Apple’s iTV software reboot, aka Take 2, just hit the net. TUAW itemizes the new features: HD/Standard Def movie rentals Purchase/rent items from the iTunes Store directly from Apple TV Flickr/.Mac photo browsing Browse the iTunes Podcast directory from the Apple TV With this refresh and lowered price point ($229), Apple TV is looking more … Read more
Vudu made a couple of CES announcements… Since their $399 movie download STB isn’t quite expensive enough, Vudu has introduced a higher priced model at $999 – offering only increased storage. From a business perspective, I get it – hard drives are cheap and “Vudu XL” margins will be much higher than the base Vudu … Read more
It’s not that I don’t appreciate Logitech’s diNovo Mini keyboard and trackpad. It’s just that I can’t think of a use for this little guy since dismantling my HTPC(s) and projector 2.5 years ago. Back in the day, I settled on a Gyration set – less for mousing through the air, and more for the … Read more
The Financial Times reports that Apple and 20th Century Fox have inked a deal to offer movie rentals. In order for this development to be meaningful, two things have to happen: Implement on-box Apple TV ordering Round up additional studios I see both as inevitable – it’s just a question of timing. Most studios haven’t … Read more
Mari’s in town visiting family, so we met up at the Starbucks to share our newer gadgets. Here’s some of the gear we had on hand: Flip Ultra Video Camera – I believe this was a holiday gift to Mari and what we used to spontaneously film our table. It shoots an hour of 640×480 … Read more
Sorry the posting’s been light… It’s been a hectic bi-coastal work week in NYC and the Bay Area (CES prep!), not to mention being slowed down by a 24 hour stomach bug. Expect typical posting frequency to resume when I return to DC tomorrow. In the meantime, according to reports back home, the delivery man’s … Read more
Several months after being acquired by video rental retailer Movie Gallery, rumor has it MovieBeam service is being shuttered next week. While I haven’t received a phone call or email notification (as a former customer), it wouldn’t surprise me if the service is killed – following in the footsteps of Akimbo’s dedicated hardware. MovieBeam, originally … Read more
Internet content distributor GridNetworks landed $9.5 million in Series A funding this week. While one of the three investors is Panorama Capital, the other two backers pique my curiosity because their identities haven’t yet been disclosed… and I get the sense they may be something other than VC firms. Chances are you haven’t heard of … Read more