Plex app available on Kindle Fire, media servers and other clients get new updates too

 

For a media software package to survive these days, it has to be able to run pretty much anywhere and just recently Plex added the Kindle Fire to its list of supported platforms, uploading its Android client onto Amazon's Appstore. The team hasn't stopped there either, delivering updates across a slew of products starting with its Media Server v0.9.5.2 which added autoupdate and start on login features, while the Media Center package has reached 9.5.2, with support for refresh rate switching as well as a number of other tweaks and fixes. The various clients haven't been forgotten either, with a brand new alpha available for Linux users, individual apps for Android and Google TV, and a new v2.1 for iOS that supports myPlex cloud streaming without the need for users to run the Plex server software locally. Hit the source links for changelogs and more details or just check an app store near you where updated software is no doubt residing for your picture, music, and video streaming pleasure.

Plex app available on Kindle Fire, media servers and other clients get new updates too originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 02:30:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Plex app available on Kindle Fire, media servers and other clients get new updates too
Richard Lawler
Mon, 05 Dec 2011 06:30:00 GMT

New Xbox update aims to put Microsoft at the heart of TV viewing

 

The software giant overhauls the user interface for Xbox and adds a host of partners that bring scads of content--everything from video-on-demand to live TV--to console customers.

New Xbox update aims to put Microsoft at the heart of TV viewing
Mon, 05 Dec 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Crackle, Lifetime And PBS Join Fanhattan Lineup On iPad

 

Fanhattan for iPad, the entertainment discovery service, keeps improving and today added three more content providers to its arsenal.

First released in June, Fanhattan for iPad lets users discover more about their favorite TV programs and movies. More importantly, the app shows where the show is available for streaming, and when appropriate, opens the necessary app for viewing.

Today’s update, which was announced via the Fanhattan Blog, includes the addition of content from Crackle, Lifetime and PBS. These join Netflix, Hulu Plus, iTunes, Vudu and ABC as additional content providers.

From today’s announcement:

Crackle

Crackle features great full-length movies and television, new and old ˜ and all for free. Sorting through the Crackle library is an adventure in itself and we‚re having a blast watching such films as Das Boot, Donnie Brasco, Snatch, A Few Good Men, and even the quirky beloved sci-fi romp Starship Troopers. We also uncovered some visually stunning anime with Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within, Steamboy, andTokyo Godfathers.

Finally, Seinfeld anyone? Thought so. Crackle brings Jerry, George, Elaine, and Kramer to your iPad or iPhone along with other classic TV like I Dream of Jeannie, Barney Miller, Sanford and Son, and All in the Family.

Lifetime

We can remember when we first heard about Project Accessory, the Lifetime fashion battle series starring Molly Sims: yes please! In this show, Sims and celebrity judges including the Kenneth Cole evaluate and review (with a little mentoring along the way) fashion accessory creations from budding designers. You‚re going to watch it and now you can. What else? How about How I Met Your Motherstarring Mr. Neil Patrick Harris and The Muppets screenwriter Jason Segel? The New Adventures of Old Christine and The Protector round out a fantastic carving of Lifetime content.

PBS

Yes, THAT PBS. Now at your fingertips 24-7 are the culturally significant, fun, and entertaining shows you‚ve loved for years. Thirty-nine seasons of the long-running and critically-acclaimed Nova series is here and pairs up nicely with other beloved favorites like Antiques Roadshow, The American Experienceand the jewel of the crown: select episodes from over 30 seasons of trend-setting music and performers exposed on Austin City Limits. We can feel you getting smarter and more worldly from here.

Fanhattan for iPad is one of AppAdvice’s favorite apps and today’s update makes it better than ever. The free app is available now in the App Store. An iPhone/iPod touch version is also available.

• Fanhattan for iPhone

• Fanhattan for iPad

• Crackle - Movies & TV

• PBS for iPad

• Netflix

• Hulu Plus

• ABC Player

Crackle, Lifetime And PBS Join Fanhattan Lineup On iPad is a story by AppAdvice.com

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Crackle, Lifetime And PBS Join Fanhattan Lineup On iPad
Bryan M. Wolfe
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:00:58 GMT

Spotify Headed To iPad

 

An official Spotify for iPad app is on the horizon and could be released into the App Store sometime in the New Year, according to a new report by Pocket-lint. This news comes just a day after Spotify announced that the streaming music service would soon launch a series of third-party apps available worldwide.

Spotify, which launched in the U.S. earlier this year, has made it clear it intents to be a huge player in the ever-changing streaming music business. For that to happen, the Swedish-based company in relying on a number of new initiatives that will guarantee it a larger footprint across multiple platforms including mobile.

