Video recording on G1 (Cupcake update)

Photo by bookgrl After a few delays, the 1.5 (Cupcake) update for the Android G1 phone from T-Mobile has arrived. Impatient as I am, I followed the instructions from the AndroidGuys and forced my phone to update, although I think I only gained about 12 hours ultimately. In any case, it’s a big step forward … Read more

New DirecTV TiVo Delayed until 2010 (plus tru2way)

tivofence
Photo by Zandir

After finding a few minutes to scan TiVo’s quarterly call transcript what stands out, other than hoarding $200+ million in cash, is what appears to be a slippage in the delivery of a new DirecTV TiVo DVR. 2009 has become 2010. CEO Tom Rogers, via Seeking Alpha:

DIRECTV not likely to rollout until early next year

We’ve pointed to that timeframe in early next year

our expectation is early next year that the DIRECTV new product will be available

I can’t say I’m surprised. And have been suggesting for some time that it’s unlikely we’d see the renewed DirecTV+TiVo relationship bear fruit this year.

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Hulu Desktop Arrives

Despite Hulu’s apparent hypocrisy, I’m quite pleased to see them release a desktop video client (v0.9) today. The (beta?) Hulu Desktop software is available for both Windows and Mac operating systems and, after just a few minutes of poking around, it looks like they’re off to a good start. However, I do question the authenticity … Read more

Free DTV Converter Installation Help

If you’re looking to avoid tech support duty as we approach the broadcast digital TV transition day (now June 12th), there’s some good news out of the FCC. The agency has agreements in place with several contractors to provide free converter box installations. Oddly, I discovered this from the Consuming Interests blog out of Baltimore, … Read more

Zune HD Confirmed with Xbox Live Tie-In

The Zune HD rumors have now been confirmed by Microsoft – it’s coming this Fall. And they are talking about a tie-in with Xbox Live services, too. Looks like the ZuneHD is targeted as a direct competitor to the iPod Touch. A press release by Microsoft gives us the following info about the new portable … Read more

Digital Media Bytes: Last100 Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at Last100: Microsoft and Netflix bring streaming to Windows Media Center sans Extender support Through a formal partnership, users of the Vista edition of Microsoft Media Center (not XP) can now access almost all of Netflix’s online features via the software’s TV-friendly “10-foot” User Interface. Universal … Read more

New Gadget Cases for the US

Skooba, venerable maker of Checkpoint-friendly laptop bags and other sturdy computer cases (and CES CtrStg sponsor), has started selling Proporta-brand cases for portable gear as of today. Normally I wouldn’t bother reporting on reseller news, even a US exclusive, but 1. I like Skooba, and 2. Proporta has some nice-looking stuff. I’ve found it oddly … Read more

The Future of Windows Media Center Extenders

Bad news for Windows Media Center fans these last few days, as we’ve received confirmation from both Linksys and HP that they’re discontinuing their extender lineups. Brent offers Microsoft some tips over on Geek Tonic, including branding their own hardware, to breathe new life into this fine multi-room solution. That’s a good start, but where … Read more