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NCAA March Madness Live app comes to iOS, Android by tourney tip-off
Following in last year's steps, the NCAA and Turner Sports have taken the wraps off their March Madness 2012 goodies for handsets, slates and PCs. Though, unlike its 2011 variants, you'll now have to part ways with a one-time $3.99 charge in order to catch your favorite college team in action. Paying such a fee will give you an all-access ticket to watch every game during the tournament, which gets rolling this Tuesday, March 13th. Moreover, you'll also be able to customize channels to your viewing pleasure, test your knowledge in live trivia and check out how the bracket's shaping up. The action-packed March Madness Live app is available now to folks on iOS, with the Android version coming to "selected" devices by the time the tourney is underway.
DirecTV adding TruTV HD ahead of March Madness again, will let it stick around this time
Last year, DirecTV temporarily added TruTV HD to its lineup just during March Madness so its fans could catch all of the games, and it's bringing Turner-owned network back again this year. This time however, the satellite company has promised on Facebook (if a relationship is Facebook official, you know it's real) it's sticking around this time. This means not only can customers get all the college hoops this month, they can also later tune into all manner of reality TV programming. You're welcome (c) Kobe Bryant.
March Madness streams to more platforms in 2012, but not everything is free
Last year CBS and Turner Sports brought every game of the NCAA Division 1 Men's Basketball Tournament home in HD on four cable channels, and streaming for free to PCs and iOS devices. While the broadcast plans remain the same this year, if you want to stream the 41 games broadcast on cable networks then you'll need to subscribe to an affiliated TV provider (all the major guys except Time Warner) and log into the TNT, TBS, or TruTV website on your Windows PC or Mac. For the other 41 games broadcast on CBS, CBSSports.com is your (free) online resource. Live streaming on mobiles (over WiFi or 3G) has been extended to the Android platform for the first time, however after being offered for free last year the rebranded March Madness Live app will cost $3.99 this time around, which is still less than the $10 it cost in 2010. Check out the press release after the break for all the details on what's viewable where -- cord cutting sports fans will want to make some alternate arrangements.
Google TV apps for TNT, TBS leak out briefly, reveal authenticated streaming on the way
We're still waiting for Google TV products to officially get their big update with Honeycomb and access to the Android Market, but compatible apps are already leaking out. NewTeeVee points out a couple from TNT and TBS (which also allow Google TV streaming from their websites) that briefly appeared and will let pay-TV subscribers stream episodes directly over the internet, similar to the iOS apps both networks have already rolled out. Turner confirmed the existence of the TV Everywhere apps, while Google expressed its hope to see more authenticated apps like these and the existing HBO Go access on the platform, as opposed to simply ending up blocked. That's bad news for cord-cutters hoping for an online only machine, but with the majority of viewers still hooked into satellite, cable or IPTV it may be the only way to make Google TV a viable platform right now. All signs point to the update arriving at the end of this month, we should find out more about these apps and others like them then.
Comcast, Time Warner deal ensures TNT, TBS shows for VOD & live streaming
Comcast announced live streaming to its iPad and (upcoming) Android Xfinity TV apps was not far off last month, and now it's announced a new long term deal with Time Warner that brings more content to all of its TV Everywhere-related efforts. That means shows from TNT, TBS, CNN, HLN, truTV, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network and Adult Swim on Xfinity TV.com, cable VOD and mobile apps and the addition of live streaming video later this year as part of a larger agreement between Time Warner and Comcast. The keen eyed will notice that window of "a few weeks" for the debut of live streaming to iPads has expanded to simply "later this year," let's hope this doesn't slip while the company focuses on other balls in the air like its purchase of NBC, a potential new set-top box interface and apps for Smart TVs.
92nd PGA Championship loads up with HD, online, mobile and 3D video this weekend
Just in case you haven't already been spending the day following Tiger Woods up and down the course in Whistling Straights, between PGA.com and TNT, there's plenty of ways to watch the PGA Championship this weekend. 3D coverage kicks off shortly, broadcast from holes 12 and 17 between 3 and 7 p.m. today and tomorrow on Bright House Networks, Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, DIRECTV and Time Warner Cable, plus a Silverlight online stream for properly equipped PC viewers. That's on top of PGA.com's 2D streams following marquee groups like the aforementioned Woods/Singh/Yang trio, an iPhone / iPad app (free, but live video streaming is a $1.99 purchase and 20 hours of coverage on TNT. With just two holes, this is much more of a trial run than some of the events we've seen lately, but until there's more 3D on it's probably worth setting the DVR for.%Gallery-99297%
FiOS adds Turner, Sony content to VOD library
Good news FiOS heads, now there's even more video on-demand for you to enjoy. Say hello to VOD from eight Turner networks including TBS, TNT and CNN, plus Sony's lineup of recent flicks like Pineapple Express and Hancock. Only the Sony movies are specifically mentioned as including HD, but if anyone at Verizon and Turner knows how we feel about The Closer, they'll make sure we can catch up on past episodes as they were intended to be watched.
