Netflix for Android gets an update

The newly released app V.1.7 update adds Facebook sharing for international (non US) users, bug fixes and a new software controlled volume slider for tablets. Resolution and AV sync improvements to hepefully get rid of screen flicker and that completes the update

The hoped for high-def streaming support for tablets is still not enabled, but still a worthwile update that can be downloaded from the Android Market.

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A personal file on Jobs, allegedly made by the FBI at some point in the early 1990′s when he was being considered for a role working for then-US President Geroge Bush Sr., including interviews with his friends and family suggesting that he was a former ‘drug user’, uncaring towards members of his family, and a ‘suspect moral character’, amongst other notes.

A segment of the official report stated: “Several individuals commented concerning past drug use on the part of Mr Jobs. They also commented that, in the past, Mr Jobs was not supportive of… [the mother of his child born out of wedlock] and their daughter; however, recently has become more supportive.”

The FBI also questioned his honesty, describing Jobs as: “…a deceptive individual who is not completely forthright and honest. Several individuals questioned Mr Jobs’ honesty, stating that Mr Jobs will twist the truth and distort reality in order to achieve his goals.”

It also noted that he failed to show up on time to a meeting with investigators, with a further segment adding: “Mr Jobs’ secretary informed SA (special agent)… that Mr Jobs was unavailable for an interview for three weeks. Mr Jobs could not even see SA… for one hour.”

While the report did highlight some perhaps previously unseen aspects of his personality, it still contained mostly positive reviews, being described as a ‘very complex individual’, that was ‘basically honest and trustworthy’, and displayed ‘indefatigable energy and vision’, as well as being ‘strong-willed, stubborn, hard-working and driven’.

While Apple may soon have to deal with the issue of defending their former CEO’s honour on some of the more controversial points of the FBI’s report, their recent sales problems in Germany might soon be behind them, although not at a cost, as a previous offer to Motorola (over selected technology patents) has been negotiated towards the latter now demanding that Apple give them 2.25% of every sale made in the country as a royalty payment. Will Motorola end up receiving what some experts are describing as an ‘excessive’ share of Apple’s German spoils?

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The augmented reality glasses, which Google seem to claim they have a finished prototype of, would most likely operate in a similar manner to a smartphone (as it has been claimed the device would run on the Android operating system), featuring a number of apps (including Google Maps), Internet connectivity, and audio & video displays, alongside the ‘real-time information’ features that will make the product stand out.

It was first noted in December that Google were planning to create a piece of ’wearable technology’, and it seems as though, glasses, the option that most would have predicted, is the one that they are working on. Not missing an extra opportunity on the naming front, Google are looking likely to name their product by the fairly obvious (but very fitting) title of ‘Google Goggles’.

The data from the apps, ‘cloud’, and real-time augmented information (a process that could be similar to Samsung’s ‘dream tablet’) will be presented to the user in the form of literally appearing before their eyes (apparently over one eye instead of two to prevent ‘disorientation’), probably in some form of 3D depth effect.

Controlling the glasses is reportedly set to be done by either voice control, buttons on the side of the glasses, or the user tilting their head to simulate ‘scrolling’ and ‘clicking’, though the potential complications in the latter method might encourage producers to include a hand-held remote as an easier option.

Other features are thought to include a small camera between the eyes for filming, photography, and collecting data for sourcing relevant information (e.g. seeing and translating a sign into a foreign language). On the technical side, the product is said to be maintaining ‘equivalent CPU, RAM and storage’ of an ‘older generation’ Android smartphone.

The glasses are thought to still be in development at Google’s research headquarters, so are not yet close to commercial release, while it is rumoured that Apple and Motorola are planning similar products of their own. It is an ambtious project by the search engine giant, but with a number of high-profile features straight out of science fiction will ‘Google Goggles’ end up being too expensive for its potential customers?

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The ban was originally imposed at the suggestion of rival American technology company Motorola, who held various patents in Germany, of which Apple were in violation of. However, the appeals court have temporarily suspended the lock-out of Apple, as they made Motorola a ‘new’ offer at a licencing payment (to become authorised to use the ‘Motorola-registered’ patents in their product) which the latter refused.

