Internet TV Reviews

Google is shutting down its Slide team, which has been running as an independent unit since it was bought over a year ago for $ 200 million. Slide was a social apps startup with its acquisition part of Google’s plans to get more social. But, that was before the success of Google+.

All of the Slide apps, including the newer ones that the team has been developing for the past year within Google, will get axed except for one. These soon to bid farewell apps include Disco, Pool Party, Video Inbox, and even the recently launched Photovine. The only one left standing is Prizes.org, which was developed for Google by the Slide team in China.

The Slide acquisition last August was under the direction of past CEO Eric Schmidt, who sought not only Slide’s social advantage but also its proven leader Max Levchin, who was the founder of PayPal. Since then, Larry Page has stepped in as CEO and the Google+ efforts are proving to be strong under the lead of existing execs, Vic Gundotra and Bradley Horowitz.

[via TechCrunch]

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Google shuts down Slide to focus on Google+ is written by Rue Liu & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

Last fall, Google made its first attempt to take over your living room with the launch of Google TV — a platform that merged the web with television content to create an experience promising to usher in a new era of convenience and interactivity.

Unfortunately it’s been mostly a dud thus far. The platform’s overly-complex user interface and content issues (some major channels specifically block access to their websites from Google TV devices) has led to weak adoption. Google is reportedly working to give the platform a major revamp, and there’s at least one more bright light in its future: soon, Google TV will support Android applications.

Now, Google’s been promising that the platform would be receiving Android support ever since it was first announced, but up until now there hasn’t been a strong indication as to when that’d actually happen (the most specific Google’s gotten has been “summer”). Today, we’re one big step closer to seeing that promise come fruition: Google has just released a preview version of a Google TV plug-in for the Android SDK.

This doesn’t mean that you can install Android apps yet. Rather, it means developers can start to tweak their existing Android apps for the so-called ’10 foot experience’, so that their apps will be ready once the Google TV update does ship to users.

From the Android blog:

These are still early days for Google TV, and this release is another step in providing developer tools for the big screen. While the number of apps available on TV will initially be small, we expect that through this early release of the add-on you’ll be able to bring optimized TV apps into the ecosystem more quickly. To start doing this, download the Google TV add-on today. Also, please continue to reach out to us on the Google TV Android Developer Community forum. We look forward to your contributions!

TechCrunch

Samsung may have publicly praised Google’s acquisition of Motorola earlier this week, but behind the scenes the company is reportedly furious that its competitiveness may be slipping away. Samsung Electronics chairman Lee Kun-hee chaired a last-minute meeting in the aftermath of the deal’s announcement, Yonhap News reports, in which he warned execs that IT power was shifting from hardware companies like Samsung, to those responsible for software. Meanwhile, the company is also reportedly preparing its new Super AMOLED HD display technology, which will be used to better differentiate Samsung’s phones and tablets from those of rivals.

“[Samsung] must strengthen the competitiveness of its information technology, secure more human resources and also more actively seek mergers and acquisitions … We must pay attention to the fact that IT power is moving away from hardware companies such as Samsung to software companies” Lee Kun-hee, chairman, Samsung Electronics

Kun-hee’s fears appear to revolve around the idea that its key rivals – Motorola, Nokia, Apple and others – all have close ties to a high-profile player in the smartphone and tablet software ecosystem. Apple has obviously got iOS, while Nokia’s deal with Microsoft over Windows Phone gives it flexibility with the platform that licensee Samsung doesn’t share. Motorola dropping into Google’s pocket – despite the Andy Rubin’s claims that the new acquisition is not an automatic lock-in for producing future Nexus-branded devices – potentially leaves Samsung on the back foot when it comes to Android, too, which until now has been the linchpin of the Korean company’s mobile efforts.

The chairman’s comments regarding “actively” seeking potential mergers and acquisitions would imply that Samsung will open its purse and buy up software expertise, though company execs say that there are no immediate purchase plans. Of course, Samsung also has bada, its home-grown OS, which has been left somewhat under-leveraged with the focus on Android.

