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EyeTV iPhone app features 3G streaming, Jessica Fletcher fans go nuts
If the thought of watching Murder, She Wrote on a 3.5-inch screen has you, like, totally psyched, you'll be pleased to know that Elgato has just announced a genuine iPhone / iPod touch app that allows you to view EyeTV content streamed from your home computer via 3G or WiFi (similar to the Live3G web app the company debuted late last year). In addition -- this is where things start to get interesting -- the thing will let you browse the Program Guide and manage your recording schedules, launching EyeTV on your Mac at home as needed. If you're an Elgato die-hard, this thing seems to be a no-brainer. Available now in the App Store for $4.99. PR after the break.
Netflix coming to the iPhone and iPod touch
This one needs very little explication indeed. Netflix has just officially confirmed that its currently iPad-only app will be trickling down to the smaller iPhone OS devices. It's all very teasing and noncommittal as far as the timeframe goes, but who's not excited about getting the "dessert" to the iPad's main course? [Thanks, drmm3r41]
Slate comes to the iPhone, along with a lot of advertising
I've always liked Slate Magazine on the web. It's sometimes sassy and irreverent, but always interesting -- an eclectic mix of politics, culture and tech news. Now, Slate has come to the iPhone in a US$1.99 app that features all the articles from the site, as well as the blog posts, staff tweets and streaming video from the Slate podcasts. Once content is downloaded you can read it off-line, which is a worthwhile feature. Access to Slate on the web is free, and you can read Slate from any mobile browser by going to mobile.slate.com. So why the charge for the iPhone app? Slate says it cost something to develop it, and it gives you a much richer experience in a portable form. I can't argue with that, but I can argue with the ads that appear absolutely everywhere. Even the splash screen popped up with an ad. I think that's a bit much after I've paid for the app, but I'm beginning to see a lot of this in other apps as well. I do like the app a lot, and it is a better experience for me than reading Slate stories in Safari on the iPhone. I even prefer the app to reading the site on my desktop or laptop. I just think the constant intrusive ads are a turn-off that will keep some people from pulling the trigger on what is an otherwise laudable effort. Slate works on any iPhone or iPod touch with OS 3.0 or greater. I expect we'll see an iPad version as well. Full disclosure: In the dim, distant past I worked at the Washington Post Company, which owns Slate. Take a gander at some screen shots below: %Gallery-87786%
HSTi Wireless Media Stick hands-on
Now that HSTi's Wireless Media Stick is official, we decided to drop by its CES booth to see what the deal was. Essentially, these Canadian sticks are WiFi dongles covering 802.11a/b/g/n, but the magic lies in their ability to let your computers appear as one USB mass storage device for devices like gaming consoles, digital frames and hi-fi stereos. You start off by plugging a stick into a PC, install the software (installer pre-loaded on the stick), and once connected to the wireless router you choose which folders to share (which is pretty easy, as we saw). You can do the same with more computers but each will require its own stick. From there onwards, plug in another stick into a device that accepts USB mass storage devices, and you'll be able to wirelessly access all the shared files on the network as if they are on one thumb drive. Pretty sweet, huh? And yes, this thing does in fact do exactly what Infinitec's IUM claims to do. For now, HSTi only promises smooth 720p video streaming and Windows-only compatibility, but a future firmware upgrade should make things even more groovy. You can grab one starting January 15th for $119.99 each -- sooner and cheaper than the IUM, but double that figure as you'll need at least two to get things going. Still, it doesn't hurt as much if you think of it as a thumb drive of up to one terabyte (and two in the near future). Update: Whoops! We've just been told that only one stick is necessary -- use the stick to run the configuration wizard on the PCs, then plug it into a media device for use. %Gallery-82524%
NeoVue HD video streaming platform announced at CES
Intel's not the only crew in LV that's streaming HD from lappy to TV. Sigma Designs was on with its own platform on the NAM show last spring, and now those crazy kids want you to know that NeoVue (as it is now known) exists -- and it's spectacular. The technology supports 1080p video as well as the VGA projector standard via-USB dongle, based on the company's Coair wireless chipset. No word as of yet on price, release date, or availability -- but you'll know when we do. Promise. PR after the break.
