Redbox Instant app available for Google TV

Posted on 04/06/2013 by Richard Lawler

During CES, Redbox and Verizon mentioned Google TV among the platforms getting an app and now they've delivered. The Redbox Instant app for Google TV is in the Google Play market, however only owners of second gen hardware will be able to make full use of it. As the folks at Google TV Friends found, it can be side loaded on the Logitech Revue for example and even play previews, however it won't rent any movies. At Google I/O Redbox explained to GigaOm that support would be restricted, while showing off a newer version of the app that will be released after the Jelly Bean Google TV update hits and mentioning a Roku version on the way. Redbox's support page explains the lack of support for first generation hardware is because only newer devices have the necessary DRM support, owners of those boxes can install the app from the link below.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Google

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Via: Google TV Friends (Google+)

Source: Google Play

Watch ABC app with live TV streaming comes to Kindle Fire, but not Google Play

Posted on 31/05/2013 by Richard Lawler

ABC dipped its toe into live network TV streaming with the Watch ABC app on the web and iOS earlier this month, and now it's followed up with a version for Amazon's Kindle Fire and Kindle Fire HD tablets. Unfortunately, despite the Amazon Appstore listing it's still not in Google Play so other Android devices can't get easy access yet. At launch the press release mentioned Samsung Galaxy hardware will also be supported this summer, but there's no word beyond that.

Of course, the same location restrictions still apply no matter what platform, with Watch ABC currently available in NYC and Philadelphia only. Through the end of June anyone in those areas can tune into the live streams, however after that it will require authentication with a participating cable or satellite company. Viewing areas will also start to include into other markets throughout the summer and fall based on ABC's agreements with its affiliates. The Watch strategy has worked well so far for Disney's cable networks (ABC Family is up next), whether its push to bring live network TV to the internet is spurred by Aereo or Nielsen's new ratings, we hope more can watch it soon.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Amazon

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Source: Amazon

TV Guide redesigns One-Stop TV app for Android, catches up with iOS version

Posted on 08/05/2013 by Myriam Joire

Remember how TV Guide relaunched its mobile app for iOS last summer? Well the company's Android app, One-Stop TV, is finally catching up with the iOS version thanks to a complete redesign. The app includes TV Guide's popular Watchlist feature, a personalized profile which lets you find different ways to watch shows -- from sources like TV, on-demand, streaming and DVD. One-Stop TV automatically links to the HBO GO, Hulu Plus, The CW, MAX GO and Crackle apps, allowing you to access shows instantly. Another new feature, New Tonight Trending, provides a "social hot list" of what others are watching. But wait, there's more! The app gains a heavy dose of social networking integration plus content filtering, curated watchlists (including topics such as celebrities and sports) and original editorial content. Want to try it out? Follow the Play Store link below, then check out the PR after the break.

Filed under: Software, HD, Mobile, Google

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Source: Business Wire, Play Store

Netflix’s latest original series ‘Hemlock Grove’ is available for streaming

Posted on 19/04/2013 by Richard Lawler

Netflix's original content assault continues today with the debut of Hemlock Grove, a "supernatural" series directed by Eli Roth. This series takes place in a small Pennsylvania town which has suddenly come down with a bad case of werewolf attacks. Previous releases Lilyhammer and House of Cards chased viewers interested in quirky foreign humor and political drama, respectively, so this series represents a bit of a shift. Later this year, the streaming service will debut Orange is the New Black from Weeds creator Jenji Kohan and the second season of Lilyhammer. Cards is also due for a second season, and sci-fi fans have Sense8 to look forward to in 2014.

We'll see if its data-based approach to picking series has found another quality option in Hemlock Grove, however early reviews suggest that may not be the case for all viewers. Hitfix's Alan Sepinwall referred to it as a "streakbuster" between Cards and the upcoming season of Arrested Development, and a New York Times evaluation of the first few eps notes "it barely gets around to telling its story." Of course, it may just be targeted to viewers with different priorities, who will appreciate its style more than they did, and the company's algorithms are just waiting to dig those people out of the crowd. Whatever the case, with Netflix's characteristic all-episodes-at-once release schedule you can power through all 13 episodes and find out for yourself right now.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Netflix

Roku 3 goes on sale tomorrow for $99 with upgraded CPU and a new UI

Posted on 06/03/2013 by Richard Lawler

Almost two years after its last major set-top box rollout, Roku is ready to introduce its first third generation player. Other than a new curvier design outside the Roku 3's main differences are a more powerful processor inside, the addition of dual band WiFi and a tweaked remote with audio out (headphones included) for private listening. Of course, hardware is only half the story and the new player debuts a reworked interface that will also spread to "current generation" players (read: Roku 2, new HD, LT and Streaming Stick) as an update in April. Roku 3 goes on sale tomorrow through Roku.com and Amazon.com for $99, taking the place of the current top of the line XS model. We'll go more in depth about what's new this time around, including a video preview of the new UI, after the break.