Meanwhile, German users of Apple’s products might still lose out on the use of the iCloud online storage system (that allows files and downloads to be shared across a user’s Apple products), as Motorola claimed a current victory in a separate German patent case relating to the format.

An official Apple statement issued the news of the listed suspension on Friday evening, reading: “All iPad and iPhone models will be back on sale through Apple’s online store in Germany shortly. Apple appealed this ruling because Motorola repeatedly refuses to license this patent to Apple on reasonable terms, despite having declared it an industry standard patent seven years ago.”

The Motorola camp are not going to bow down so easily, though, and state that the decision is merely a minor setback in their overall case against Apple. Motorola’s statement read: “We are pleased that the Mannheim court has recognised the importance of our intellectual property and granted an enforceable injunction in Germany against Apple Sales International. Although the enforcement of the injunction has been temporarily suspended, Motorola Mobility will continue to pursue its claims against Apple.”

German courts seem to have become something of a hotbed for high-profile technology patent cases in recent times, as late last year saw Apple file against Motorola, while Motorola are juggling their situations with Apple alongside a similar dispute with Microsoft. Will there ever be a clear dominant force of American companies in Germany, and just how long will these particular disputes carry on for?

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Sky Go app coming to some Android sets

The new Sky Go app for Android will let customers of the Sky satellite service stream a selection of sports, movies and news on Android mobile devices.

The news is not all good though, as not all Android mobiles will get the app. The app will work on popular models from Samsung and HTC. The app will work on:-

• Samsung Galaxy S
• Samsung Galaxy S2
• HTC Desire
• HTC Desire S
• HTC Desire HD
• HTC Incredible S
• HTC Sensation

The reason for the mishmash of working models is due to hardware differences which also befell the Netflix Android app. That problem was eventually sorted out and Netflix runs on most models now.

Sky have said that they will, “tailor the Sky Go app for each model of smartphone which takes considerable time.”

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Sky Internet TV service coming

The service will be an enhanced version of the Sky Go online service and is for customers who do not want to subscribe to to satellite and who do not want a Sky dish plonked on the side of their house. The streaming content can be viewed on laptop, PC, Mac, tablet, console, connected TV and smartphone.

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Control hotel TV with an app

The app runs on the iPad, iPhone and android devices. Besides turning into a TV remote, the app also controls on-demand content and pay-per-view movies (which can be paid direct from the phone). The app will also give hotel and local information, directions and other useful information.

You may ask, why would anyone want an app when the hotel has a perfectly good TV remote? Well apart from hygene purposes and dead batteries, the app does extra stuff and even lets you turn off the TV whilst out of the room.

Speaking about the app in a press release, Derek S. White, President of Interactive & Media Networks for LodgeNet said, “With 75% of travelers carrying smartphones today, mobile devices have significantly changed how travelers behave and what they expect from hotels, airlines and every supplier within the travel eco-system.”

He continued, “The LodgeNet Mobile App was developed to be fun, fast and very easy to use so that travelers can customize their hotel and travel experience in everything from the movies they watch, to the restaurants they dine in, to the hotel services and local entertainment options they choose – all managed and controlled through their own mobile device.”

Currently around 2,000 hotels around the US can make use of the app, and to keep it family friendly, it will not carry any adult content. So users will still have a need for the hotel remote then.

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Viggle TV app rewards loyalty

The app which runs on iPad nd iPhone works as a loyalty program, and rewards viewers for vegetating in front of the goggle box with gift cards, music downloads and movie tickets.

The way the app works is by recognising the show that the viewer is watching and credits a certain number of reward points for every minute watched.

The credits earned equate to two points per minute, and will work for live and recorded shows.

Viggle have partnered with a number of companies to offer rewards such as Burger King, Starbucks, iTunes, CVS, Best Buy, Sephora, and Fandango.

Speaking about the app, Chris Stephenson, president of Function (X) Inc.who make Viggle said,  “Viggle is the first loyalty program for TV. We’re basically allowing people to get rewards for doing something they’re doing already and that they love to do.”

So how does giggle make money you ask? Well if your racking up points, it stands to reason you will watch even more TV, right? So audience numbers rise and will make more money from advertising for the TV companies, and the app will show advertising of is own.