As for the Super AMOLED HD screens, OLED-Info claims that industry insiders – one of which is reportedly a Samsung supplier – have confirmed that 720p 1280 x 720 resolution 5- to 7-inch displays are indeed in the pipeline, and should be announced imminently. They say we can expect 5- to 6-inch smartphones using the tech this fall, likely starting with the GT-I9220 mentioned on the supposedly leaked roadmap (which Samsung later claimed was inaccurate), followed by 7-inch Super AMOLED HD tablets by the end of the year.

The relatively small-scale 720p displays are possible, the insiders say, thanks to new PenTile matrix technologies and a refinement in the production process that has also seen Super AMOLED HD become cheaper than previous versions. Now, a Super AMOLED HD panel apparently costs around 20-percent less than a comparative S-LCD screen. We could well see the first fruits of those display labors at IFA 2011 at the beginning of September.

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Samsung reconsiders software “competitiveness” after Google Motorola deal is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

Google has announced a four day pseudonym grace policy on Google+, giving those not currently showing their real name on the social network the opportunity to change that, rather than see their account instantly suspended. According to Saurabh Sharma, a Google+ product manager, during that four days users will be able to interact on the site as normal; however, if they don’t add in their real name, then their account will be frozen.

“In the past when we found a profile that was not in line with our names policy we would suspend the profile and then let the user to appeal. We’re listening, learning and innovating to give our users the best experience possible. Starting today, if you find that your profile name does not adhere to our policy, we’ll give you a four day grace period to fix your profile name before we take further action. During this period, you can continue to use Google+ as usual” Saurabh Sharma, Google

The change in policy is a response to criticism Google saw of its previously draconian approach toward pseudonyms. Despite many people preferring to use different names or nicknames online, Google insists that Google+ “works best” when real names are listed; in the past, if it came across an account in which that wasn’t the case, it suspended it.

“We’re hoping that most affected users will be able to fix their profile name while continuing to enjoy all that Google+ has to offer. As always, Google believes you own your data. In the event you are unable to comply with our names policy, you can still take all your content with you, even after your profile is suspended” Saurabh Sharma, Google

The new policy is still causing controversy, however, with Google+ users complaining that the search giant hasn’t addressed the pseudonym issue, only introduced extra delay into how it is being – as they see it – incorrectly handled. Google’s approach has already put them on the radar of government privacy watchdogs, and while the company has previously suggested that official pseudonym support is on the roadmap, there’s still no public timescale – or, indeed, indication that Google believes pseudonyms have a place in Google+ – for its addition.

[via LAUNCH]

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Google+ pseudonym grace period misses the mark [Video] is written by Chris Davies & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

Later this summer, Vizio will launch an 8-inch tablet that will come with an IR blaster. According to the company, that device will support 95-percent of the consumer electronic devices currently available in the U.S.

I’m sure there are many out there that are excited by Vizio’s news. Those folks like the idea of being able to use a single device to surf the Web, check their e-mail, play with applications, and control their televisions.

But I can’t agree with them. I can’t stand the idea of using a smartphone or tablet as a remote. And the idea that the Vizio tablet will come with remote functionality doesn’t appeal to me in the least.

See, I’ve used portable devices as remotes before. I’ve used my iPhone to control my Apple TV, and I’ve controlled Google TV devices with Android remote controls. And I can say beyond a shadow of doubt that the experience just isn’t for me.

Of course, I realize that there are few out there that might agree with me. Supporters of the technology say that it’s the next logical step for universal remotes, since users will be able to have all the buttons they need on their touch screen, while still having the ability to surf the Web and do other things. It’s like having a Logitech Harmony remote, but better.

However, I don’t necessarily see value in universal remotes, and I don’t necessarily want my smartphone or tablet to do everything for me.

In my experience with universal remotes, I’ve found that they’re useful for a short period of time. I take an hour to set up all the gear in my living room then take another hour to become acclimated to the experience. After seeing the limitations on the universal remote and the odd quirks that annoy me, I inevitably switch back to my multi-remote setup.

