Hasta La Gadget!

Microsoft’s oddly named music service put its official resignation in earlier this summer, but the Zune brand isn’t in its coffin just yet — although Redmond is certainly driving in the nails. Zune Pass subscribers, for instance, are now receiving word that the service’s Mixview playback and channel playlist features will be discontinued on August 31st, along with music video streaming from the Zune desktop software. User licenses to previously purchased music videos are being reworked as well, cutting off user access to old content on new machines. The service’s once heavily touted social aspect seems to be making way for Xbox Music as well: users will no longer be able to send or receive messages, invite friends or share songs, playlists, and play history. Last, but not least, the company is dealing its old hardware one final blow by discontinuing Zune HD apps — not that there were many to kill off. Microsoft has little else to say in the brief email, but promises to share more information about Xbox Music soon. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Zune’s last days: Microsoft pulling Zune HD apps, select features on August 31st

Filed under: Misc

Zune’s last days: Microsoft pulling Zune HD apps, select features on August 31st originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Aug 2012 22:24:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Eons after it appeared in the US, Amazon’s Cloud Drive is at last available in the UK. Brits can manage the service from within their Amazon account online, or get the free standalone Mac or PC app for desktop dragging and dropping. It slipped in with nary a peep from Amazon, sporting the same US dollar pricing as the American site: roughly $10 per year (£6) for every 20GB. So, despite the delay, UK-ers won’t have to pay more than their US counterparts, as is often the case — at least, not yet.

Filed under: Internet, Software

Amazon Cloud Drive and app arrive in UK at last, sans fanfare originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 07:18:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adobe’s cloud-based photo storage and editing app has been enjoying its new name since it hopped off the Carousel, and now it’s appreciating a feature bump too. Version 1.5 has just hit the virtual shelves of the Mac and iTunes stores, complete with a new UI and the option to log in using Facebook or Google accounts. Functionality wise, the update adds text captioning for your snaps and the ability to create albums which auto-sync across your devices and can be shared with others via the web. Alright, so the update isn’t revolutionizing the service, but we’re sure those that currently subscribe are reveling in it.

Continue reading Adobe Revel 1.5 released with new UI, text captions and auto-syncing albums

Filed under: Storage, Software

Adobe Revel 1.5 released with new UI, text captions and auto-syncing albums originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 09:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft just recently gave it’s web-based email offering a sweeping overhaul, and it’s now also done the same for its cloud-based storage service. As detailed in a typically extensive blog post, the company has today launched an all new as SkyDrive.com (rolling out over the next 24 hours), one that now defaults to a tile-based layout and boasts new features like instant search and a contextual toolbar. As the company notes, it’s also designed with tablets in mind, in addition to desktop web browser. What’s more, Microsoft has also rolled out updated SkyDrive apps for Windows and OS X, which promise faster uploads and other performance improvements, and it says it’ll finally have an Android app in “just a few weeks.” Hit the source link below for a look at it and all the other changes.

Continue reading Microsoft debuts revised SkyDrive website and desktop apps, Android app coming soon

Filed under: Storage, Internet

Microsoft debuts revised SkyDrive website and desktop apps, Android app coming soon originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Aug 2012 14:07:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Samsung’s come a long way from the days of its first Galaxy S device. Relying back then, out of necessity, on third parties like 7Digital and Kobo to provide a white label content platform. Time, fortune and the popularity of its Android devices has changed the company’s tack and with the unveiling of the Galaxy S III, it’s heading for a streamlined user experience that integrates hardware with in-house software. Although Music Hub has already launched overseas in several European countries as part and parcel of its latest flagship, that service is now finally ready for primetime in the US.

Built upon the mSpot tech it acquired this past May, the company’s freemium service combines the best of both worlds, offering non-paying users access to a digital storefront loaded up with millions of tracks from all four major labels (and some indies, too), a web-based player, as well as the ability to store purchased music remotely and offline for “registered devices.” Whereas, the subscription version builds upon those gratis goods by adding personalized radio stations, free streaming and an iTunes-like “Scan & Match” feature to the mix for $10 monthly.

Ever cognizant of the already crowded digital music platforms provided by rivals, Samsung’s tricking out this stateside debut with some goodies for the curious: a 30-day trial and one free album of their choosing. It’s a nice incentive, for sure, but with so many already entrenched in the musical realms of rivals — iTunes, Google Play and Spotify, for starters — adoption of this new ecosystem’s going to be a hard sell indeed. Click on past the break for the lowdown on this me-too, mobile music offering.

Continue reading Samsung Music Hub launches on Galaxy S III stateside with free trial in tow

Filed under: Cellphones, Wireless, Software

Samsung Music Hub launches on Galaxy S III stateside with free trial in tow originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jul 2012 12:44:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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