So as Viggle makes money, it can give a percentage away to the viewer. But before you get too excited, it seems you will need to rack up a lot of points for even a small reward.

For example, you will need a mammoth 7,500 points just to get a $5 gift card to use with a participating retailer. In other words, several weeks of TV watching!

To help encourage the zombiefied viewers who wish to participate, Viggle give you 1,500 bonus points when you sign up. They also plan on offering bonus points for watching ads on the app and checking into shows like “American Idol”.

Not sure about the rights and wrongs of encouraging viewers to slob in front of the TV even more, then reward them with a burger, but the app is now available from the app store and an Android version will follow.

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A company known as ‘HzO’ have created a technology of the same name, designed to be a ‘nano-scale film barrier’ that is made of liquid-repellent particles, designed ideally to cover smartphones, covering the devices in the material during the product creation process. It is said to be unique from rival ‘waterproofers’ in that it is implemented before the product itself is finished, meaning that the insides of the device are also safe from the effect of water.

At the CES 2012, HzO displayed their device by dunking an iPhone (modified to include an HzO cover) repeatedly into a tank of water, with the smartphone remaining in full working condition every time. Modified devices from Samsung and Motorola were also featured to similar effect. It is believed that Apple and Samsung have been impressed by the display, and currently want to begin talks that could see HzO featured on future sets from the respective companies, while other manufacturers have also expressed an interest at making a deal to water-proof their products.

An HzO spokesperson said of their progress as the CES: “We showed the Samsung chairman the technology with a Samsung Galaxy S that we had coated with HZO and he couldn’t believe his eyes. Samsung is really excited by the tech.”

While HzO believe that their material could soon be applied to the ‘next generation’ of smartphones’, as well as other handheld devices (tablet computers, music players, games consoles, etc.), will the buying public enjoy find it to be a worthwile safeguard for their devices in spite of the likely price hike that will occur with a new technology involved? You can judge for yourself, and see just how effective HzO could be with the video clip below:

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While the actual monetary value of the wage will be $1.4m each year in the period (up from an annual salary of $900,000), Cook is expected to be given over $350m worth of company stock options.

This would be transferred at a potential rate of 100,000 shares per year, with Apple claiming it will be awarded every 5 years in two 500,000 packages, meaning Cook could have a million more shares in Apple should he see through the planned 10-year-long ’golden handcuffs’ agreement.

Apple said of their proposal: “The board took into account the ten-year vesting period of the award, the importance of retaining Mr Cook, and the opportunities Mr Cook would likely have if he were to seek other employment.”

Should Tim Cook sign the deal (which he would be foolish not to), it will make him the world’s ‘highest compensated’ CEO. His predecessor in the role was of course the late Steve Jobs, who as company co-founder had ownership of $2.3b (£1.23b) worth of shares at the time of his death (alongside a token annual salary of $1), meaning that Cook would still have to go quite a long way to match the financial legacy of his former boss.

Apple issued a letter to shareholders announcing the move, writing: “The award is intended as a long-term retention incentive for Mr Cook. It should be viewed as compensation over the ten-year vesting period and not solely as compensation for 2011.”

As Steve Jobs obviously did a lot more than stand up and present Apple’s new items, will Cook have the product innovation skills to justify his huge payment?

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While TV rights for the Barclays Premier League currently apply to Sky Sports (who can air 115 live games per season), ESPN UK (23 per season), and BBC (weekly highlights) through to the end of the 2012-13 season, the next few months will see a bidding war begin for sales to the rights of the next period.

While the current holders seem almost certain of attempting the continuation of their respective arrangements, it is believed that Apple, Google, and Qatar-based satellite TV station Al-Jazeera are amongst the names that could launch bids of their own.

Despite Apple recently dismissing these claims, it is thought that they may choose to make an offer for the broadcasting rights as a way of promoting their Apple TV set-top-box service, and would mark the first time that live Premier League football in England would be broadcast exclusively by a non-TV channel, with any effort from Google probably meaning the same for their connected ‘Google TV’ services.