More streaming video fun: a first look at Qik Live for iPhone
The folks who first showed us video streaming live from an iPhone, Qik, now have an official (non-jailbreak) app available in the App Store. Like Ustream Live Broadcaster, Qik Live [iTunes Link] is a free iPhone app that streams live video to a web page where friends, relatives, and the world at large can watch and hear what you're currently doing. Qik Live has a very streamlined interface that's simple to use. You'll need to sign up for a free Qik account before you start blasting your video to the world, but you can do that from within the app. The app runs on iPhone 2G, 3G, and 3GS devices on 3G or Wi-Fi networks. Once you've launched the app and logged in, a pre-broadcast screen appears showing a live image. Settings are changed by tapping on a 320 x 240 landscape image to bring up a small menu. The menu options include muting/unmuting sound, turning chat on/off, setting a video to private, editing the title and description of a broadcast, choosing where to share the video, or sending the last stream to someone via email.
That was Qik! After Ustream's debut in App Store, Qik submits streaming app
We were all a bit surprised when Ustream's free Live Broadcasting iPhone app [iTunes Link] was approved by Apple and tossed into the App Store yesterday. After all, it wasn't that long ago that it seemed that no streaming video apps would ever be approved for the iPhone platform due to AT&T's reluctance to have their network overwhelmed by self-produced live vidcasts of emo guitar players "broadcasting" from their unheated rent-controlled flats. No sooner had the Ustream app magically appeared than we began to receive emails from Qik stating that they were submitting their streaming video app for approval. Qik currently has Qik for 3GS [Free, iTunes Link] in the app store, which allows recording and eventual uploading of video to their site, but not live video streaming. According to a blog post on the Qik site, the app has been resubmitted and the wait is on. Having a choice of legal video streaming apps that don't require jailbroken iPhones will certainly open up a new chapter in the iPhone story.
PlayStation 3 Video Delivery Service spreads to Europe
When Sony isn't busy adding Facebook functionality or potentially courting Firefox for its PS3, it likes nothing better than to dream of global all-encompassing online services and stores. A step toward that goal is the company's recent introduction of the PS3 Video Delivery Service into the heart of Europe. PlayStation loyalists in Deustchland, España, France, and the United Kingdom can now use their beloved console (or the PSP) to grab movies from a selection that is set to grow at a consistent pace of 50 new films being added per week. Both SD and HD versions are available, with the cheaper variants going for €1.99 / £2.49 to rent or €7.99 / £6.99 to purchase, and you can see a trailer for the new service after the break.
Qik for iPhone 3GS update removes 'WiFi only' restriction, 3G streaming is a go
Well, that was fast. Just one week after hitting the scene, Qik for iPhone 3GS has been updated to move that nasty "WiFi only" restriction, meaning you can now stream your videos to the internet over a 3G network. We just tried it ourselves and, sure enough, it works like a charm. After you've read through all that FCC literature, hit up the read link and download the (thankfully still free) app -- just be careful how much fun you have with it this weekend. Let's see how AT&T's network handles this one. [Warning: iTunes app link.] [Via The iPhone Blog]
Streaming video from your iPhone? They crippled the app for that.
Qik [iTunes link] is an eagerly awaited free app for the iPhone. Most other video capable phones have a version of it. Qik allows, among other things, live streaming from your phone to the web. How could someone not want that capability? Early on, Qik offered a version for jailbroken phones that worked quite well. digg_url = 'http://digg.com/apple/Streaming_video_from_iPhone_They_crippled_the_app_for_that'; Well of course, we've learned that what can run on other smartphones may not necessarily make it to the iPhone, and predictably the App Store version has been crippled. You can record video, upload video (Wi-Fi only) but no streaming or uploading over the 3G network. In fact, you can't even live stream over WiFi. I'm sure doing all this this violates the hastily revised terms of service from AT&T. It still grates that the phone that is helping to save AT&T financially has its users abused by having lesser services than other phones that are allowed on the same network. Of course, if video streaming is forbidden, what about YouTube and MLB At Bat [iTunes link], that streams two live games a day? And what about the SlingPlayer app, that is allowed to stream across the cellular data network on other AT&T phones but only over Wi-Fi on the iPhone? I know, there are so many iPhones that it would swamp the inadequate AT&T network, but what did AT&T expect when they fought so hard to get the iPhone? Do they really think streaming by a few Slingbox users or Qik addicts will ever top the bandwidth stats of the baseball app? Today Qik added this to its website: "We've submitted an update to the App Store which will have it working over 3G networks, too. We'll let you know as soon as that upgrade has been cleared. " I wouldn't hold my breath on that one, and it isn't clear if it's just for uploading or live streaming. The Qik app works fine as far as it goes. I shot some video, and uploaded it to the Qik site after creating an account. The video was pretty compressed, but that's to be expected. It's a nice app, but without the main feature of live streaming it doesn't add much to what the iPhone 3GS can already do. The iPhone as-is allows you to send short videos via email, YouTube and MobileMe using the 3G network. Go figure. The FCC is looking into all this, and the AT&T and Apple answers will be interesting. iPhone owners don't want to be treated like second class citizens, and as this farce continues that's what it is beginning to look like. If I could, I would require Apple and AT&T execs to take a look at the famous Apple 1984 commercial and decide if they are the one throwing the hammer, or if they are on the screen.