Earlier this year, Spotify announced its API to third-party developers for integrating its service in other apps. Then came the introduction yesterday of Spotify apps, which will reside within the existing Spotify application for Windows and Mac.  These apps will eventually make their way onto both iPhones and Android-based devices. For example, first-day apps will include those from Last.fm, Rolling Stone, Fuse, and Billboard, among others.

However, the Spotify iPad app is perhaps the company’s most significant initiative, at least for iOS customers. According to Spotify’s UK MD Chris Maples, the iPad app launch is “a priority” and was “absolutely in the pipeline.” However, no time frame for the app’s release was announced.

Spotify is already available on the iPhone/iPod touch, so its introduction on the iPad was never in doubt. It’s nice to know the app looks to be coming sooner, not later.

We’ll keep you updated.

• Spotify

Spotify Headed To iPad is a story by AppAdvice.com

AppAdvice - iPhone, iPad, iPod, App Reviews + News

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Spotify Headed To iPad
Bryan M. Wolfe
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 01:24:04 GMT

Roku Media Players - Products of the Week

 

If you are looking for a very affordable gift this holiday season that packs a lot entertainment punch, consider purchasing a Roku Box. The Roku is a compact media streamer that connects to the internet, via your internet router. Roku boxes offer either or both wired and wireless internet connection options. When connected to the internet, Roku boxes can stream a host of movies and TV content from services such as, Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, MLB TV, Hulu Plus, and more. However, one limitation is that unlike a network media player, the Roku box cannot access audio and video files stored on your PC, it does not access content stored on your PC or MAC, or portable USB devices.

For additional suggestions, check out my list of Best Network Media Players and Media Streamers.

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Roku Media Players - Products of the Week originally appeared on About.com Home Theater on Friday, December 2nd, 2011 at 10:00:52.

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Roku Media Players - Products of the Week
Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:00:52 GMT

NFL ’11 For iPad Updated With Access To Thursday Night Football Online Broadcast (Updated)

 

The NFL’s Thursday Night Football schedule is now in full swing, but if your cable provider doesn’t give you access to the NFL Network, you’ve been missing out on some pretty good football. Well, that doesn’t have to be the case anymore, at least as long as you have an iPad, because the NFL’s official iPad app has been updated with access to the NFL Network’s online broadcast of Thursday Night Football.

The NFL Network’s online broadcast of Thursday Night Football provides game-long studio analysis, live look-ins, and game highlights, so you’ll never miss the big game-changing play. Since this isn’t a direct live stream of the game, it could also serve as a companion for those who already have access to the NFL Network at home.

Since the NFL Network’s online coverage of Thursday Night Football doesn’t begin until 8 PM ET, there’s no good way of knowing exactly how to access the feed from the iPad app. But if we had take a stab at it, we’re guessing it will be under the “video” section of the app. We’ll just have to wait and see.

While you wait until 8 PM to roll around, go download the free NFL ’11 for iPad app so you can dig around before the game starts. The app has come a long way since it was first introduced in April, and now includes on-demand NFL Network news and info, game highlights, the ability to follow game action with animated charts and stats, and live radio broadcasts via the NFL’s Audio Pass.

Update: Here’s how to view the NFL Network’s online broadcast of Thursday Night Football: When viewing “Game Schedules” you should see a big red “Live Video Available” below the Eagles vs. Seahawks game. Tap it to bring up the stats page, and at the top of the screen you’ll see a new “Live Video” button.

• NFL '11 for iPad

NFL ’11 For iPad Updated With Access To Thursday Night Football Online Broadcast (Updated) is a story by AppAdvice.com

AppAdvice - iPhone, iPad, iPod, App Reviews + News

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NFL ’11 For iPad Updated With Access To Thursday Night Football Online Broadcast (Updated)
Tyler Tschida
Thu, 01 Dec 2011 21:54:01 GMT

Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, ISPs, All Served With Streaming Site Blocking Demand

 

A trio of organizations representing the movie, cinema and TV industries have gone to court in France in an attempt to force Google, Microsoft, Yahoo and the country's ISPs to block several streaming sites. The groups, which represent hundreds of video-related companies such as Paramount and Sony, want streaming sites blocked to Internet subscribers and delisted from search engines.

 

 

Google, Microsoft, Yahoo, ISPs, All Served With Streaming Site Blocking Demand
Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:54:41 GMT

Sonos adds Slacker streaming, Android tablet and Kindle Fire apps

 

The Sonos Controller App is now available on the Kindle Fire (and other Android tablets).