Any successful bid from either of those two (who would be capable of financially matching the £1.6b paid by Sky for their current 3-season contract) would be seen as a groundbreaking moment in top-level sports broadcasting, with the pair both capable of adding live streams to their portable devices (such as the iPad, iPhone, Android tablet and smartphones) as well as on Smart TV. A key issue, though, might be the comparative slow and unreliable speed of Internet connection in many areas that are better served by cable or satellite TV, a fact which may cause any ‘online’ bidders to rethink their strategy.

Online coverage is not a problem with the Premier League at the moment, though, as proven by the current rights holders using new methods to deliver content, with alternatives including Sky’s ‘Sky Go’ app for selected live and catch-up coverage, and ESPN’s free ’ESPN Goals’ highlights app, as well as official Internet highlights rights holder Yahoo.

One bidder that might also be able to maintain a presence on several fronts is Al-Jazeera, who would need to launch a branded channel in England for a move to work, although the Qatari broadcaster would also have the funds to cover all they need to set up an English-language presence with the Premier League.

While it is fairly unlikely that the bidders will claim the key upper end of Sky’s share of rights (which are sold in six ’23 game’ packages) could the new competition involved in the bidding process signal that football is not a TV-only sport as it comes to new platforms?

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Online TV in the UK on a plateau?

The study was carried out by the Barb, who measure the UK’s broadcasting audience. The study comprised of 4,000 viewers who were asked if they had watched UK online TV content on a computer, laptop or tablet during the previous week.

The result back in December 2010, of the same survey had a yes percentage of 14.4%. The results for 2011 were 14.9%, a rise of just 0.5%. When compared with the same results in 2009 (which was 11.2%), the growth has shown a massive slowdown.

In a statement Barb said that the “plateau” effect can be attributed to the growing popularity of connected set-top boxes and Internet-connected TV sets that both carry catch-up content

One area of online viewing still on the rise is smartphones which have doubled amongst the 15-34 age demographic. The figure for 2011 of 9.8% compared to the 2010 figure of 5.8%.

The figures are a little misleading though, although the week comparison between years showed little growth, the actual increase of all adults watching TV on PC, laptop or tablet device was 36.2% for 2011, showing an increase from the 2010 figure of 5.1%.

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It has been claimed by ’sources close to the situation’ that the event will not be related to any of these products (which include the iPad 3, iPhone 5, and Apple’s ‘iTV’), though, with the focus of the occasion set to be an important ‘media-related’ announcement.

These rumours are further consolidated by the fact that Apple’s Internet software vice-president Eddy Cue is said to be leading the presentation. Cue, who is in charge of of several of Apple’s media and app services, will likely be launching or discussing another interactive media product, following on from the launch of iPad-only magazine The Daily during his last media event in New York City.

In other news for Apple, an external tribute to their late co-founder Steve Jobs could be halted by the company themselves, as the technology giant claim that they did not authorise Chinese company Dragon In Dreams’ production of lifelike and to scale ’Steve Jobs action figures’ and are threatening to sue if the $99 toys make it onto to the market.

An Apple spokesperson gave a rather unreasoned (but possibly unbeatable) base of their company’s complaints, allegedly saying on the matter: ”Mr Jobs has not consented to the use of his name and/or image in the product.”

While those comments might pave the way for the introduction of some psychic medium witnesses in Chinese court (and not the first time that Apple are part of a case in the country), will Apple’s media presentations turn out to be any clearer than their legal defences?

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FilmOn AIR service coming in Feb 2012

The firm announced today that FilmOn AIR dongle will be shipped free to all its subscribers of their virtual cable network, so they can watch local network television and record content, a kind of mobile online TiVo.

Subscribers pay $149.95 yearly for the lowest streaming package and the FilmOn AIR system will cost $95.95. The existing app streams 120 online channels.

But looking at their website or app that let viewers watch channels such as NASA HD, Al Jazeera, TBN, and a selection of sports channels. you may struggle to find any well known broadcasters such as ABC, CBS, Fox or NBC. The US networks are not too happy with FilmOn rebroadcasting their content.

FilmOn are currently in mid legal battle with the American networks and are fighting the rebroadcasting restrictions placed on them.

The AIR tuner device would be a legal workaround and allow over-the-air broadcasts to be viewed and recorder on iOS and Android, as well as Windows and OS X.