GameTap makeover imminent, Mac no longer supported
In two weeks, on-demand gaming buffet GameTap will go under the knife. The update will introduce a new plug-in, allowing users to launch games from the desktop, start menu or from GameTap.com. We've placed the full list of new features to the service after the break.However, the scalpel of change will also cut out some of the current GameTap Player features for the relaunch. The big change is Macs becoming persona non grata. Beyond that: leaderboards, challenge play, IM and save states are also affected. GameTap will allegedly let users know ways to "work around" these alterations soon. All these changes are likely being done to integrate the current system with new owner European "partner," Metaboli.[Thanks, Matt]
Reminder: win Valentine's Day tickets for NBA All-Star Weekend in 3D!
Still undecided on Valentine's Day plans? Bad news, Fred -- because every event worth its salt is already booked up by now. Don't panic just yet, though, because we've got 25 pairs of tickets (courtesy of Cinedigm) for this weekend's NBA All-Star Weekend in 3D to giveaway. If you and your lover would love to go, hit up the read link for all the official details including a way to see if it's showing near you. If so, enter your name over there and cross your fingers for a Cupid miracle.
Valentine's Day Giveaway: tickets for NBA All-Star Weekend in 3D!
Remember when we told you that Cinedigm, Turner Sports and the NBA would be broadcasting TNT's coverage of NBA All-Star Saturday Night in 3D? Remember just how bad you wanted to go? We've excellent news -- for those still scrambling to firm up their Valentine's Day plans, we've got 25 pairs of tickets to this here showing in live 3D HD, and we're giving every last set to you readers. 80 digitally equipped theaters in 35 states will be showing the event (and giving away freebies!), which kicks off at 8:00PM ET on February 14th. Enter your ZIP code here for a list of cinemas in your area, and if one's nearby, feel free to drop a comment below to consider yourself entered. Your honey / manly man will love you for it.Special thanks to Cinedigm for the tickets!%Gallery-44036%The rules: Leave a comment below. Any comment will do, though we'd prefer to hear who you think will win this year's Slam Dunk contest. You may only enter this specific giveaway once. If you enter this giveaway more than once you'll be automatically disqualified, etc. (Yes, we have robots that thoroughly check to ensure fairness.) If you enter more than once, only activate one comment. This is pretty self explanatory. Just be careful and you'll be fine. Contest is open to anyone in the 48 continental US States, 18 or older! Sorry, we don't make this rule (we hate excluding anyone), so be mad at our lawyers and contest laws if you have to be mad. Winner will be chosen randomly. 25 winners will receive two (2) tickets to the Live 3D HD showing of the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend in cinemas. Approximate value is $18 to $22 per ticket. Entries can be submitted until Tuesday, February 10th, 11:59AM ET. Good luck! Full rules can be found here.
GameTap removing 97 free games
This Thursday, GameTap will remove 97 games from its gratis lineup, making them available only to Gold subscribers. The current free lineup consists of 145 titles, making this a 67% reduction in games. Of course, quality is more important than quantity in this situation, and there are several noteworthy titles (Tomb Raider: Legend, Deus Ex, Psychonauts) being removed. Going forward, GameTap will make certain titles available free for one week only, which is something the service has been doing for almost half a year. It's unclear whether the cuts have anything to do with Metaboli taking over the service in the near future. Check out the full list of games being removed from the free service after the break.[Thanks, Steve]
FusionFall: Cartoon Network's browser-based MMO launches
Turner and Cartoon Network today launched FusionFall, the network's first foray into the MMO world. The game, which features re-imagined characters from CN shows including Ben 10, Dexter's Laboratory, Powepuff Girls, Samurai Jack and others, is browser-based and developed by Korean studio Grigon Entertainment.FusionFall offers a free-to-play area for users to get a taste of the action before deciding if the monthly subscription (which starts at $5.95) is worth it or not. In our admittedly brief time with the game's beta last year, we found the combination of Phantasy Star Online style combat and platform game elements surprisingly appealing. (Especially considering that the game is primarily aimed at kids and those in their early teens, i.e. not us.)For a deeper glimpse into FusionFall, our friendly neighborhood MMO gurus at Massively have put together a really swell guided tour of the game, which you can toon into by clicking here.
Cinedigm to bring NBA All-Star Saturday Night live in 3D to theaters nationwide
It won't be the first 3D NBA experience of all time, but it will be the first of this magnitude. Cinedigm is teaming up with the league and Turner Sports to showcase the 2009 All-Star Saturday Night in Live 3D HD to some 80 theaters across the US. Hailed as the "first-ever marketed and commercially viable (open for sale to public) live movie theater broadcast of a major sporting event," the spectacle will be available on over 160 screens in 35 states. As of now, pricing information remains fuzzy, but you'll have to either roll solo or hope your lady friend(s) really loves Kobe given the terrible, terrible February 14th show date. Way to think that one through, NBA. Full release is after the break.