(Credit: Sonos)

Add Slacker, Android tablets, and Kindle Fire to Sonos's bag of tricks.

Starting today, the Sonos Controller app will be available on most Android tablets, as well as the Kindle Fire. The free app will be available through the Android Market (on tablets running Android OS 2.2 and higher) and via the Amazon App Store on the Fire. The controller app--already available for iOS (iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch) and Android phones--essentially turns tablets and smartphones into touch-screen Wi-Fi remotes for the Sonos streaming audio products.

Related stories

• Sonos Play:3: CNET review
• Sonos launches Android controller app
• Which music service should you use?

Separately, Sonos is adding Slacker support to its devices as well. Slacker joins a long list of supported audio streaming services, including Spotify, Rhapsody, Pandora, Rdio, Napster, Mog, Sirius ... [Read more]
Related Links:
Nook Tablet: Hands on with Barnes & Noble's Fire-eater
CNET answers your Kindle Fire questions
Kindle Fire vs. Nook Tablet: How to choose
Kindle Fire has something for everyone
Kindle vs. Nook vs. iPad: Which e-book reader should you buy?
 

Sonos adds Slacker streaming, Android tablet and Kindle Fire apps
John P. Falcone
Wed, 30 Nov 2011 08:01:00 GMT

Verizon FiOS Customers Can Now Sign Up For New Xbox 360 Service, Will Let You Control Live TV With Your Hands

 

Last month, Verizon and Microsoft announced a partnership that will bring live HD TV channels to Xbox 360 customers who have active Xbox Live Gold subscriptions. Through the agreement, customers who sign up for the service will be able to watch live TV via their Xbox, without having to purchase any additional hardware. Of course, the coolest part of the news was not that you could watch live TV on your…well, you know…your TV, but that you could control it via the Xbox 360 Kinect. Yep, prepare to channel surf with your hands and your voice!

The offer is now ready to order, says Verizon, which has just launched the sign-up form here for new FiOS customers. Existing customers can just call Verizon to add an Xbox to their current service. (Note that in addition to Xbox Live Gold, you’ll also need to subscribe to both FiOS TV and FiOS Internet in order for this service to work).

To encourage new sign-ups, Verizon is offering an $89.99 “triple-play” package with TV, 35/35 Mbps Internet and Verizon voice service. They’ll even throw in a 12-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold and the “Xbox Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary” game. The offer is good through January 21st.

OK, now for the bad news: the sign-up form is live, but the service itself is not. Verizon says the FiOS TV app will not be available for download until next month. This is how you’ll be able to magically control the live TV channels using voice and gestures.

The live TV offering will launch with 26 channels on board, including MTV, Spike, Food Network, Comedy Central, HBO, CNN and Nickelodeon.

As a part of the deal, Verizon is also running a promotion with gaming network Machinima to sponsor the Gamers’ Choice Award for the Inside Gaming Awards. Voters can vote via Facebook or Twitter (using #FiOSGamers) for a chance to win two years of the trip-play service, a multi-room DVR, Microsoft Kinect and 40,000 Microsoft points.

 

Verizon FiOS Customers Can Now Sign Up For New Xbox 360 Service, Will Let You Control Live TV With Your Hands
Sarah Perez
Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:12:08 GMT

Samsung jumps into bed with Google TV

 

Telly service needs a lot of lovin' right now

South Korean electronics giant Samsung is next in line to jump into the sack with Google on its TV services, ignoring the lacklustre uptake.…

Samsung jumps into bed with Google TV
Tue, 22 Nov 2011 15:01:07 GMT

How to put your Netflix account on hold

 

(Credit: Netflix)

Are you considering canceling Netflix? If you're not sure whether you'll miss the service, you can give it a trial separation.

Netflix allows you to put your account on hold, during which time you won't be charged your monthly service fee. The hold option is a good way to try out some Netflix alternatives before deciding to cancel Netflix. Here's how to put your account on hold:

Step 1: Log in to your Netflix account and click on the "Your Account & Help" link in the upper-right-hand corner.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

Step 2: On the right side of the Account Information section, click on the "Put membership on hold" link.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

Step 3: Select the date that you want your account reactivated, then click on the "Start Account Hold Now" button.