Speaking about FilmOn AIR, founder and CEO, Alki David, said in a press release, “In 2010, FilmOn ended up in an ongoing legal battle with all four of the major networks CBS, NBC, ABC and FOX, over FilmOn’s right to carry their signals over the Internet. The case is ongoing and FilmOn expects to settle the dispute this year,”

He continued, “FilmOn has licensed over 120 HD online television channels and has even launched its own College Sports and Live Soccer Channels, but the challenge has been in legally bringing major network programming to our line-up whilst respecting the networks’ traditional business models.”

Visit FilmOn for more info.

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The new tizi Remote app lets users make use of the iPhone 4S and lets users change and browse channels, pause and rewind live TV etc., but it also makes use of Siri functionality.

Using the Apple iPhone 4S app and using the power of your voice, viewers can change channels and do other voice controlled tomfoolery.

Voice control is starting to make appearances in the TV market with LG launching a voice controlled version of their magic remote.

The system is not available in the US at this time, you need a new iPad and a new iPhone to use it too, which narrows down the market for this system.

And many people may question why you would need a remote to control an iPad that is in your hands at the time your watching it!

But it is interesting to see more manufacturers make use of voice control which looks to be the next big development in TV control. The app can be downloaded free from the Apple iTunes App Store right now.

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WD has also announced the streaming movie service VUDU, as well as several other new sports and entertainment services to the WD TV Live™ and WD TV Live Hub™ media players. These new services complement the current content offerings from Netflix^®, Hulu Plus™, Blockbuster^®, CinemaNow^®, Spotify^™, Pandora^®, YouTube^®, Facebook^® and many others. In addition to VUDU, the new services include SnagFilms, XOS College Sports, SEC Digital Network, Comedy Time and Watch Mojo.

Improved Navigation with WD TV Remote

The new WD TV Remote app improves the navigation experience for WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub users, providing all the features of the standard WD TV remote control along with several advanced features, including a gesture pad to help navigate menu screens and services with intuitive touch gestures, as well as QWERTY keyboard support for text entry and search functionality. A favourites screen provides quick access to entertainment services on the WD TV. WD TV Remote connects over the home wireless network and can work with multiple WD TV media players in the home. Additionally, WD TV Remote is available in multiple languages, including English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, Korean, Chinese Simplified, Chinese Traditional, Russian, and Portuguese.

“WD TV personalises the entertainment experience for consumers better than any other digital media player,” said Chris Bull, director of marketing for WD’s Connected Home Solutions group. “Whether it is photos or movies on your PC, Mac^®, tablet, smartphone, personal cloud drive such as the My Book^® Live, or one of our exciting entertainment services such as VUDU, WD TV media players enable anyone in the family to easily enjoy a custom entertainment experience with their favourite movies, TV shows, music and photos.”

New Services[1]

• · VUDU – WD TV (USA only) customers now have access to VUDU’s large HD library of movies and TV titles instantly on their home entertainment systems. WD supports the HDX™ video format that features 1080p Full HD video and rich Dolby Digital Plus 7.1 audio, allowing users to enjoy a cinema-like experience at home with the hottest new releases available on-demand without any subscription fees or late fees. Upon VUDU registration on their device WD TV media player users will receive a $4.99 USD credit towards VUDU movie rentals, which are available to rent starting at just $2 USD for two nights.
• · SnagFilms – Available world-wide, customers now have on-demand access to SnagFilms’ broad collection of full-length independent films, free of charge, in genres such as documentary, comedy, drama, family friendly and pop culture.
• · XOS College Sports – Available world-wide, this free service offers the largest digital library of college sports video, including more than 75 years of current and classic college sports action.
• · SEC Digital Network – Available world-wide, on demand access is available for current season and classic Southeastern Conference games, videos, interviews and more. This service includes more than 1,000 hours of original and exclusive video.
• · Comedy Time – Available in the world-wide, this free service includes a broad library of short-form comedy video programming.
• · Watch Mojo – Available world-wide, customers now have free access to Watch Mojo’s professionally-produced premium videos in categories such as Comedy, Education, Fashion, Food, Health & Fitness, Music, Politics, Technology and Video Games.

