Apple TV Updated. For Real This Time.
For a few short hours last week, Apple TV software update 6.0 was available. However, due to a variety of glitches, had been pulled. The patched software has made its triumphant return today, featuring iTunes Radio along with a few playback and synchronization enhancements. While iTunes Radio is frequently compared to Pandora, it feels more like a platform to merely sell tracks – given prices displayed all over the place. And if I wanted to listen to music through my TV, I’d head over to the way more visually stimulating VEVO — MTV for the digital age. Of course, Airplay remains unrivaled… although Google’s $35 DIAL-powered Chromecast dongle looks real promising. But I’m still holding out hope for a more powerful aTV, sporting a full fledged app store and the ability to take advantage of iOS’ new gaming controller API – I think you know where I’m going here. Folders for ‘My Apps’ versus the current Roku-esque clutter would also be an appreciated enhancement.
From the release notes:
PlayOn Preps Amazon & ESPN Chromecast Streaming
Our pal Brad Linder got the scoop on PlayOn’s next move from a NYC press event earlier this week… and Chromecast support is in the pipeline. While we’d originally portrayed PlayOn as something of a sketchy hack, our thinking has evolved… Given the rights holders sluggish metamorphosis and often onerous playback restrictions, we now recognize PlayOn … Read more
FiOS TV Lands On Kindle Tabs, Escapes Property Lines
Mere days after Mari dinged Verizon’s lagging app experience, FiOS Mobile has been updated on iOS and Android platforms. Joining existing live cable network availability (77 channels and a smattering of free on demand), Verizon has worked deals with many local affiliates (NBC!) and flipped the switch on out-of-home streaming. Remote viewing is somewhat limited … Read more
Mohu Curve Hits The Cord Cutting Scene
As you may recall, we had great luck pulling in over-the-air high-definition broadcasts via the flat Mohu Leaf antenna. And, while it works rather well, it’s somewhat lacking in the style department as a single, flexible sheet.. that I thumbtacked to the wall. Enter the new Mohu Curve ($55). The Curve’s unamplified reception range (30 miles) … Read more
Cox Pulls The Plug On flareWatch OTT TV Service
Another one bites the dust… Cox Communication’s over the top flareWatch television experiment has come to an end, with customers being notified of service termination and refunds (1, 2) while the landing page indicates “Service Unavailable.” The offering, built upon FanTV hardware, was intended to provide advanced television services, including cloud DVR and VOD, to cord cutters … Read more
SnapStream: The Beefiest DVR You'll Never Own
We’ve covered SnapStream since just about Day 1 here at ZNF and, along the way, struck up a friendship with CEO Rakesh Agrawal – someone we highly respect and enjoy regularly running into at trade show cab lines. As the story goes, SnapStream very successfully pivoted from hobbyist HTPC solution (BeyondTV) to professional grade TV monitoring… … Read more