Roku iPad Remote App Now Ready For Download

The unofficial Roku DVPRemote iOS app has been updated to version 2.2. While it’s always allowed us to control our Roku media streamers via iPhone and iPod Touch, this refresh launches as an universal binary with brand spanking new iPad interface. In addition to the replicating the physical Roku remote(s), what’s so useful about DVPRemote is … Read more

A Few Notes On Acquisitions (Money Talks)

Of course the big news today is Cisco’s abandonment of their $590 million Flip acquisition. Yeah, it’s a disappointment (which we saw coming) and somewhat perplexing that a buyer wasn’t lined up – the brand retains significant value even if the recent and unreleased products don’t. Over on Twitter, I had an interesting exchange with former Wired reporter … Read more

UMI, Flip, and Ojo – Where Video Was a No-Go

Cisco has announced it’s closing down the Flip business and folding the UMI video conferencing product into its Business TelePresence line. The news comes on the heels of last week’s announcement that WorldGate, maker of the ill-fated Ojo video phone, has finally shut its doors for good. Bye bye, badly-managed video products. Hello, smartphone and … Read more

Will You Rent Amazon Kindle Ad Space For $25?

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Amazon has launched a new Kindle initiative and product, whereby they run full screen screensaver ads and homescreen footer banner ads on e-reader hardware in exchange for a $25 discount. The WiFi-only “Kindle with Special Offers” runs $114, versus the original $139 ad-free Kindle 3. As Harry McCracken points out, the one time savings runs only about 18%; he wonders if this product might more appeal to those interested in the deals themselves rather than the small discount.

Like Harry, I suspect this is a bit of an experiment on Amazon’s part. And why we’re not seeing this Kindle rev launch at the $99, or lower, price point. Can Amazon generate a large enough stable of advertising partners to keep this going, will a sizable percentage of readers take action on the ads, assuming an even more sizable quantity of Kindle purchases.

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Atari’s Greatest Hits for the iPad Not So Great

Atari is perhaps one of the most nostalgic brands out of the 1970s and 80s, but just because something was good thirty years ago doesn’t mean it holds up well in the present. In a fit of enthusiasm, I purchased the entire Atari’s Greatest Hits game pack for the iPad this week and set about … Read more

WatchESPN on your iPhone (but ReadFINEPRINT)

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The future is upon us. As the content owners and cable/satellite providers maintain relevance by extending their offerings beyond the traditional television. And the most promising new service is WatchESPN. Not only does it enable streaming around the home, as seen with Time Warner and Cablevision apps, but it allows you to get live ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, and ESPN3 broadcasts on the go. Assuming you have an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad and subscribe to television services from providers ESPN has deals with (currently: Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS TV, Brighthouse).

However, the mobile transition is just getting going and there’s still a variety of licensing issues to be worked out – sports maybe be more complex than most. With WatchESPN, you can expect blackouts based on location, blurred MLB clips during SportsCenter, and zippy iPhone access to Monday Night Football:

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Deal of the Day: TiVo Premiere XL @ $200

If you happen to be in the market for a TiVo Premiere and don’t object to a refurb unit, Woot’s got the deal for you. They’re offering the TiVo Premiere XL for $200 with service running the traditional $12.95/month. While you could pick up a new Premiere from TiVo.com for $100 @ 20/mo, over the … Read more

DISH Network To Acquire Blockbuster

DISH Network has won the bankruptcy court auction of Blockbuster in a transaction valued at $320 million. Although they’ll surely invest much more as they attempt a turn around of the sullied but “highly recognizable” brand. At first blush, their play struck me as highly bizarre. However, acquiring a streaming video solution and 1,700 brick & … Read more