Yes, I’m the guy that has 5 remotes and uses all of them to switch from one piece of content to another.

And while I’m sure there are some that scoff at that, I find it more appealing. I don’t need to deal with a touch screen and I’m not forced to keep mashing buttons to get to the desired remote. I simply need to pick up the remote that comes with a respective device, hit a few buttons, and I’m all set.

So, I’m afraid I won’t be one of the folks buying Vizio’s upcoming tablet for its remote functionality. Though I can see why some who already use universal remotes might like the idea of using it, I don’t. To me, using a smartphone or tablet for remote control isn’t worth my time. I’d rather stick with my multi-remote setup and be done with it.

Call me old-fashioned, but I think I’m getting the best experience by doing that.

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I Refuse to Use A Smartphone or Tablet As A Remote is written by Don Reisinger & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

If you’re a Comcast customer, your TV viewing experience will soon get very interactive. Just yesterday, Comcast announced a partnership with Skype to bring HD video calling to your television sets, and today the company unveiled a new Xfinity set-top box powered by Intel that will integrate Facebook to bring social features and app support to its content service.

Comcast is using Intel’s chip for its new Xfinity set-top box, which will be manufactured by Pace. Intel has been pushing its chips into the home-entertainment markets with Google TV products already employing them. However, sales for Google TV have not met targets, and so this new partnership with Comcast is a good opportunity for Intel to expand into the digital home space.

As for the Facebook integration, it goes beyond just being able to access Facebook from an app launcher. Xfinity will allow subscribers to suggest programming to friends and also receive recommendations. Other apps will also be delivered through Xfinity, such as real-time traffic and weather, although which ones have not yet been confirmed.

However, it has not been confirmed yet when and where the new set-top boxes will be deployed and whether there will be an additional cost for current subscribers.

[via VentureBeat]

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Comcast Unveils New Xfinity TV Set-Top Boxes With Integrated Facebook And Intel Processors is written by Rue Liu & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

Originally scheduled for release in February, Orb BR is out now. Marketed as a low-cost alternative to internet ready TVs and other streaming media center options, Orb BR can transform a PS3 or any Blu-ray player with a network connection into a content streaming media controller. Users simply put the Orb BR disk into their PS3 or Blu-ray player, then download the free software for their iOS or Android device and the free Orb Caster software on their PC or Mac.

The Orb BR disk is $ 19.99, and is available for PS3 now, and other Blu-ray players next month. The software allows the streaming of both local and internet content, and iTunes library integration is included. It streams in up to full 1080p HD. That means any content on a user’s home network could be streamed through the Orb enabled device and controlled by smartphone or computer. The Orb BR also supports MKV video. This allows content to be watched from Hulu, HuluPlus, NetFlix, Amazon, YouTube, and others.

The Search feature allows users to simply type the name of the show they wish to see, and Orb BR queries locally and on-line until it finds the right program. They don’t have to search by network or specify the source, Orb BR is supposed to find it. Orb Networks also has other products out like the Orb Music Player, and the Orb TV solution. We can’t wait to get a hands-on to see the Orb BR in person.

Press Release:

OAKLAND, Calif., June 7, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Orb Networks (www.orb.com) today announced that it is shipping its new Internet TV streaming software for PlayStation 3 players, making it easy for consumers to watch thousands of online TV shows and movies from Hulu, HuluPlus, Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, YouTube, Comedy Central and more on any TV. The new Orb BR (Blu-ray) software works with an Internet- connected PS3, and is easily controlled through a smart device app (iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android phone, Android tablet) or using any computer.

Priced at only $ 19.99, Orb BR leverages the consumer’s investment in a PS3, and offers a simple and cost-effective way to enter the new world of connected TV without buying or installing any new hardware. In addition to a huge selection of online TV shows, Orb BR provides consumers with access to thousands of movies on their TV, via Netflix and Amazon Video on Demand.