Gallery: Roku 3 hardware, interface

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

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Source: Roku Blog

Redbox Instant beta invites slowly start rolling out, iOS and Android apps appear

Posted on 20/12/2012 by Richard Lawler

As promised, the Redbox Instant beta is under way, offering interested customers and employees an early peek at its blend of kiosk rentals and streaming video. With unlimited subscription video and four Blu-ray rentals per month available for just $9 we expect there to be significant interest, if you haven't already signed up for early access on the website we suggest you do so promptly. The service's apps are already available on iTunes and Google Play, although you'll need one of the access codes being doled out to activate them. Hit the source link to get on the list, until then go over the official details and wonder just what might be waiting.

Continue reading Redbox Instant beta invites slowly start rolling out, iOS and Android apps appear

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD, Mobile, Verizon

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Source: iTunes, Google Play, Redbox Instant

Vudu launches movie streaming / downloads to Android tablets, Xbox 360 app supports 1080p

Posted on 20/12/2012 by Richard Lawler

Coming about a year after its launch on iOS, Walmart-owned Vudu has opened up access to its (UltraViolet-connected) movie library on Android. Interestingly, it's included a key feature not currently available in the iPad and iPhone Vudu Player app: users can download videos for offline viewing just like they do on PCs, not just streaming over WiFi in the browser. A free app ready for download to "select" Android tablets, there's no word on when or if it will appear on phones, but we're told the list of supported devices will continue to grow.

Vudu also notes in the press release (included after the break) that as of last month, its Xbox 360 app has been updated to support 1080p HDX streaming video. Do you really need another reason to give it a shot? If so, try this one on -- all new users who activate an UltraViolet account between now and March get 10 free movies. There's still the pain of creating multiple logins for the virtual locker, but between Vudu and Flixster offers you should be able to snag a bunch of free flicks watchable anywhere on your Android device without spending a cent (or hunting through torrents and the like, your choice).

Continue reading Vudu launches movie streaming / downloads to Android tablets, Xbox 360 app supports 1080p

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Tablets, HD, Mobile

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Source: Google Play

Snag YouTube’s redesign early with a quick browser cookie change

Posted on 24/10/2012 by Alexis Santos

After a debut this summer, YouTube's visual refresh hasn't rolled out to all of its users, but the folks at OMG! Chrome! have stumbled upon a way for you to get in on the action a little early. Simply point Chrome or Firefox to YouTube, open up the browser's console, enter a line that'll fiddle with a cookie and you'll be able to cruise Google's video service with its fresh coat of paint. To open up your console in Firefox, just punch Control+Shift+K on Windows or Command+Alt+K on a Mac. For Chrome, hit Control+Shift+J on a PC or Alt+Command+J on machines running OS X. Can't wait to take the new look, which gives Google+ a nod, for a spin? Hit the source link below for the code snippet to get started.

Filed under: Internet, Google

Snag YouTube's redesign early with a quick browser cookie change originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 20:03:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Netflix Watch Instantly is live in Finland, completes Nordic sweep with Norway, Denmark and Sweden

Posted on 18/10/2012 by Richard Lawler

Thanks to a rapid pace of one country per day Netflix has made light work of its Nordic roll out. The internet movie service is launching its final Scandinavian flag today in Finland after starting Monday in Sweden, then notching Denmark and Norway (pictured above) in between. As with the others there's extensive device and app support from the start, and although the content selection may vary Netflix is the exclusive streaming home of Iron Sky, for all your Nazis-on-the-moon viewing needs. Not enough? Hey, there's always HBO Nordic, and you don't even need cable or satellite to get it.

Continue reading Netflix Watch Instantly is live in Finland, completes Nordic sweep with Norway, Denmark and Sweden

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD

Netflix Watch Instantly is live in Finland, completes Nordic sweep with Norway, Denmark and Sweden originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:06:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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