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Vimeo to exclusively carry new Kristen Bell movie the same day as theaters
The concept of a movie launching online alongside its theatrical debut isn't new; we've seen a few (usually independent) movies reach iTunes that way, for example. Streaming service arrivals are still rare, however, and Vimeo On Demand just boosted its street cred with plans to carry Some Girl(s) on June 28th, the same day that the movie gets a wider theatrical release. Vimeo will be the exclusive online home of the Adam Brody and Kristen Bell picture, and production house Leeden Media takes a populist bent in explaining why: as with Bell's return to Veronica Mars, it wants to cut out the usual in-between distributors. We're sure that Vimeo's tinier-than-usual 10 percent revenue cut and relatively uncrowded marketplace play a part, too. There's no guarantee that other notable movies will follow suit, but it's an important coup for an online service that's not even two months old.
DivX Stash is a new free service that lets you get control of your online video viewing
DivX Stash is an interesting and free service that lets you collect your favorite YouTube, Hulu, Vimeo and videos from other sources and keep them in a central library. The service is in beta. You can create custom playlists and watch them on any iOS device with a free app or on your Mac. If you see something you like while on your Mac, stash it, then watch at your leisure on your iPad or iPhone. Or you can reverse the process and watch on your computer. On the Mac, the system requires a Safari, Firefox or Chrome extension. When it is installed, click on the button, and a link to the video is saved in the cloud. You have the option to add some notes, or save it to one of your playlists. %Gallery-181378% This is an interesting idea with a couple of downsides. The service requires a Facebook account for your login and password. One of the most obvious things you do with videos is share them, but DivX Stash doesn't support that yet. The developers say it is coming. You can get more info at the DivX Stash website and start organizing those online videos right away. More features will be added throughout the year, so keep an eye on them. I think when sharing is added, it will be a very compelling service.
Vimeo On Demand launches, aims to make it easy for creators to sell content to viewers
There's no doubt Vimeo's constantly working on various enhancements with the outlook of making it a better place for content makers and viewers alike. Today, following a relatively brief beta phase, the video-focused company's officially launching its pay-to-view service dubbed Vimeo On Demand. Essentially, this will allow Vimeo Pro members to sell their video productions directly to the public, eliminating the need for a middleman of sorts (even though technically Vimeo would be acting as such), as well as allowing them to name their own price and select preferred distribution countries. What's more, Vimeo says that creators are set to keep 90 percent of the earnings "after transaction costs," which, naturally, includes content sold throughout its many applications on different platforms -- including, but not limited to, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Xbox Live and Apple TV. According to Vice President of Creative Development, Blake Whitman, there's a lot more where the adequately named Vimeo On Demand came from, as the team's "already working on another suite of creator-focused features to release in the near future."
Vimeo announces 'Looks' feature, now lets users add visual effects to videos
Whether it was inspired by the recent Instagram craze or not, Vimeo's new "Looks" have a pretty good chance of being welcomed with open arms (and eyes) by the video creators on its well-known platform. In partnership with Vivoom, the company announced today that it's bringing over 500 visual effects to the service as part of its Enhancer toolbox, giving folks the ability to easily add some flavor to their own video productions straight from a web browser. Furthermore, Vimeo's made it possible to preview these filters in real-time, as well as letting them be somewhat customizable by implementing various editing options, such as trimming and adjusting the intensity of each one. Vimeo also says the novel feature will be able to make recommendations based on "technical analysis of the user's video and social data," -- in other words, the more you use it, the more likely it is to learn your very own visual preferences. Thanks to Vivoom's 16-year experience in the video effects field, Vimeo tells us it only expects the current Looks selection to grow and deliver more of the "highest quality effects," adding that the main goal is for each and every user to "find what's best for their personal needs." Speaking of which, all Vimeo account holders can play with the new Looks at no cost for the next 90 days, although the company wasn't quite clear as to what we can expect after that period comes to an end. Update: Vimeo has reached out to let us know that following the 90-day trial, the Looks will cost 99 cents each.
Dev shares prototype footage of never-made Star Wars fighting game
Josh Tsui, current president of Robomodo and veteran game developer on titles like Mortal Kombat 4, Fight Night Round 3, and Tony Hawk Shred, has shared some video on Twitter of an old prototype for a Star Wars-based fighting game.The footage, which you can watch in full below, features Anakin Skywalker and Darth Maul going at it with lightsabers, hacking away and using the force for throws until one of them is able to skewer the other.As the description on the video says, the footage is fairly "repetitive," but it was simply designed to show off all of the potential moves a game like this could make. There was a presentation paired with the video as well, and Tsui says it was part of a pitch for a new game back when he was working at Studio Gigante in Chicago. We'd say his team might want to return to the idea for the upcoming Star Wars: Episode VII, but perhaps it's better if the Jedi knights stay away from fighting games in general.