Price and Availability

The VUDU, SnagFilms, XOS College Sports, SEC Digital Network, Comedy Time and Watch Mojo services are now available on WD TV Live and WD TV Live Hub media players, which are available at select UK retailers and online at www.wdstore.co.uk starting at £99.99 MSRP.

WD TV Remote is currently available as a free download from the iTunes^® Store and we anticipate will be available on the Android Market soon.

About WD

WD, one of the storage industry’s pioneers and long-time leaders, provides products and services for people and organisations that collect, manage and use digital information. The company designs and produces reliable, high-performance hard drives and solid state drives that keep users’ data accessible and secure from loss. Its advanced technologies are configured into applications for client and enterprise computing, embedded systems and consumer electronics, as well as its own consumer storage and home entertainment products.

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Control Roku with your iPhone

Using the Roku for iPhone remote app users can organize channels, get an instant replay, and if your lucky enough to have more than one Roku then the app can switch between them.Other functions include skip, play, instant replay and a store tab which lets users visit the channel store.

The Roku device is a set-top box that can stream internet video including movies and TV shows onto the television set and can launch channels which include Netflix, Hulu and Amazon.

Roku recently launched the LT streaming device and have announced plans to launch in the UK and Canada early next year. The iPhone has plenty of other remote apps for online TV systems such as Google TV.

The free app for iPhone can be obtained from the App Store now.

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Whilst the HBO Go service does not allow live streaming of channels, the latest shows will be available same day and archived content will also be available on the service.

Speaking in a joint statement, the two companies said that viewers “will have free, unlimited access to the corresponding online services at any time, on any computer in the U.S. with a high-speed Internet connection, as well as a host of other devices, including the iPad.”

Time Warner have indicated that the HBO Go and MAX Go will begin within the next month. The MAX Go service offered by HBO’s sister channel, Cinemax, has around 400 titles on offer.

The HBO Go is a response to the threat and growth of streaming companies such as Netflix.The TV Everywhere service lets HBO subscribers stream over 1400 programs via the web using computers, smartphones and tablet computers. The app has been downloaded over 5 million times.

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This type of feature is being seriously examined by Google as they attempt to create their own, which has been touted as coming for a while. A Google voice-control system has been said by many to be planned with a ‘Star Trek feel’ about it, with those previous claims reiterated by the fact that the current codename for Google’s project is ’Majel’, said to be named after the voice actor (Majel Barrett-Roddenberry) of the spacecraft computer in the popular sci-fi series.

Current components of Google’s ‘Majel’ are said to include the option to activate it via the phrase ‘Computer…’, integration with recent Google acquisition Alfred (a ‘Digital Personal Assistant’) for their smartphones, and engaging in more natural dialogue, as opposed to the linear command-based Google Voice Actions currently in use on Android systems.

A Google source has leaked information on the app in recent days, describing a multiple-search feature: “It’s definitely as good, or better, than Siri. If you say ‘show me the Statue of Liberty’ it’ll automatically take you to Google Image results, but another tray beneath it might be its location on Google Maps and then another tray might have a Wikipedia page.”

Android’s operating system director Matias Duarte had hinted in October at a highly interactive, intelligent, and responsive system for their next release, stating at the time: “You can talk to it and you can touch it, you can interact with it at the same time as you talk with it.”

With Google’s own TV service faltering, they may also wish to implement the Android technology into other products, such as an own-brand rival to Apple’s new connected TV set. However, with some sections of Internet users already requesting that Google implement original ‘Starship Enterprise’ quotes into the app’s dialogue, could ‘Majel’ be overlooked for its useful voice-control qualities and just end up being seen as a licenced Star Trek toy?

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Is Android taking iPhones crown?

So what evidence does he have to backup the claims? Schmidt said that Android has overtaken Apple in the smartphone wars thanks to a number of factors including, “unit volume, Ice Cream Sandwich, the price is lower, there are more vendors.”

He continued, “Ultimately, application vendors are driven by volume, and volume is favoured by the open approach Google is taking. There are so many manufacturers working to deliver Android phones globally. Whether you like Android or not, you will support that platform, and maybe you’ll even deliver it first.”

He also said that within months, developers would be releasing apps on the Android OS before Apple devices. Presently most big apps come to iOS first then Android, but he said, “six months from now you’ll say the opposite”.

