one in EVE Online would ever risk carrying around a huge pile of PLEX these days, especially after the last dozen times that something went south while someone was transporting large sums of money. But Ozuwara Ozuwara was not the kind of player to be deterred by the very real possibility of having his precious cargo destroyed. So he loaded $1,500 worth of PLEX into his ship, set off for deep space, and then got blown up by fellow player Diorden without ever making his way out of high-security space. Yes, all of the PLEX was destroyed, all 84 pieces, which comes out to roughly 70 billion ISK on the open market. The bright side is that this might at least teach the lesson that this cargo is too valuable to cart around unguarded, by which we mean that you can check back in here a couple of months from now to see the same thing happen again to another player.
World of Warcraft proposes tradable subscription currency
Six-point-one. That's all you World of Warcraft players need to hear to get psyched for the new year. The dev team took a brief pause in rolling in all of the money from Warlords of Draenor sales to talk about what's coming up with Patch 6.1 as well as a proposed new subscription currency. The patch, which will go into testing soon, will contain improvements to garrisons, a legendary follower, the ability to send tweets from the game, the new Blood Elf models, shorter flight master routes, incentives for visiting friends' garrisons, and the new heirloom collection tab. Even bigger than this news is word that Blizzard is "exploring" adding a subscription currency that sounds like EVE Online's PLEX. The proposed idea would allow players to buy and sell game-time tokens for in-game gold: "Our current thought on this is that it would give players a way to use their surplus gold to cover some of their subscription cost, while giving players who might have less play time an option for acquiring gold from other players through a legit and secure system."