Vimeo absorbs iOS app maker Echograph, bets on the GIF-making craze
It's not often we hear about Vimeo making any type of acquisition, but today the company let it be known that it has picked up the team (and assets) behind Echograph, an iOS application that focuses on turning videos into animated GIFs. What's more, Vimeo, as part of the move, is making Echograph a gratis download going forward, marking a notable shift from the previous charge of about three bucks for the app. According to Vimeo, Echograph creator Nick Alt will also go from CEO of Clear-Media, the app's previous owner, to taking on the role of Vice President of Mobile at the video-focused firm, adding that his "proven track record of building innovative video apps made it a perfect fit for Vimeo." No details were given on the deal's financial terms, but we can only imagine a good amount of fancy GIFs were made in order to help celebrate the new property.
Vimeo introduces content ratings for videos, keeps its platform in check
Vimeo's certainly made its presence felt inside multiple media-delivery mezzanines, but the video service isn't forgetting all about the basics: its own platform. As such, Vimeo today announced some more changes to its website, which will see the introduction of a content rating system for published videos. The most recent alterations, as seen in the picture above, add an assessed rating badge to a user's video, making it a requirement to brand any uploads as "All Audiences," "Mature," or "Not Yet Rated." According to Vimeo, these content ratings are "the first step along a path that will make Vimeo more accessible to more audiences," adding that sometimes it's a a good idea to let folks know "if a face is going to explode or if someone is going to take their jean shorts off."
Xbox Live welcomes Vimeo and AOL On, boosts Verizon FiOS offering for Gold subscribers
A host of new Xbox Live apps came online for Gold subscribers today, including Vimeo and AOL On. Vimeo users will have the ability to share videos through Xbox Live and Facebook, but the new app may also be preparation for the official launch of the streaming site's pay-to-view service, available to all Vimeo Pro members in early 2013. AOL On also brings its library of over 380,000 videos, including content from HuffPost Entertainment, Reuters, CNET, Moviefone, Entertainment Tonight and yours truly. Lastly, Verizon FiOS users will now see 75 channels on Xbox Live, including 49 new additions such as AMC HD and NFL Network. All apps can be controlled via Kinect voice and gestures, though you may need more than zombie-like reflexes to flip to the Walking Dead. [Disclosure: Engadget is part of the AOL family]
Xbox Live adding SkyDrive, CNET, Maxim, Karaoke apps in US today
A throng of new apps are coming to Xbox 360s worldwide, so if you've been feeling like your dash needs more squares with logos in them then today won't disappoint. Today sees the US launch of Maxim and CNET apps, with the latter also coming to Canada, while Karaoke and SkyDrive apps roll out worldwide (excluding Japan and United Arab Emirates for Karaoke).As shown above, SkyDrive lets you view pictures and videos stored on your Microsoft cloud, allowing Jenny to guffaw at memories of her sister's apparently hilarious wedding dress by watching the recording on her TV. Aww.Other Xbox 360 apps cropping up across the globe today include VEVO expanding to Spain, Italy, and France, and CinemaNow hopping over to Canada. Xbox spokesoldier Major Nelson also detailed a list of over 40 apps coming to various regions before spring 2013, including MTV, PBS, Flixster, and Vimeo apps for the US.
Vimeo revamps iOS app with new design, improved social sharing features
It's been nearly a year since Vimeo proudly went universal on iOS, and today the video service has rolled out its application's third major installment. Inside version 3.0, the iOS folk will find a redesigned app with a brand new "tab-based" design and a novel Feed video browser. That's not all, however, as Vimeo's also added the ability to natively share to both Twitter and Facebook, the option to manage vids on the Watch Later queue and a trait which lets users take advantage of background uploads. While most of today's release is filled with an array of video-friendly goods, some iOS users will be disappointed to hear that this new version nixes the editor feature -- however, according to Vimeo, "active" projects can still be downloaded and saved to the Camera Roll app. Those of you interested in checking it out can hit the link below to grab the updated app.