Of course it is only to be expected that the CEO of Google is going to big up Android even if he thinks iPhone is the more polished product. Android is becoming a phenomenum with over 200 million Android phones in circulation and over 550,000 handsets selling every day, but Apple is still reigning supreme and i’m sure they will not just sit still and watch Android steamroller them.

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iPlayer mobile app goes global

That release, called ‘Global iPlayer’, offered subscription-based BBC content originally to users in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland, and followed up with expansions in September to Australia and Canada.

The new release is scheduled to be officially out on Apple’s smaller touchscreen devices tomorrow, and will be accessible to users in the above-mentioned countries for similar monthly prices, for which they will get the chance to watch both classic and new BBC content on-demand.

BBC Worldwide chief executive John Smith said of the upcoming release: “The global BBC iPlayer has seen great growth since the pilot first launched in July – both in terms of geographical expansion and technological developments. Moving to iPhone and iPod Touch allows us to take the service to a significant new potential audience and deliver fantastic programme content from the BBC and the UK’s creative industry.”

Jana Bennett, head of the Global iPlayer product, added her opinion on both the release, and a new arrangement which sees Global iPlayer host content from independent distributor DRG (mainly shows featured on BBC terrestrial rival Channel 4): “This platform extension shows how Global iPlayer isn’t just about moving TV to tablet devices, it’s also about a mobile strategy – about truly getting TV everywhere in a way that it hasn’t been before. We also want the global BBC iPlayer to be truly representative of the whole gamut of British creative output, to represent everything that is great about British content – not just the Best of British TV but the Best of British Culture.”

Statistics show that so far, the Global iPlayer experiment has been a success, with Bennett reporting that around 75% of the service’s subscribers access the app every day, while 35% view an average of more than one show per visit, and 25% continue browsing on the app after finishing a programme, giving a clear indication that the service is becoming a good source of income to the BBC, as well as a value-for-money source of entertainment for its international users. Will their latest step forward on portable devices be a further success?

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The Sky Go app from BSkyB has had an upgrade that gives viewers a choice from hundreds of movies on-demand. The app can be downloaded and used free for Sky subscribers or for a fee if your not.

Sky add anytime content to Go app

The new movies on demand service has a big choice of  movies that include the latest releases as well as classic movies from the past. Users can view Sky movies live (as per original app) or on-demand ‘anytime’ with the new update.

Currently available to run only on PC, Xbox 360 and iOS mobile devices from Apple that include the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. An Android version of Sky Go is set to launch within the next few months. Movies can be streamed via WiFi with 3G support coming soon.

Sky who are the largesty satellite pay-TV broadcaster in the UK are gearing up for an onslaught of online competition from other streaming on-demand services like Netflix, Lovefilm and Google TV which are all available or due soon in the UK. UK retailer HMV also just announced there own streaming on-demand service last week,

The Sky Go app was created after Sky merged the Sky Player and Sky Mobile TV services into one, and was launched back in the summer of 2011. Sky Go customers are able to watch streaming on two connected devices at one time.

Speaking about the app, Holly Knill, Head of Sky Player and Mobile TV said, “The launch of Sky Movies on demand with Sky Go will give customers complete control over how, when and where they access hundreds of movies, including new releases and classic films – all at no extra charge.”

The app has an on now tab showing live content and a new anytime tab which offers on demand content. The movies available from categories that include classics, most popular, showcase, family and sci-fi/horror include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1, Mary Poppins, Devil, Little Fockers, Gulliver’s Travels, Limitless and Inception.

Having tested the app, i can safely say it’s an awesome product with so many good movies, you could watch it for weeks. The only thing missing from the app is the facility to download content to watch later. But maybe they are saving that for the next update.

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In keeping with their current ‘heat’ theme of naming, the provisional name for their potential Android-powered smartphone product is the Amazon Blaze, with the device most likely to offer many of the integrated Amazon.com features of its tablet counterpart, alongside regular smartphone features.

Another key feature that could be included (judging by leaked pictures) is the application of solar energy as its main power source, meaning that the Blaze could become a popular alternative for mobile phone users tired of having to charge their device through a plug socket when the power is running low.