Qik for iPhone 3GS now available, still not capable of live 3G streaming
So, there's good news and bad news. The good news is that Qik for iPhone 3GS is now available, and it's completely gratis to download. The bad news is that it probably won't do exactly what you want it to. You see, those on Symbian S60 have grown used to a Qik that can actually stream live video to the internet, whereas this app is currently just a "capture and upload" piece. Moreover, it only works via WiFi, so if you're not near a hotspot once your video is done, you'll have to wait until you wander back over to one before it automatically begins uploading. Though, you can let the app automatically inform viewers of where the video was taken (in case you feel like pampering guests who show up unannounced), and you can also frame the video horizontally or vertically. The Qik team assures us that an update is in the works to add 3G uploading, but for now, it's WiFi or bust. Which is kosher so long as it's free... we guess.[Thanks, Jackie]
Rumorang: Survey suggests Netflix streaming on Wii
A survey we reported on back in March about the possibility of Netflix video streaming on the Nintendo Wii has popped up again on our radar, but this time with one very noticeable difference. Today, a former Joystiq staff member was given a similar survey to fill out, but instead of the $10 charge for the "Netflix Instant Streaming Disc" mentioned in the previous questionnaire, this time it noted the disc would be "available for free."We contacted both Nintendo and Netflix for comment. The House of Mario had nothing to say on the matter. A Netflix spokesperson informed us, "Netflix is always looking for ways to expand its service, but for now our game platform is the Xbox 360."We'll say exactly what we said last time: This survey in no way validates that Netflix support is confirmed for the Wii, but it wouldn't be the least bit shocking that the service would want to tap into the Wii's "particular" demographic.
Gaming consoles lead in web-to-TV streaming
In-Stat, a market analysis group, published a report this week which takes a look at how online video-to-television streaming is putting pressure on traditional cable providers and will eventually restructure "today's video distribution ecosystem." As noted by In-Stat, gaming consoles are at the forefront of this new direction, leading in web-based video streaming and beating other devices like digital media adapters, set top boxes (Apple TV), Blu-ray players, web-connected HDTVs and even PC media-centers. Indeed, current gen consoles hold many advantages over the competition, seeing as they're relatively inexpensive and serve multiple purposes. The Xbox 360 has supported Netflix streaming since late last year, and both PS3 and Wii feature internet browsers (additionally, the PS3 allows for YouTube uploads on some software). In-Stat claims 29% of US console owners between the ages of 25 and 34 currently use their consoles to stream video to their televisions. In-Stat expects consoles to stay as the top device for at least the next five years. As long as people know they can still stream pr0n on their consoles, we're sure it will.[Via Gamespot]
VuNow 3.0 update: Now with AC-3, NTFS, PAL & more
Found the Verismo VuNow's previous iterations lacking? Take another look, because the company says it's gotten all more and better on us, with even more live TV channels, websites, and now Shoutcast Internet radio bringing additional content to the box. On the hardware side it can finally read NTFS formatted drives, not just FAT-32, plus 802.11n support with WPA2 and WPS security, Dolby AC-3 audio, PAL and other tweaks. Check out the full press release after the break and see how $149 for a VN1000HD Hi-Def POD strikes you now that its added even more services (though unfortunately not Hulu, from what we can tell.)
