Best Buy Launches On Demand Movie Service

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Best Buy announced an on-demand movie and entertainment service today that will be powered by Sonic's Roxio CinemaNow and will allow consumers to have access to buy or rent a vast library of premium content.
Best Buy has entered into a multi-year agreement in which Best Buy plans to license and deploy Sonic's Roxio CinemaNow technology and services platform to make on-demand digital content delivery a standard feature on connected consumer electronics devices sold by Best Buy.
Read more

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:54:59 CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Kingston and Paramount Digital Entertainment Team Up for Movies on Flash Memory

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Kingston and Paramount announced today that the two have teamed up to deliver Paramount movies on Kingston flash memory products. The partnership will deliver full-length movies to consumers as a bundle package sale.

Neither company divulged when the partnership will launch its first products or how the products will be packaged. I bet it will be along the lines of the Godfather flash drives we have seen before with the movie on a drive carrying logos from the film. What movies will be seen first is unknown as well. Read more

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 12:00:00 CST | by Shane McGlaun

VIA's Nano 3000 Provides an Atom Rival

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For the last year and change, Intel's Atom processors have basically been the first and last word in ultraportable CPUs. Today, VIA changes that with the launch of their new Nano 3000 series of processors (via Engadget). The Atom line is looking quite aged these days, but these six new Nano 3000 chips look much spiffier. Plus, they have a cool futuristic name. Nano 3000 sounds way cooler than Atom.

These CPUs run from 1 to 2 GHz in speed and each one packs an 800 MHz FSB, in addition to 64 bit support and Windows 7/Linux compatibility. The power ratings of this new line all measure in at about 20% more efficient than previous generation Nanos, and they also promise to have 1080p multimedia playback. Sign me the hell up for a netbook that packs one of these little darlings.

Posted on Tue, 3 Nov 2009 09:33:06 CST | by Robert Evans

Apple To Provide TV Through iTunes?

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I don't have access to cable TV, but I do have the Internet and an iTunes account. If I could pay $30 to get access to a wide variety of TV shows through iTunes, I'd be sorely tempted. Apple is apparently betting that there are a lot of people like me. According to AllThingsDigital Apple is pitching that very idea to several TV networks. And no, before you ask, this service has nothing to do with Apple TV.

There are over 65 million people with iTunes accounts. A potential audience of that size must look very good to the networks. While none of them have bought into the plan yet, it seems likely that Apple will be able to convince at least a few that its service has a future. The All Things Digital article states that Disney is one of the companies being courted.

Posted on Mon, 2 Nov 2009 11:56:57 CST | by Robert Evans

Sony PS3 Gets Netflix Movie Streaming

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Last week we reported that Netflix will be available on a mystery device with material install base. Today Sony announced that the Sony PS3 will get Netflix streaming enabled.
It was clear that the new device had to be a game console. Sony did the right step here and took away a big selling point of the Xbox 360, which has supported Netflix streaming for a while now. Read more

Posted on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 01:15:40 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

iFrame Video Format Support With iMovie 8.0.5 Update

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Apple issued an update that brings iFrame video format support to the iMovie application available in the iLife '09 software package.
With the iMovie 8.0.5 update you can use the new iFrame format designed by Apple to speed up importing and editing by keeping the content in its native recorded format while editing. Read more

Posted on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:41:06 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Movie Wedge Phone Stand Review

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Today I am checking out the cool Movie Wedge. The device is a simply and flexible stand for any mobile phone or PMP like the iPhone or iPod.

The device holds the PMP or phone in an upright position so you can watch movies in comfort. The cover of the Movie Wedge can even be used to clean the screen of your device. Read more

Posted on Fri, 9 Oct 2009 04:32:53 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microvision Showwx Pico Laser Projector Goes Commercial

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I mentioned recently that Microvision has announced the receipt of its first purchase order for its cool pico laser projector called the Showwx and was getting set to ship the first order. Microvision has now announced that the Showwx will be launched commercially.