(Credit: Screenshot by Ed Rhee)

That's it. Keep in mind that account holds begin immediately and because partial months are not credited, we recommend waiting until the day before your billing date to put it on hold. The duration of the hold can be between seven and 90 days, but you can ... [Read more]

How to put your Netflix account on hold
Ed Rhee
Wed, 23 Nov 2011 18:41:12 GMT

2011 Media Streamer Roundup : Netgear NTV550, A.C.Ryan PlayOn!HD2 and the Boxee Box

 

In the last year or so, three major SoC manufacturers vied for market share in the media streamer market. While Intel's CE41xx took the high end path with design wins in the Logitech Revue and Boxee Box, Sigma Designs and Realtek continued to retain design wins with their existing customers. Sigma's customers used SMP 8642/8643/8655 while Realtek customers migrated from RTD 1073 / RTD 1283 to RTD 1185. We have had media streamers based on these SoCs in-house for quite some time now. Almost all of them have been touched upon in one piece or the other. However, a comprehensive comparison piece was never published.

Read on for our comprehensive comparison of the Boxee Box (Intel CE4100), the A.C.Ryan PlayOn!HD2 (Realtek 1185) and the Netgear NTV550 (SMP 8642).

2011 Media Streamer Roundup : Netgear NTV550, A.C.Ryan PlayOn!HD2 and the Boxee Box
Ganesh T S
Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:32:00 GMT

How to stream online movies and music to your TV

 

Watching a Netflix or YouTube video on a computer screen can feel a little crowded, especially in a huddle of friends.

To fix that problem, many televisions are now adding these services to the TV interface, creating what are now considered "smart TVs." Services like Netflix, Hulu, Pandora, and YouTube are readily available on those TVs for streaming media to the big screen.

But if you don't own a streaming-ready TV, you have dozens of options to emulate the experience. Popular devices like Roku, Boxee, and the Apple TV have cropped up, each offering a different way to get Internet movies, TV shows, and music onto your home theater.

Watch the video for a walkthrough of the best devices for Internet-to-TV streaming, including a couple you might already own.

Stream Internet content to your TV

[Read more]

How to stream online movies and music to your TV
Sharon Vaknin
Sat, 19 Nov 2011 00:33:56 GMT

Roku boxes heading to U.K., Canada

 

Set-top box maker plans to make its first international foray next year with region-specific channels.

Roku boxes heading to U.K., Canada
Thu, 17 Nov 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Rumor: New Apple TV To Be Released In The Coming Days

 

TechCrunch is reporting that Apple could be working on a new Apple TV for release as soon as the “coming days.” Their theory is that Amazon and Best Buy have lowered their price for the device to $89, which is $10 below the $99 MSRP. They go on to say the update would include a bump to Apple’s A5 chip allowing for smoother UI navigation and full 1080p playback.

Both sites also added “(2010)” to the names of the product which would hint at a 2011 version as it usually signals clearing out inventory prior to a new version of the device. In true rumor mill fashion they say that “If it’s not out soon, the next version probably wouldn’t be released until 2012.”

We aren’t saying this is all untrue, the signs for an update are definitely there. However, there are also a few points to be made on the other side of the argument. First and foremost is the price drop.

If you have already taken an early look at the upcoming Black Friday sales you will have noticed that is when this price drop was first announced. Apple may just be lowering the price to better compete during the holidays with the almighty Roku box that has been doing well of late.

Another point in the opposite direction is that since the release of Walter Isaacson’s “Steve Jobs” biography, we’ve heard about Apple’s plans to do an actual TV with the current Apple TV’s functionality and features built in. It strikes me as odd that the company would update something as small as a chip when it has massive, more expensive plans to do this with a standalone TV.

Rumor: New Apple TV To Be Released In The Coming Days is a story by AppAdvice.com

AppAdvice - iPhone, iPad, iPod, App Reviews + News

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Rumor: New Apple TV To Be Released In The Coming Days
Matthew Sims
Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:58:02 GMT

Boxee Box Live TV dongle shipping for $49 in January 2012, pre-orders open today (Darren Murph/Engadget)

 

Darren Murph / Engadget:
Boxee Box Live TV dongle shipping for $49 in January 2012, pre-orders open today  —  No point in hiding in plain view, eh?  Boxee has just affirmed that the leaked Live TV dongle is legit, and it'll be splashing down on North American shores in January.  The Boxee Box Live TV dongle …

Boxee Box Live TV dongle shipping for $49 in January 2012, pre-orders open today (Darren Murph/Engadget)
Wed, 16 Nov 2011 15:10:04 GMT

The Latest Spotify Update Adds Privacy Options And Further Lock Screen Integration

 

A little earlier today, the Spotify iPhone app was updated with a few new features that make the experience less clumsy and add a little privacy,

The introduction of the background audio feature in previous iOS versions made it possible to listen to songs through third-party music apps, get driving directions from navigation apps, and so on without needing to worry about keeping that specific app active. In addition, users had access to basic playback controls but one thing was still missing when using third-party music apps versus the iPod app: currently playing song information and cover art. Thankfully, this limitation has been lifted with the introduction of iOS 5.