AT&T's "new" video streaming terms are a non-issue
There's an awful lot of hubbub going around today about "new" terms in AT&T's wireless contract agreement that seemingly forbid streaming video from your television to your PC or your phone -- in other words, using a Slingbox -- which would seem to be a rewrite of language added and pulled a few weeks ago. Here's the problem: the terms aren't new, and they don't forbid video streaming. One of our editors has a month-old hard copy of AT&T's terms that were mailed to him after agreeing to a new contract, and they're exactly the same -- word for word. Furthermore, the language in question is this: "This means, by way of example only, that checking email, surfing the Internet, downloading legally acquired songs, and/or visiting corporate intranets is permitted, but downloading movies using P2P file sharing services, redirecting television signals for viewing on Personal Computers..." but the problem is that the examples given here are referring to earlier language. In that language, we see that AT&T is more concerned about "server devices or host computer applications" -- that's subsection (i), if you're interested. In other words, AT&T's trying to stop you from uploading a television stream using its connection, not downloading -- and frankly, that sounds like the most painful operation ever conceived by man anyway, so we don't think we're going to get too many violators here. In other words, rest easy; we still don't know whether the now-overdue SlingPlayer for iPhone will ultimately be approved, but if it's not, it shouldn't be because of this. [Thanks, Mike and Tieguy]
PlayOn media server brings Hulu / YouTube to consoles, Netflix coming soon?
PlayOn wants to make sure you can get your daily dose of Barackrolls and Airwolf episodes beyond the desktop, while Hulu might not have a slick streaming set-top box of its own, this media server software turns flash video RSS streams into easily browsed folders for your DLNA-compliant hardware. PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and HP MediaSmart HDTVs being at the top of that list (with Nintendo Wii support planned by year-end) owners can grab the beta release of the software and stream low-res episodes of Psych, or any assortment of YouTube video they please. With Netflix support "just down the road" this could provide an end around for PS3 owners looking for streaming love, or Xbox 360 owners without Xbox Live Gold (we know you're out there.) Bad news is the beta only lasts 60 days and there's a $30 pricetag waiting at the end of the free lunch highway. Our experience was good, with no stutters in a Psych episode streamed via Wi-Fi to the PS3 (albeit with no choice of HD clips), but we'd wait for confirmation on the whole Netflix bit before dropping any dough.Update: Getting 69-C00D36C4 / folder could not be accessed errors on your PS3 or Xbox 360, or waiting for 64-bit Vista support to dive in? PlayOn CTO David Karlton updated the official blog to let users know fixes and additional support is in the works, so keep an eye out for more news shortly if things aren't working just yet.%Gallery-29985%[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Qik to offer streaming for iPhone users
Qik is making sure that Flixwagon doesn't beat them at their own game. Video streaming from mobile devices has quickly become very popular, and Mashable has a video that Qik sent them in which they demo their soon-to-be-in-alpha release of Qik for the iPhone. Currently, Qik streams from devices like the Nokia N95. An iPhone app would certainly boost their user base and service as a whole.[via Mashable]
Sezmi looks to provide alternative for cable / satellite, confuse everyone
In case you're not content with just keeping your current cable / satellite / fiber TV service and using the recently launched ZvBox to pull in content from the web, a new startup is aiming to satisfy your bizarre desires. In what's potentially the most befuddling launch of the year, said firm is looking to introduce its 1TB set-top-box to consumers on a city-by-city basis. Put simply (or, as simply as possible), the box will fetch content from a number of places: the built-in OTA receiver will grab locals, and it will use the owner's broadband internet connection to snag IPTV material and web-based content (YouTube, Hulu, etc.). Sezmi plans to launch the product with "3G and DSL" telcos that don't currently have a way to offer a triple-play package, and while some sources say that monthly fees will be as low as "half" of a typical cable / satellite bill, we've also seen Phil Wiser, co-founder, chairman and president, quoted as saying that it will be "roughly comparable" to its rivals. Hit up the links below for loads more info, and join us as we sit back and wait for this entirely-too-complex endeavor to implode. [Via PC Magazine]
Xyanide Resurrection features new video-streaming technology
A new benchmark in PSP development is on the horizon. Playlogic, who just recently became a licensed PSP developer, plans to use a new video-streaming technology in their upcoming Xyanide Resurrection title that's never been used on the PSP or any handheld game before.Playlogic does this by integrating "high-quality interactive video backdrop with real-time game sceneries to deliver high-quality graphics and effects on the PSP," according to their press release. "Xyanide Resurrection has been specifically designed for the PSP platform and will certainly attract many fans of the shoot-'m-up genre around the globe," said Stefan Layer, VP/ Chief Marketing and Sales Officer. Xyanide is set to launch in the first quarter of 2007.
How-To: Serve video to your TiVo
TiVos have been hacked on and modified by dedicated hardware enthusiasts ever since they first showed up on the scene in the late 90s. Video streams can be pulled off of them and re-inserted by hand, but previously that was a rather painful process -- and playing non-TiVo video was even more painful. In today's How-To, we'll show you how to serve up your archived video to your TiVo with a click of your remote.