Hands on with Tokens for Mac
Keeping on top of your promo codes can be a big hassle. Most developers end up with text files by the dozen or complicated spreadsheets. You want to know when items were issued (they expire in four weeks), who they were shared with (so you can follow up with potential reviewers) and how many remain so you can manage the 50 codes allocated for each app revision. Enter Tokens for Mac. This app simplifies the process of managing promo codes. With it, you can generate trackable codes that ping you back when they're redeemed. I had a chance recently to sit down and work with this app as well as talk with its developer, Oisin Prendiville. To start using the software, just sign in to iTunes Connect. From there Tokens takes over and manages the process of contacting Apple and retrieving product info. Because the app is basically scraping the App Store, its use falls outside the Mac App Store guidelines. You need to purchase the utility directly from the developer. Tokens starts by showing you a list of all your apps once you've signed in. You immediately see the remaining available promo code slots, which are shown as "available." Upon choosing a code to redeem, Tokens requests it from iTunes, signs the contracts for you (a convenience I find greatly amusing, which you may too if you think about it for a few seconds) and downloads the code. You're now ready to share it. You can share tokens by email, Facebook, Twitter, IM and by copying to the pasteboard. I'm thinking that most developers will simply choose email, which is what I used to share a copy of my new Mac App Art Helper with Oisin. I really like how well the app focuses on tracking and management. Those you share the promo code with (with a URL like this one: http://tokn.co/5m7tjqwq) are presented with a clean, professional, web-based interface that launches the App Store and redeems the software with a single further click. You don't have to worry about sending instructions on how to find the "Redeem" section, enter the code, etc. It truly is a click & share solution that most developers will adore. Tokens for Mac is just getting started and has the usual issues with rough edges in its initial design. It does, however, offer a tool that the developer community can definitely use. After playing with the app for about a week I can say that, while there are some interface and usability issues I'd refine, Tokens for Mac is a darn useful tool. The video that follows offers a good overview of the product and its features. Tokens for Mac is free for a single app, or US$29 for unlimited apps. You can easily use it with multiple developer accounts, and it handles both the iOS and Mac App Stores. The developers are looking into expanding this to iBooks, but that feature is not yet available at this time. Tokens for Mac: App Store promo codes without the hassle from Tokens on Vimeo.
Vimeo iPhone app update makes uploading, sharing easier
Frequently in the world of iPhone apps, simpler is better. Developers who try to cram too much functionality into the limited space on an iPhone screen find that users are baffled when trying to navigate their apps. Vimeo, the popular video-sharing site, has just updated its iPhone app for the better by taking out some functionality. Vimeo removed the editing tool from the free app after finding that not many people used it anyway. When metadata is being entered for a video, the app starts the upload process in the background. Uploads can be paused and restarted, and if an upload is stopped because your iPhone loses connectivity, it is automatically restarted when the connection is established again. The video browsing and viewing parts of the app have been improved to make navigation much easier. But part of the fun of Vimeo is sharing videos with others, so users can now send notification to Facebook or Twitter instantly. The entire app update was developed in-house rather than farming it out, and it's definitely an indication of good things to come from the Vimeo staff.
Vimeo pay-to-view service launches in private beta with procrastination-ready long rentals
The market for paid movie rentals from predominantly free video services isn't a very big one. For most of us, it amounts to YouTube... and YouTube. Vimeo is planning to shake up that small category with its own pay-to-view service. A just-started private beta stands out mostly through rental windows that won't leave us scrambling for spare viewing time. While there's a 48-hour rental, there are also 72-hour, 1-week and 2-month periods that let even the perpetually busy get through a full showing. Vimeo's current selection is limited to six documentaries at between $5 to $9, although that thin selection is acceptable given the test phase. The real demand for content will come with the official pay-to-view launch for Vimeo Pro subscribers in early 2013 -- whether or not Vimeo needs a YouTube-sized catalog, there's only so many skiing documentaries we can take.
Vimeo adds advanced uploading features, custom thumbnails and Dropbox integration
Last we heard, Vimeo was the one being integrated into a couple of Microsoft's photo and movie-making products, but now it's the video giant announcing a service integration of its own. Of course, as you can see above, we're talking about the recently announced Dropbox synthesis -- which will allow Vimeo users to upload vid content straight from the cloud locker behemoth, as well as save all original files to their account. Furthermore, Vimeo's also added new advanced uploading features that essentially allow uploads to be resumed, plus the ability to choose any frame and set it as a thumbnail -- a nice addition to those soundtrack tools from earlier this year. You can give these a try yourself now; in the meantime, however, we recommend checking out Vimeo's fresh feature-touting visuals after the break.
