Hasta La Gadget!

Comcast and Boxee are collaborating on a new system that could eventually replace CableCARD and allow third-party set-top boxes like the Boxee Box to access encrypted all-digital cable broadcasts. The two companies detailed the proposed approach in a joint FCC filing, initially using an external cable box that would hook up to STBs via ethernet, but eventually migrating to a licensed integrated digital transport adapter (Integrated DTA) that would provide a more streamlined solution.

Boxee and the cable companies have been at each others’ throats in recent months over proposals for encrypting basic cable channels. Such a move, the company argued, would unnecessarily prevent third-party media devices from accessing basic tier channels, forcing viewers into buying STBs directly from cable companies.

Those companies, of course, want to shift to full digital encryption as soon as possible, hence the proposed  two-stage solution to Boxee’s complaints. “The initial solution involves the development as soon as possible of a high-definition digital transport adapter with an ethernet connector (“E-DTA”)” the letter to the FCC says. “This solution would enable a customer with a third-party device to access basic tier channels directly through an ethernet input on such third-party device or via the home network, and to change channels remotely in the E-DTA via a DLNA protocol.”

Although swift, the external adapter could introduce issues around integration with other features in third-party hardware. So, a more longer-term system is also planned, around “the creation of a licensing path for integrating DTA technology into third-party devices (“Integrated DTA”). Such a device could access encrypted basic tier channels without the need for a cable operator-supplied DTA or set-top box.”

Both companies believe the solution is the best way to ensure cable channels are protected but not limited in their availability. In a key difference from current authentication systems, meanwhile, there’s no mention of CableCARD-based technology, with hints that this could eventually be the all-digital replacement to that system.

[via Zatz Not Funny]

Boxee and Comcast reveal cable encryption workaround is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

When Microsoft rolled out Windows Phone a couple of years ago, there was a Twitter app released for it, but it does sound rather amazing at the moment that there was nobody out there to set up a server-side option which paved the way to push live tiles or notifications for Twitter activity, including mentions or direct messages. This paved the way for folks to come up with a wide range of third party Twitter apps which were far more functional compared to the standard issue Twitter app. Good to know that developers over at Twitter have finally come up with an official update, delivering push notifications for direct messages, mentions, new follows, favorited tweets, and retweets.

What you see above are the new settings screen, which enables you to customize just the right kind of notifications that you would want to see appear. The pop-up menus enable you to select on whether your eyes are free enough to view notifications from anyone, or if you are more private, just your followers, or for those who want to be quiet and lie low, no one at all. There is also features a live tile that will flip over, displaying the most recent notifications. Anyone given the new app a go, and how do you find it so far?

By Ubergizmo. Related articles: Windows Phone 7.8 new Start screen spotted, Windows Phone 8 updates and other stuff you might want to know,

With more carriers pushing unlimited calling plans, we can’t say there’s necessarily a need for the friends and family features of yesteryear on this side of the Atlantic, but plenty of networks beyond the good ole US of A are a bit more stingy when it comes to tallying talk time. The latest Google patent application to be published was filed last December and covers exactly this type of scenario, suggesting that the Google+ profile of the future could include an option to create a “Telco Co. Preferred Calling” circle, which would theoretically enable free calling between yourself and a small group of friends.

According to the application, semi-public information, such as a telephone number, would be shared between Google and a registered service provider, and you would maintain discount calling relationships from within Google+, adding and dropping callers to and from your online contacts list. You could also dictate custom rules, such as ringtones for contacts in specific groups, or create carrier-branded circles that are populated with your friends on the same network, making it easier to determine whether or not you’ll be billed for calls to a particular user. Like all patent applications, there’s no guarantee that Google’s submission with come to fruition, but if you’re feeling optimistic, you can hit up the source link below for all the legalese.

Google+ patent app details myFaves-like carrier contacts integration with social network circles originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 29 Jun 2012 10:08:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As the granddaughter of Lebanese and Italian immigrants who came to this country to start a new life, the Fourth of July signifies the birthday of a nation that opened its arms to my family, and has given us the opportunity to flourish ever since.
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Path, the private social network with iOS and Android apps, has today announced that its adding Nike+ support to its apps. Anyone owning a Nike+ FuelBand will be able to post FuelBand score updates to the app, giving your friends the piece of mind that you’re a healthy and active individual. On top of that, the Nike+ FuelBand app for iOS has seen an update that adds some new features.

The new app allows you to sync your FuelBand data in the background by merely long-pressing the button found on the bracelet. In addition, data is saved offline so you can view all your progress and stats without needing an active internet connection, and you can view the remaining battery life for the FuelBand through the app.

If you’re really keen, you can download the free Nike+ Running iOS app that will keep a map of your runs. The app, previously known as Nike+ GPS, was redesigned last week to make it easier for joggers to commence runs, at the same time dropping the $1.99 price tag. If you’re interested in all of the above, head on over to the relevant app stores to get the updates.

Nike+ FuelBand now integrates with Path is written by Ben Kersey & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.