Verizon thought to be planning Netflix acquisition

Ever since YouTube started getting really popular, consumers have been enjoying streaming video, and network providers have been complaining about how much bandwidth such services use. Some have even gone so far as to demand any company offering streaming media pay for use of a network. So far such demands have fallen on deaf ears, […]

Apple reportedly stepping up its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe

Apple is purportedly readying a new certification chip for accessory makers that will allow wireless access and connectivity to that pile of iOS devices you’re hoarding. Announced during an accessory manufacturer’s conference in China, the new chip could possibly allow connections across AirPlay, Bluetooth and WiFi. The Cupertino crew hope that this will encourage even more iOS-friendly add-ons and docks to market. According to Macotakara, Apple apparently added that it’s working on support for AirPlay over Bluetooth, presumably bringing with it some improved battery longevity, and tying into the new low-powered Bluetooth 4.0 found on the iPhone 4S. Well, you know us, we always love seeing new iPad accessories.

Update: An anonymous attendee has got in touch to tell us that the authentication chip is low-cost and faster update that doesn’t bring any new features not already seen on current chips. Our mole added that Apple didn’t directly announce any plans to extend AirPlay functionality to Bluetooth.

Apple reportedly stepping up its connectivity game, wants to be the center of your wireless universe originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:56:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We Don’t Need Another Freaking Streaming Service

Verizon and Redbox are reportedly gearing up to poop out a TV and movie streaming service. Great. Because what the world needs now is yet another streaming content provider with a nonsensical pricing scheme. Please don’t no stop ugh. UGH. More »

Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB tuner now shipping, offers infinite entertainment for $300

It’s a little bit behind schedule, but the Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB has finally begun shipping, nearly ten months after it was first unveiled. Originally scheduled to ship on September 19th, this external CableCARD TV tuner is now available from Amazon, New Egg and other retailers for $300. For that price, you’ll be able to record four HD shows at once, stream live shows to your PC or TV and access all your photos, music and Netflix account from a single device. Interested? Hit up the coverage link below to grab one for yourself.

Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB tuner now shipping, offers infinite entertainment for $300 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 18:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zediva ordered to permanently shut down operations, pay $1.8 million to MPAA

The last time we checked in with Zediva, the DVD streaming service was reeling from a court-ordered preliminary injunction that effectively brought its operations to a halt. At the time, the California-based company was still pinning its hopes on the promise of a forthcoming appeal, but those hopes were summarily quashed on Friday, when US District Judge John Walter rendered the injunction permanent. Zediva had previously exposed an apparent loophole in US copyright law, by allowing users to stream movies from physical DVDs located in Silicon Valley. This strategy allowed the firm to offer newly released movies well before other on-demand services, but according to Judge Walter, it was also illegal. Zediva will now have to cease all operations and pay $1.8 million in damages to the MPAA. The defendant has yet to comment on the decision, but MPAA Associate General Counsel Dan Robbins seemed understandably delighted: “This result sends a strong message to those who would exploit the studios’ works in violation of copyright law, on the Internet or elsewhere, and it is an important victory for the more than 2 million American men and women whose livelihoods depend on a thriving film and television industry.”

Zediva ordered to permanently shut down operations, pay $1.8 million to MPAA originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 15:16:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roku adds more games, cleans up the PQ on its latest streamers

Don’t think Roku is sitting back on its laurels after rolling out a slew of new hardware including the Roku 2 family and the new, low end Roku LT. As promised, it has issued a firmware update enabling new gaming options including Pac Man:CE, Galaga, and Angry Birds Seasons. Even if you’re committed to Roku’s hockey pucks as purely video streamers, there’s a new firmware update to correct, among other things, issues that caused a darker than normal image on some displays, WiFi performance, boot performance, readiness for HBO Go, and subtitles on Netflix. Check out Roku’s blog for the full list of fixes or just hit the software update section in your settings menu to make sure you have the latest software.

Roku adds more games, cleans up the PQ on its latest streamers originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:15:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ask Engadget: best streaming music solution?

We know you’ve got questions, and if you’re brave enough to ask the world for answers, here’s the outlet to do so. This week’s Ask Engadget inquiry is coming to us from Katie, who is totally down with the stream. The radio stream. If you’re looking to send in an inquiry of your own, drop us a line at ask [at] engadget [dawt] com.

“Rdio, Spotify, Pandora, Rhapsody — there are way too many streaming music services out there begging for my money. Which is the one I should spring for? I live in the US, but would love for whatever I choose to work when I travel internationally, if that’s possible. Trying to keep it up under $10 per month, and looking for a large library and nice mobile compatibility. Thanks!”

So, streamers — what’s your go-to service? Tried a few of ’em? Let us know which you prefer, and why, down in comments below.

Ask Engadget: best streaming music solution? originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 22:35:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google TV 2.0: Android Honeycomb. Apps. Awesome.

When Google TV arrived last year, it possessed promise and potential that was never quite realized. Now Google TV 2.0 is here, armed with apps and a new content discovery system. And the search giant thinks they’ve got it right this time. More »

iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system finally available now, again, sort of

Remember back to September 26th when iHome’s iW1 AirPlay speaker was supposed to be available? Curiously, the company’s website continually listed the $300 system as “coming soon” (at least the times we checked), leaving iOS and iTunes users yearning for this cable-free audio ware in the proverbial dust. Now, a full month later, iHome has again announced the release of this flagship wireless speaker, even though it’s still out of stock itself. According to the company, a quick trip to an Apple Store, Best Buy or Crutchfield should let you snag one, although, the latter’s site won’t have any until November 3rd. Here’s to hunting — and waiting for the smaller iW2 and iW3 units to get proper release dates. Full details in the press release after the break.

Continue reading iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system finally available now, again, sort of

iHome iW1 AirPlay wireless audio system finally available now, again, sort of originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 22:54:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Boxee updates iPad app to version 1.2, adds global Spotify support

It’s only been a couple of months since Boxee unleashed its much anticipated iPad app, but the company has already come out with that much needed update to version 1.2. With the upgrade, users will be able to navigate across content sent to their Boxee Boxes using a remote control interface that’s now located at the bottom right corner of the app. iPad owners can also pause video sent to their Box and pick up later where they left off, using the Boxee Media Manager. And, as expected, AirPlay sessions can now run in the background, giving you one less thing to worry about while lazing on the couch. On a related note, Spotify users can now use Boxee to access their accounts from anywhere in the world (previously, access was only granted in countries where Spotify is available). To get your app up to speed, check out the coverage link, below.

Boxee updates iPad app to version 1.2, adds global Spotify support originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 17:31:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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