Citigroup analyst Mark Mahaney claims that an ‘Amazon Blaze’ product could be rolled out by the end of 2012 at another relatively low price of $160, despite a projected production cost that would be between $10 higher or lower than that figure, meaning that sales numbers are probably the priority for Amazon over potential profit.

Mahaney said of the developments, and their possible pricing structure: “Based on our supply chain channel checks in Asia… we believe an Amazon Smartphone will be launched in 4Q12. Based on our supply chain check, we believe FIH [Foxconn International Holdings] is now jointly developing the phone with Amazon.”

He continued, “For a normal brand like HTC, they need to price the product at US$243 to make 30% gross margin. If Amazon is actually willing to lose some money on the device, the price gap could be even bigger.”

While money may not be a current concern for Amazon when they are developing own-brand products, profit is definitely in their long-term plans. Will they manage to break straight into the smartphone market in a similar manner to their tablet computer developments?

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Flash is dead on mobile devices

Adobe have agreed with the rest of the mobile community that HTML5 is a better solution for streaming video content across the wide range of mobile platforms.

There were many critics of Flash on mobile devices, from being too processor intensive to draining the battery power and security risks that made the platform unattractive.

Flash also had no support from Apple or Microsoft leaving the prospects for Flash being adopted on mobile, tablet and television looking grim.

The use of Flash on connected TV is not widespread, however it is used in the Google TV software running on ony and Logitech hardware, and it is also the player for the UK’s YouView IPTV service.

Adobe made the announcement in a blog post which will effectively kill off flash. Although Adobe are promising to continue development on the PC, mobile devices are the future. Any web designer worth their salt would not incorporate a flash based design when all the growing traffic comes from smartphones and tablets.

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Although we’re used to being able to sit down and watch TV shows for free on services like Hulu as well as a number of network websites, finding free TV in a mobile environment is a headache. It seems that every mobile TV platform is a paid service. And in this economy, not everyone has the extra money to shell out on monthly cable/satellite service or pay premium fees for specialized services.

But if you’re looking for a way to gain mobile access to your favorite shows, here is a rundown of some of the most popular streaming media options, despite their various costs.

1)Hulu Plus: Although you can watch plenty of TV shows and movies for free through Hulu on your computer, in order to watch it on your mobile device, you’ll have to pay. The Hulu+ app for your smartphone is $7.99/month and gives you access to all the premium content on Hulu+, not just the free stuff.

2) iTunes: There are thousands of movies and TV shows available on iTunes. However iTunes doesn’t have a subscription service, you have to buy (or rent) each episode, season, or movie individually. On the plus side, once you’ve bought and downloaded anything, it is yours to keep forever and you can play it without having to be connected to the internet.

3) Netflix: Netflix also has a huge streaming library of TV and movies, and you can download the app for free when you sign up for the service (starting at about $10/month). It’s a lot like Hulu+, only more focused on movies rather than TV shows.

4) Cable/Satellite providers: Not to be left behind in the digital revolution, many of the top cable and internet providers, like DISH and Comcast (Xfinity), now offer apps for watching premium content through your mobile device when you sign up for service. Pricing will vary according to your package and services, but you can end up paying over $100/month for one of these plans.

5) OrbLive and Slingbox: Others apps like OrbLive and Slingbox let you remotely access music, movies, and TV shows you have stored on your home computer. However, not only do you have to buy the app and the hardware ($100-$350), then you have to do all your own setup and may have to buy even more hardware in order to watch live TV. So, unless you’re very tech-savvy to begin with, this is probably not a good option.

Besides these options, you can download apps from ABC and CBS that offer you free access to their shows, but unless you’re a really big fan of CSI or The Bachelorette, this is very limiting.

In the end, if you want access to a wide variety of streaming content on your mobile device, you’ll need to pay. In order to decide which option is best for you, you’ll have to decide what kind of content you want access to and how much you are willing to pay. For those that want current TV episodes from the major networks, Hulu+ might be best. But if you want immediate access to a spate of HBO shows, maybe it’s better to go through your cable/satellite provider. Or if what you really want is movies, go for Netflix.

James Ged is a writer and marketer for CableTV.com. He generally writes about cable tv programming and shares cool tv memes at TV Buzzer.

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