Windows Photo Gallery and Movie Maker refresh: Vimeo integration, camera stabilization
Microsoft's stalwart Photo Gallery and Movie Maker won't be hitting high-end studios anytime soon, but a new refresh for Windows 7 and 8 adds useful features that the teeming masses might appreciate. Topping the list for Movie Maker is video stabilization, which fixes camera jitter and "wobble" or rolling shutter -- a desperately needed feature for free software chockablock with shaky soccer mom and skater videos. Redmond has also added audio waveforms and an extra narration track, simple audio cleanup tools and text effects to the video editor. As for Photo Gallery, the only new tool of note is "auto collage" which should let you create spectacularly cheesy montages using seven or more photos, regardless of artistic talent or effort. Finally, the software giant announced Vimeo as its new "publish partner," letting you upload your Gadget Cribs rip-offs from either program directly to the site. Let's see if the video hoster figures out a way to cordon off the onslaught of new freeware riff-raff from its regular hipster / film school crowd.
Twitter for Android, iOS expands those Kickstarter tweets, becomes sensitive to our notification needs
That was fast. Just days after Twitter 4.3 had its details prematurely spilled all over the Internet, it's now raring to go for both Android (as version 3.3) and iOS users. Like we'd seen in early release notes, its focus is on expanding tweets to provide a glimpse at content when linking beyond just photos. Along with showing snippets from news outlets such as C-SPAN, Twitter's app now teases content from Etsy, Kickstarter and Vimeo, among others -- just in case you'd like to know whether that upcoming game console is worth funding at a glance. Notifications are getting their own promised boost and can send an alert whenever certain Twitter accounts post any kind of update. The improved search autocomplete shows its face as well, and iOS users get a more advanced layout for tracking hashtags during live events. Users with other smartphone platforms will have to wait for the 4.3 feature set to filter through to their devices, but if you're of an Apple or Google bent, one of Twitter's bigger updates of recent memory is already headed your way.
Vimeo provides the soundtrack of our lives with new tools
What's Wes Anderson without the Kinks, Pulp Fiction without Dick Dale or Benny Hill without "Yakkity Sax?" Vimeo knows the power of a good soundtrack, so it's adding a couple of tools to its arsenal. The Enhancer lets users choose from some 50,000-plus tracks from the Vimeo Music Store, adding them directly to videos, adjusting audio levels and shifting the beginning and end of the song. A partnership with SmartSound, meanwhile, offers up access to 4,000 songs that can be customized by adjusting length, instrumental mix and musical arrangement. Tracks from the latter service will run $1.99 for non-commercial use and $20 for commercial licenses. Press release after the break.
Kindle, Evernote, Vimeo and more get optimized for the iPad's Retina display
As we saw the iPhone 4's release, a massive bump in screen resolution means that plenty of apps need to be updated to fully take advantage of all those extra pixels, and today has seen a few big name ones get optimized for the new iPad's Retina display. The biggest of those is Amazon's Kindle app, which now promises sharper fonts than ever, along with a few other changes including the ability to switch between books stored on your device and in the cloud. Also getting a Retina-friendly update is Evernote, which offers improved text editing in addition to the display tweak, plus the otherwise unchanged Vimeo, and Weather Pro, which now boasts high-resolution maps. Of course, those are just among the first of many -- we're guessing you won't have to wait too long for most of your favorites to be similarly updated.Update: Twitter for iOS and Infinity Blade II (pic after the break) are also among the apps getting high res iPad makeovers just in time, let us know in the comments below about any others that appear.
Vimeo 2.0 adds native iPad UI, Vimeo music store integration
Vimeo has updated its video-viewing app to version 2.0, providing new user interfaces for both the iPhone and the iPad. The iPad version is a now native app, and the iPhone version has been tweaked to be easier to use, which is always nice. The app also now lets you shoot and create projects, and browse Vimeo's content channels all without actually having to log in to the service, which is pretty nice. The new version also includes full integration with the new Vimeo Music Store, which is a marketplace for musicians to upload music, which can then be purchased and used in user videos. This allows for Vimeo uploaders to have access to music they can commercially license in their content, and lets musicians make a little bit of money when having their music used. There are also quite a few free tracks available for use as well, so you can set up music to be used with your own videos, completely legally and without paying anything. Pretty groovy. I've used Vimeo to upoad video in the past, and while it's not quite as easy (or ubiquitous) as a bigger site such as YouTube, it's definitely an excellent option, and this new update makes things even better. The Vimeo app is available for free on the App Store now.
Vimeo outs new iOS app at MWC, now sporting iPad compatibility
Back at CES, we first got wind of Vimeo's impending plans to welcome the iPad to its iOS party. Today at MWC, the outfit has announced that the new version of its app for iDevices is now available -- and it'll play nice with your Apple slate. If you're in need of a refresher, the update features browse-while-watching, a watch later queue, access to the Vimeo Music Store and a built-in video editor for managing those clips while you're on the move. Looking to take the leap? The free app is just a few clicks away via the source link and a bit more info waits in the PR below.
