Digital Media Bytes

A periodic roundup of relevant news… Orb to pilfer YouTube videos for mobile phones: ZDNet Apple teams with airlines to deliver iPod integration: Press Release Fox begins selling movies and shows online: Broadcasting & Cable Motorola acquires Netopia to grow IPTV: Davis Freeberg CableLabs says they’ve streamlined MultiStream CableCARD process: Press Release

Does The Zune Matter?

I’m not sure how anyone could have missed it, but Microsoft’s Zune hits the streets today at $249. On the positive side, the iPod competitor integrates an FM receiver and WiFi functionality. But the Zune is bulkier than the iPod, offers fewer store downloads, has a small selection of accessories, isn’t cross platform, and it … Read more

Microsoft Beats Apple, TiVo, Netflix, Sony To VOD

Snooze you lose! I see an Xbox 360 in my future… as soon as new hardware (larger drives?) and/or lower prices are revealed in the next two weeks. All year I’ve been saying VOD is coming to the 360: Ultimately, Microsoft will want to simplify the process by taking a home computer out of the … Read more

What Are Apple’s Windows Ambitions?

Kevin over at jkOnTheRun wonders why point upgrades on iTunes, such as Tuesday’s 7.0.2 build, require a total application reinstall rather than a patch. Now that’s a pretty good question, but one that doesn’t interest me so much. The questions that do interest me involve Apple’s new Software Update Utility which was released in conjunction … Read more

Xbox 360: Video-On-Demand Trojan Horse

I’ve been theorizing for awhile that Microsoft’s Xbox 360 (and the forthcoming Sony Playstation 3) isn’t really about teens and video games. Obviously gaming is a core feature and responsible for getting these systems into many homes, despite the steep $400 price of admission. But that’s just a trojan horse — the real money and … Read more

Mac SlingPlayer Is Here!

I scheduled this post to run at 11:23PM EST… By the time it’s published, you should be able to download the public beta of the Mac SlingPlayer (and I should be sleeping). I haven’t seen a press release, in fact I don’t know if there will be one. But I can tell you I’ve seen … Read more

Interesting News Dave Hasn’t Covered

Never enough time… Copy and collate Internet video with Tioti. (TechCrunch) Tag DRM-ed Amazon products as such. (Defective by Design) Buy an HD DVD player, get three HD DVDs free. (EngadgetHD) Another Apple iPod touch screen patent application. (Apple Insider)

Mac TiVoToGo Non-Update, Sling Public Beta Opens 10/31

Over on the TCF a disgruntled Apple owner posted a note he received from TiVo when questioning the status of Mac TiVoToGo. I’m not sure TiVo initially gave this initiative the appropriate amount of attention, but I do appreciate what appears to be a frank response — despite calling Apple out (what’s a closed platform?) … Read more