Two brand new preference settings offer options for privacy

After updating to Spotify v0.4.21 on your iDevice running iOS 5.0 or later, the lock screen will now display the album artwork associated to the song currently being played through Spotify, similar to Apple’s iPod app experience. And also like the iPod app, pressing the Home button twice while viewing the lock screen will reveal artist, album, and song name amongst the playback controls. Seemingly so simple, although, very significant in regard to efficiency.

Our next topic for today’s Spotify update is privacy. Two new options have been added to the Settings area that make it possible to keep your current listening choices a secret. First up, you can now enable or disable Facebook wall posting. As a second option, enabling Private Session will go a step further and prevent postings to Facebook’s Open Graph feature. The setting will be reverted after six hours of no Spotify activity.

A bit more minor but still notable ais the addition of feature highlights for new Spotify mobile users and a requirement change. As the case for many apps taking advantage of new iOS features, today’s Spotify version moves up the minimum iOS version to 4.0. While it shouldn’t be a problem for most, it’s still something to consider if you’re reading this and wondering if hitting the update button is worthwhile.

Spotify is designed for iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 4.0 or later, and available in the App Store as a free download.

• Spotify

The Latest Spotify Update Adds Privacy Options And Further Lock Screen Integration is a story by AppAdvice.com

AppAdvice - iPhone, iPad, iPod, App Reviews + News

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The Latest Spotify Update Adds Privacy Options And Further Lock Screen Integration
Casey Tschida
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:54:15 GMT

Netflix reveals new user interface experience for Android tablets, iPad counterpart coming soon

 

You've already had a peek at it in the Kindle Fire and Nook Tablet, but it seems that redesigned user interface is going to be hitting more than just the holiday's most-talked about duo. Netflix has made official a newly redesigned user interface experience for Android tablets -- one that "makes browsing and instantly watching unlimited TV shows and movies streaming from Netflix better than ever." The new look provides multiple rows of titles with larger artwork to scroll through, with Neil Hunt, chief product officer at Netflix, noting that the company has seen a "threefold increase in how long Netflix members are watching on their tablets." As of today, interested consumers can simply update their Netflix app in the Android Market, while iPad users are being asked to wait "a few weeks," after which the new tablet experience will be dubbed Tabster and led on Twitter by a 17-year old methamphetamine addict.

Continue reading Netflix reveals new user interface experience for Android tablets, iPad counterpart coming soon

Netflix reveals new user interface experience for Android tablets, iPad counterpart coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 08:25:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix reveals new user interface experience for Android tablets, iPad counterpart coming soon
Darren Murph
Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:25:00 GMT

First look: Spotify is coming to Roku

 

Roku users will soon be able to access their Spotify playlists on the device: A dedicated Spotify channel for Roku is apparently close to being launched, I’ve been told by a source familair with both companies’ plans.

The launch could happen as soon as next month, with mid-January 2012 being mentioned as another possibility. I’ve heard that the channel is basically ready to go, with the only hold up being contractual negotiations between Roku and Spotify.

One should note that I haven’t been able to confirm these plans with either company. Spotify didn’t reply in time when asked about the app, and a Roku spokesperson told me that the company doesn’t comment on “rumors and potential partners.”

However, I do have two early development screenshots of the Spotify on Roku user interface:

Spotify has been working on bringing its platform into the living room and recently rolled out an app for the WD TV  platform as well as Boxee. There has been a lot of demand for bringing Spotify to Roku as well, which means that a Spotify channel on the device could make many Roku owners very happy.

---

 

First look: Spotify is coming to Roku
Janko Roettgers
Wed, 09 Nov 2011 23:00:08 GMT

Network Media Players and Media Streamers - 2011 Holiday Gift Special

 

Network Media Players and Media Streamers are quickly becoming important add-ons to the home theater entertainment experience. These products products make great holiday gifts as they are very affordable and really add to the TV viewing and/or music listening experience. These little devices connect to the internet via an internet router and allows access to an abundance of audio and video content from the internet, and in many cases, content stored on your PC, for viewing on your TV or listening on your audio system. Check out my favorites for the 2011 holiday shopping season.

Also, if you want to find out more info before you make a purchase decision, also check out our tips on How to Shop for a Network Media Player

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Network Media Players and Media Streamers - 2011 Holiday Gift Special originally appeared on About.com Home Theater on Thursday, November 10th, 2011 at 11:00:52.

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Network Media Players and Media Streamers - 2011 Holiday Gift Special
Thu, 10 Nov 2011 11:00:52 GMT