With Orb BR, consumers can stream more than online content, including anything that’s on their PC — downloaded DivX/XviD files, home movies and photos. Orb BR even allows users to stream their iTunes library through their Home Theatre sound system.

Orb BR works with PS3 units that are connected to the Internet using a wired or wireless connection. To help consumers easily find and watch their favorite shows, the Orb controller app features a powerful and easy-to-use global index of TV shows. Consumers can type in the name of the show they want and then Orb quickly finds the show, without having to specify its source (e.g. Hulu, Netflix, ABC, CBS, etc).

It’s quick and easy for consumers to get started with Orb BR because there is no hardware to install. To set up Orb BR, users simply insert the Orb BR disk into their PS3, download the free Orb Caster software to their PC or Mac, and then download the free Orb controller app to their smart device(from the App Store or Android Marketplace).

Orb BR for PS3 is now shipping at www.orb.com, and can be ordered online at orb.com for $ 19.99. Orb BR for Blu-ray players is scheduled to ship in early July.

About Orb Networks

Based in Oakland, California, Orb Networks, Inc. is the leader in digital media streaming solutions for the digital home and remote access applications. In addition to Orb BR, Orb Networks offers the Orb Music Player ($ 79) that streams iTunes and Pandora to any home stereo. And, the Orb TV ($ 99) solution, with a hockey puck-sized device that plugs into a TV, enables consumers to stream online video content to a TV. Focused on enabling the enjoyment of media anytime, anywhere, the company develops and markets PC (Windows, Mac, and Linux) software, smartphone applications and web application services. For more information about Orb products, please visit www.orb.com.

SOURCE Orb Networks, Inc.

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Orb BR Released, Turns PS3 or Bluray Player into Media Streaming Hub is written by Ammon Carpenter & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2011, SlashGear. All right reserved.

SlashGear

Google’s mantra of launching products early and often didn’t exactly work with Google TV. It hit the ground with a gimped feature set and limited hardware options. The analogy of Android simply hasn’t held true as hardware makers and retail vendors alike simply haven’t picked up the devices. Today, at Google I/O, new hardware partners were announced as well as an updated OS. Google TV might finally be off the starting line.

Samsung and Vizio are joining Logitech and Sony as hardware venders of Google TV. This announcement isn’t much of surprise, really. The two were rumored to have Google TV product announcements set for CES 2011 back in January, but nothing ever came of it. In fact another rumor told a tale of Google themselves delaying the product announcements.

Google also announced that devs can start building apps for the platform using the normal Honeycomb SDK and that Google Market should hit the platform “soon.” Android 3.1 will hit Google TV this summer, but any changes were not announced.

Still, we’re left wondering about Google TV’s future. It clearly looks more bright now than even at its much-hyped launch, but can Market access and 3.1 save one of Google’s more novel products? We’ll talk more once they hit.

CrunchGear

The Lookee TV is a small internet TV and radio player that connects to your home network. The gadget comes in three models including a table-top model, a portable model, and a set-top box model. All models are equipped with TV out with support for resolutions up to 720 x 480 pixels. The Lookee TV receives over 30,000 streaming radio stations and over 1,000 streaming TV channels for free. The company maintains its own strategically-located international content servers. Additionally, you can use the Lookee TV as a digital picture frame or a media player. The gadget is able to play videos or picture slideshows from its integrated SD card slot. There is also a line-in audio jack that provides for connections with an iPod or an MP3 player. Each purchase of the Lookee TV comes equipped with a wireless remote controller. [Product Page]

TechFresh, Consumer Electronics Guide

With the launch of new Sony Bravia TV line up this year (even though there are rumors that the HX929 65″ behemoth may not even hit the market later this summer), Sony created a pretty enticing, blast from the past integrated ad that was “aired” exclusively to Sony Electronics YouTube™ viewers and Facebook fans. The 30 second version will be airing in select TV markets. However enjoy the 60 second of goodness and let us know if this is a true representation of Sony TV empire.

Sony Insider