FusionFall sneak preview starting this weekend
Yes, that's right, it's Blossom and Bubbles from the Powerpuff Girls. Very few MMOs could support something as extreme as grown-up Powerpuffs or Dexter as a invasion resistance leader, but Cartoon Network's FusionFall seems to be bringing them and more to the table. But if you're still unsure about the whole prospect of having all of Cartoon Network's heroes in one interconnected universe, then why not take the chance to try the game yourself?This weekend will mark a special "preview" of FusionFall for everyone out there who takes the time to sign up on the main FusionFall website. So for those of you who have been drooling at the idea of taking missions from Ben Tennyson or Numbah Five, wait no longer.And if you're still on the fence about the game -- Samurai Jack. We think that should be enough to push you violently off that fence.
GameTap creates European 'partnership' with Metaboli
Turner Broadcasting's GameTap service will be "partnering" up with Europe's Metaboli to create an amalgamation of the two companies. The GameTap service will continue as usual in the US, but Metaboli will take "direct management" of the business and brand in early 2009. Turner will become an equity investor in the group going forward, meaning the company kind of got sold.We've contacted GameTap to clarify several points, most of which the company doesn't seem to be prepared to answer at this time. There's no real clear answer what this all means to gamers both in the States and Europe, just that the two companies will apparently work out what they'll become over the next few months.Update: We did hear back from a Turner representative that "contrary to what some are writing this is a true partnership with Turner majorly invested despite the fact that Metaboli will be taking over operations at some point in 2009."[Via GameDaily; Thanks Matt]
Fan Art bears resemblence to work of Michael Turner
On the left is a piece of art by the late Michael Turner, who passed away in June of this year. On the right is a submission in the Blizzard Fan Art Program, by Emiko Setsuna (or Dênakê). Tipster Ron pointed this out to us, figuring it was worth a mention. If you notice the two pictures look very similar, you're right. If you're not convinced, look very closely at the ladies' left hand, and how the fingers and thumb are placed. I'm not ready to scream "plagiarism" here (or Laaaaaaaand!, if you're familiar with comics). The idea of "inspired art" and "homage" is very common, and there are only so many ways you can pose the humanoid body. The Blizzard Fan Art Program doesn't have a commentary feature, so it's possible Setsuna intended on crediting Michael Turner for the inspiration. If you consider the timing, especially, it's likely Setsuna was memorializing Turner, as he only passed away a few months ago. Still, it does make me wish that the Fan Art section did have more information from the creator, so we could draw a conclusion more easily.
Turner to sell GameTap, Time Warner reveals [update]
Time Warner released its second-quarter 2008 financial report this morning, which included a brief mention of an $18 million write-off attributed to a "noncash impairment of GameTap." Say what? The report claims the write-off is based on "Turner's decision to sell its online video game business," leaving it at that. Say what! We've put a call into GameTap for more any information. Stay tuned.Update: A Turner spokesperson tells us, "There is considerable marketplace interest in the GameTap business and brand. We are considering various strategic options but have reached no final agreement as yet. When there is a resolution, we will announce it."[Via Gamasutra]
A Grimm first trailer
American McGee's Grimm begins its 24-episode adventure on GameTap this Thursday, July 31, with A Boy Learns What Fear Is. The first trailer was recently released from its Disney-esque sugary confines and can be found after the break.From our hands-on experience with Grimm's first couple episodes, it's definitely worth taking the title out for a spin. Each episode only requires about a half hour to go through and, if you know how to keep an appointment, it'll be possible to play each one for free.
TNT Serie aims to rival FOX in Germany -- starting in 2009
While we knew both FOX and TNT were destined to land in Germany at some point, the latter won't be arriving until January of 2009. For those unaware, FOX has actually already launched in Deutschland, but you can bet your bottom dollar, er, Euro, that TNT is hoping to be a formidable competitor. TNT Serie, as it will be dubbed, will unfortunately be aired in 16:9 24 / 7, which likely means at least some content will be shown in stretch-o-vision. Still, we're hearing that the programming lineup will be quite robust, with re-runs of US favorites 30 Rock, Friday Night Lights, Everybody Loves Raymond, Monk, King of Queens and quite a few others. As for carriers, it seems as if discussions are ongoing with a number of cable and IPTV providers, but nothing definitive has been uttered just yet.[Thanks, Chris]
Turner Broadcasting sponsors game design competition
Television and media conglomerate Turner Broadcasting is the latest sponsor of Dare to be Digital 2008, a student-centric game development competition based in Scotland. The media giant joins other sponsors such as EA, Microsoft, AMD, Disney Interactive, and many more.Since 2000, Dare to be Digital has encouraged teams of UK students to gather, developing games over a ten-week period to be premiered at the Edinburgh Interactive Festival at the end of the event. The competition features prizes for top games across several categories.Part of the Time Warner group, Turner Broadcasting owns a number of major networks, such as CNN, Cartoon Network, TBS, and TNT. Dare to be Digital is still a relatively small competition, and support from such a wide-reaching conglomerate will only help further promote the event.