The company will distribute the small laser pico projector through OEM channels through direct sales and international distributors. The projectors will also be distributed in Asia and Europe in the next several weeks. Read more

Posted on Mon, 5 Oct 2009 09:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Microvision Ships Laser Pico Projector Showwx

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We caught our first look at the Showwx pico laser projector back in January and were intrigued by a laser projector so small. Microvision has announced that it has received a purchase order and is set to begin shipping the Showwx. Microvision says that the Showwx is the world's first laser pico projector.

The plug-and-play projector is palm sized and looks to address one of the major shortcomings of most other pico projectors -- low brightness. The pico projectors I have used have not had enough lumens to work in a room that was even marginally bright. Read more

Posted on Thu, 1 Oct 2009 11:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Laser Based Anti-Paparazzi Shield Installed on Abramovich's New Yacht Eclipse

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Russian Oligarch Roman Abramovich has installed a laser based anti-paparazzi shield on his new record breaking mega yacht - the Eclipse.
The exact size of the Eclipse is not known yet, but it is supposed to be the largest private yacht of all time. Besides tons of high tech features the anti-paparazzi shield is possibly the most unique one.

The Times reports that infrared lasers detect the electronic light sensors in nearby cameras (CCDs). When the anti-paparazzi shield detects a camera it sends a light beam at the camera, making it impossible to take a photo. Read more

Posted on Mon, 21 Sep 2009 10:09:35 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Zune HD: Apps, Movies, and Games En Route

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Microsoft doesn't want to be Apple, but they want oh-so-badly to beat them in a few key areas. One of those areas is consumer media player technology. Apple has the edge (and 2/3rds of the market) with the iPod line. While the Zune HD is a solid piece of gadgetry, it doesn't come close to having the name recognition or market share of the iPod.

That's why Microsoft decided to look very closely at the business model for the iPod touch before getting to work on their Zune HD. Boy Genius reports that Redmond has admitted they have a big slew of games and apps on the horizon for the HD. New apps coming down the pipe include Twitter and Facebook for Zune, while new games include Project Gotham Racing: Ferrari Edition, Vans Sk8: Pool Service, and Audiosurf Tilt.

Posted on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 09:53:54 CDT | by Robert Evans

MovieWedge Holds Phone for Movie Playback

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If you have ever tried to watch a movie on your iPhone or iPod, the most difficult part can be getting the device into a position where it is comfortable to watch. It can be all the more difficult if you are in a location with uneven surfaces.

A new and very simple stand called the MovieWedge is now available. The stand is a small triangular beanbag that is designed to be flexible and molds to uneven surfaces like cushions, floors, and even your leg to hold your mobile device. Read more

Posted on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 12:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

YouTube: Now For Movie Rentals?

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Google needs to find some way to make YouTube profitable, we've all known this for a while. Even a giant like Google can't afford to subsidize the popular video-sharing site forever. YouTube costs the search engine leader an estimated $1.65 million per day. Hemorrhaging close to a billion dollars a year to keep an unprofitable site up and running is not a sustainable business model. So how is Google going to make YouTube profitable?

Apparently, by taking a leaf out of iTunes' book. According to a Wall Street Journal report, Google is thinking about offering movie rentals through YouTube as a way to start covering their costs. They're talking to Lion's Gate Entertainment, Sony Corp., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., and Time Warner Inc's Warner Bros. about charging for new movies on the YouTube site. If they get their wish, titles could be available for rent the same day they come out on DVD.

Posted on Thu, 3 Sep 2009 10:03:27 CDT | by Robert Evans

Asetek Provides Liquid Cooling for HP Z Workstations

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Asetek has been producing liquid cooling components for a long time. The company has multiple liquid cooling products that are available as add-ons to existing enthusiast computer systems. Lots of computer fans who like to overclock or play games use Asetek liquid cooling.

