Hasta La Gadget!

BlackBerry’s tentative step into the world of feed-based social networking, BBM Channels, is at last leaving beta. As of 3PM Eastern, those with BlackBerry 10 and classic BlackBerry OS devices can use the Tumblr-like service for themselves, subscribing to content feeds from both major providers and their friends. Android and iOS users, meanwhile, will have to sit tight — BlackBerry says that Channels support for their platforms is arriving in the “coming months.”

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Source: CrackBerry

A few months have gone by since YouTube began testing its “One Channel” redesign in a private beta, after which Google allowed curious users to voluntarily opt in. But while some have been experiencing the next version of the site’s design for awhile now, YouTube is about to make the transition mandatory. Starting June 5th, Google will flip the switch on the One Channel theme across the whole site. YouTube believes this is a good thing for all, as it’s noticed a 20-percent page view increase on channels that have already opted in. For impatient folks who can’t wait until next month, you can make your own One Channel now via the “opt in” link at the source below.

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Source: YouTube

We’ve had a pretty clear indication that it was coming, and YouTube has now gotten official with one of the biggest changes to the way it does business to date. It’s today kicking off a pilot program for paid subscriptions, which initially consists of a small group of partners offering channels that start at $0.99 per month. Those will include channels ranging from Sesame Street to the UFC (just over 50 in all at the moment), each of which include a 14-day free trial, and some of which come at a discounted rate if you pay by the year instead of per-month.

YouTube’s promising to roll things out more broadly in the coming weeks, with qualifying partners able to take advantage of the option as a self-service feature and others invited to sign up if they’re interested in going the paid route. Naturally, you’ll be able to view channels on the usual range of devices once you subscribe, but you will have to do the actual subscribing on a computer for now (subscribing on others devices is promised to be coming soon). The company’s also quick to point out that it’s still early days for the service, noting that it’ll have more to say as it gets feedback from users and content partners.

Filed under: Internet, Google

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Source: Official YouTube Blog, YouTube

Google pulls in nearly $2 billion a year in YouTube advertising revenue, but that’s still a drop in the bucket compared to the $60 billion earned by broadcast networks. To rely less on viral cat videos or “Gangnam Style” breakouts, the company has announced that it’s advanced funds to content producers like Jamie Oliver and Michael Cera to create 60 new original channels in France, the UK, Germany and the US. That’s in addition to the 100 channels it already created last year, and Mountain View also said it would take that original launch up a notch in 2013 by providing even more funds to the most successful efforts by artists like Jay Z and Amy Poehler. The company didn’t say exactly how much cash would be raining down to all those channels stateside or abroad, but considering the amount it recently spent just marketing them, you may want to pull the trigger on that new cinema camera, after all.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD

YouTube advances cash for 60 more original channels in Europe and the US originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Oct 2012 01:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soon after the Star Trek: The Next Generation Season One Blu-ray set launched last week reports came in that there was an audio problem with the surround sound, and now CBS and Paramount have responded. According to a statement (included after the break) the problem is isolated to the English 7.1 DTS Master Audio track on some episodes where the front channels are mapped incorrectly. If you own the set, you can email (phe.stng@bydeluxe.com) or call (877-335-8936 between 8AM and 6PM PT) for replacements of Discs 1, 3 and 4, simply have your set nearby and ready to read the code located on the inner ring. You won’t need to send in your discs, and the replacements are expected to ship after August 10th and take up to five days to arrive.

Continue reading Star Trek: TNG S1 Blu-ray set has an audio flaw, free replacements are available

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Star Trek: TNG S1 Blu-ray set has an audio flaw, free replacements are available originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Aug 2012 14:38:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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