Apple's subscription TV streaming ambitions include launching a service by the end of 2012, according to insiders, though the company faces ongoing struggles with content owners balking at its terms. "We decide the price, we decide what content" is Apple's one and only offer, according to sources familiar with the negotiations speaking to the NYPost; "They want everything for nothing" an unnamed media executive said of the Cupertino firm's ambitions.
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‘Streaming media’ Stories
Apple streaming TV due 2012 despite media stalemate tip insiders
Apple developing ‘adaptive streaming’ audio format
Apple is reportedly working on a new audio file format that would enable "adaptive streaming" of music accessed via the iCloud and iTunes Match. This feature will allow music quality to automatically adjust between high and low to accommodate the bandwidth or storage constraints of a user's portable device.
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MTV Under The Thumb Social TV hands-on
Streaming TV is about to get noisy, with the launch of MTV's new "Under The Thumb" app promising social entertainment targeted at the perpetually-connected, co-viewing regardless of distance, and super-streamlined multi display interactivity. Hitting iPhone and Android today, the app offers access to an on-demand catalog of MTV shows like Jersey Shore, 16 & Pregnant and Death Valley, which can be viewed on your smartphone - complete with instant messaging between viewers - and the ability to restream it direct to your internet-connected TV or computer, turning your phone into a remote control. Check out our hands-on first impressions after the cut.
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Google looks to hardware to save Google Music tip insiders
Google is counting on its own-brand home entertainment hardware to revive interest in Google Music, which according to sources has left the search giant and its label partners disappointed in initial user adoption. Although Google Music has only been operational for around three months and so concerns are not yet too serious sources, insiders close to the talks tell CNET that Google is expecting demand to leap when it outs an "array of consumer devices."
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Why Netflix’s Original Programming Is Its Best Idea Yet
Earlier this month, Netflix launched an original program starring Steven Van Zandt (of The E Street Band and “The Sopranos” fame), called “Lilyhammer.” The show details Van Zandt’s character’s life in Lilyhammer after he was forced to turn on the mob.
There are some who say that the show is fun and worth watching, while other critics say it’s a disappointment. As for me? Well, I’m not here to evaluate a new show. Instead, I’m here to tell you that Netflix’s decision to produce its own original programming is its best idea yet.
Philips HMP2000 Review
Smart TV is gaining traction, but not everybody wants to upgrade every set in their house just to add native streaming support for Netflix and similar services. Philips believes it has the answer with the HMP2000, a compact Netflix adapter that also promises YouTube, Facebook and local media access for under £50 ($79). Is this the Roku rival we’ve been waiting for? Check out the full review after the cut.
Google setting up high-speed fiber TV and web service
Here in the United States its becoming more and more evident that Google is preparing for a big product, one that not only brings hard-wired internet to your home, but brings you the streaming web you’ve grown accustomed to as well via Fiber. Google has been busy with the FCC lately, most recently (this week) seeking approval from the group to launch a video service over the fiber network it’s already begun building in Kansas City. This service (perhaps only in a limited form) could very well be launching inside the next two months.
Blockbuster On Demand coming to Samsung gadgets
Samsung has inked a deal with Blockbuster to deliver on-demand streaming movie and TV shows to Samsung smart TVs, ultrabooks, smartphones and tablets later in 2012. The service will hit Samsung hardware in the US, UK and across Europe in the first half of this year, according to Smarthouse, while other regions, including Australia, will have to wait until the second half of 2012 before they see it. Samsung is apparently cooking up a global billing system for easy content purchase no matter which device they're using.
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TiVo loses support for Blockbuster On Demand
We have some bad news for TiVo owners who enjoy streaming video from Blockbuster On Demand. Blockbuster has announced that it will stop supporting TiVo DVR's on March 31, 2012. You can read the official TiVo statement at the bottom of this post, but in a nutshell, Blockbuster claims it's updating its technology platform and won't be able to support TiVo in the future.
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Airway AirPlay speakers are almost genius
Apple's AirPlay system promises easier music streaming from your iPhone or iPad, and for a moment it seemed Systemline's Airway in-ceiling AirPlay-enabled speakers might be the best way of using it. Simple enough for DIY installation, the stereo speakers offer minimal visual clutter with Sonos-style remote control from your iOS gadget; unfortunately, it seems Systemline didn't go the whole hog and make the Airway speakers entirely self-contained.
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Philips HMP2000 takes on Roku
Philips is taking on Apple TV, Roku and others with a smart TV set-top-box, the Philips HMP2000, adding YouTube and Netflix streaming, among others, to any regular display. Connectivity includes integrated WiFi and HDMI for Full HD video output along with audio, and there's a USB port for hooking up a memory stick and playing back local media.
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Nintendo Wii gets Hulu Plus
Nintendo has launched Hulu Plus for the Wii, releasing an app for the subscription-based streaming TV service for its console, and offering new users two weeks of free access. Available for download from the Wii Shop Channel today, the Hulu Plus app costs $7.99 per month - after the trial is over - and gives access to a catalog of recent titles in the US.
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