The company has announced that it is now providing HP with OEM cooling solutions for its HP Z series workstations. The liquid cooling solutions are available on both the HP Z400 and Z800 workstations. Other than keeping the computers cooler than air cooling solutions are capable of, the Asetek liquid cooling systems are also quiet. Read more

Posted on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 08:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Tim Burton's new Movie 9 gets D-Box Motion Chair Experience

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I first experienced the D-Box Motion Chair back in the day at the CES 2005. D-Box Technologies announced today that "9" Tim Burton's new film will have D-Box Motion Theatre seating experience.
There is a lot of action in this animated movie featuring sack puppets. Watching this movie on D-Box seats should be a thrill. Now you just need to find a D-Box enabled cinema near you. Read more

Posted on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:39:04 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Palm Pre launches in Europe with O2 and Movistar

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Palm Pre finally hits Europe! Palm today announced that the Palm Pre smartphone is scheduled to be available initially in the UK, Ireland and Germany exclusively on the O2 network, and in Spain exclusively on the Movistar network, in time for the holidays.

O2 is now offering the iPhone and the Palm Pre in the UK - nice lock on the advanced smartphone market.

Palm Pre was very successful for Sprint in the US. In its first weekend of availability in the United States, Palm Pre broke Sprint’s previous first-weekend sales records. Palm Pre also is scheduled to debut in Canada with Bell Mobility in the second half of 2009. Read more

Posted on Tue, 7 Jul 2009 03:18:02 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

Immersion Provides Touch Feedback Tech to Symbian Foundation

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Immersion offers touch and tactile feedback technology to a variety of different product segments form video game controllers to mobile phones. Immersion announced this week that it has joined the Symbian Foundation and was offering immersion TouchSense haptics technology for all Symbian platform developers.

The technology will also designers to build user experiences that offer touch feedback. The technology provides confirmation that a button was pressed and offers improved accuracy and depth to things like ringtones, games and more. Read more

Posted on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Hulu: Moving to Paid Subscription Model?

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Hulu is a wonderful website that offers streaming copies of hundreds of television shows, movies, documentaries, and short films. In very little time it has become one of the most popular destinations on the Internet. After all, who doesn't love having access to everything worth watching, 100% free of charge? Even dedicated media pirates were willing to forgo torrenting for the greater ease of just sitting through one or two short commercials an episode.

Now it looks like the golden age of Hulu might be coming to an end. Hulu's growth has started to stall, and NewsCorp is looking at ways to drive up profits before the free content giant collapses under its own weight.

Posted on Fri, 5 Jun 2009 13:15:00 CDT | by Robert Evans

AMD and Application Providers Accelerate Video for Consumers

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AMD has announced that it is working with leading application providers to help accelerate video for consumers. The video acceleration technology AMD is touting, takes advantage of AMDs computing platforms and accelerates software from a number of developers.

Accelerating the software is done via ATI Stream technology that allows an AMD GPU to work with the CPU. ATI rival NVIDIA offers the same sort of acceleration technology for certain software. The software has to be designed to run on a GPU though. Read more

Posted on Thu, 28 May 2009 07:00:00 CDT | by Shane McGlaun

Nokia Ovi App Store launched

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So you own a Nokia and you got really frustrated watching your friends have these cool fart simulators installed in a split second on their Apple iPhone. Fret no more as Nokia finally launched their Ovi App Store.
Today, Ovi Store by Nokia is available globally to an estimated 50 million Nokia device owners across more than 50 Nokia devices including the forthcoming flagship device, the Nokia N97. Read more

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2009 05:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr

iPhone to get iTunes Movies and iTunes TV Downloads

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A new rumor sprung up based on some ads that appeared on an iPhone App called Twitterfon. Apparently these mobile ads feature iTunes Movies, iTunes Movie Rentals, and iTunes TV.
This leads to the assumption that Apple will allow over the air downloads of movies and videos to the iPhone. Read more

Posted on Sat, 23 May 2009 13:00:00 CDT | by Luigi Lugmayr