Netflix Queue Manager for Windows Mobile

CES is a huge event, so it’s no surprise we might have overlooked a few hidden gems… such as the Mobile Manager for Netflix demo-ed at CntrStg. The Windows Mobile Team Blog announced the release of this Netflix queue management software a few days ago, which I’ve gone ahead and installed on my Blackjack 2.

As you might expect, given the app’s name, Mobile Manager for Netflix allows you to manage your queue(s) and see the discs you have at home. What I didn’t photograph is the ability to search for titles, that you can add to your queue. Although, the WinMo blog scenario ironically emphasizes Netflix’s STB streaming interface shortcoming – there’s no ability to peruse the movie library to add titles.

I don’t see this as the type of application I’d pull up on a daily basis, but what really caught my attention and motivated me to cover it are the streaming video previews available for many titles, which takes Mobile Manager for Netflix to another level. Plus, we know Netflix has leaned heavily on Microsoft tech, including WMV and Silverlight video with protection and Xbox integration. (In fact, it’s not clear which company produced this app containing “exclusive extensions” – Netflix or Microsoft?) Leading me to wonder if Netflix instant viewing might come to Windows Mobile devices at some point. Now that would be hot, indeed.

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Digital Media Bytes: Last100 Edition

A periodic roundup of relevant news… from our friends at Last100: Rivet 2.0, another Mac to PlayStation 3 streaming solution Rivet 2.0 software enables users to browse and stream media from any folder on their Mac from their PS3, with support for all file types that Sony’s games console supports, including AAC, MP3, WMA, H.264 … Read more

Pulsar, Satellite Radio on OS X

Earlier this week, I received Rogue Amoeba‘s periodic email newsletter. Among other things, I learned they’re pretty far along on Pulsar – an OS X app that allows you to stream XM or Sirius online radio stations. (Assuming you’re a subscriber.) The software is available now as a free public beta and will run $15 at launch. However, if you happen to own any other Rogue Amoeba software (as I do) you probably qualify for a free license. This isn’t the first satellite radio app I’ve come across, but it’s certainly among the most polished and earns bonus points for supporting both services. And, like some of the others, it’s created from open source software (1, 2, 3).

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ZNF ‘Round The Web

Leaving comments across the blogosphere… Can a projector really serve as my main HDTV? For several years I ran a 720p projector as my main ‘HDTV’ – with a 10′ wide screen. Was pretty awesome for movies, sports, and Xbox/Dreamcast. But back then my main source was an HTPC that was a PITA to maintain. … Read more

TiVo Desktop 2.7 Released

TiVo Desktop 2.7 has hit the streets. This Windows software update packs several enhancements. On the TiVoToGo front, Desktop now functions more like TiVo itself by allowing you to specific the number of transferred shows that are kept on your PC. This long sought after feature is pretty critical if you have limited storage and … Read more

Roku’s Amazon VOD in Beta. YouTube Next?

We knew Amazon Video on Demand was headed to Roku‘s media streamer ($99) early this year. And now, via their forums, we have word that the service has entered private beta. I had hoped Amazon VOD functionality was hidden within the recent 1.5 software update, however it’s rolled into a more significant 2.0 upgrade. Which … Read more

Wonderwall is No Cooliris

TechMeme is all atwitter this morning over Microsoft’s launch of Wonderwall. The browser-based app shows a wall of celebrity photos with links to short blurbs and more pics. Kara Swisher says it has “an ‘iPhone’ feel combined with a flipping-through-a-magazine tone.” Others have latched on to Microsoft’s foray into celebrity gossip content. Personally, I think it looks like a weak attempt to emulate the Cooliris platform for scanning photos and video. Slick? Wonderwall feels sadly static to me. Innovative? It’s treading content and platform ground that other companies have already walked.

Microsoft’s Wonderwall is lacking little touches like the feel of movement Cooliris gives when your scroll, and the interface is too busy for my taste. There is an aspect of discovery with the app, as you can click on photos that appeal to you and learn more, but Cooliris executes this function much more cleanly. New discovery categories appear on Cooliris all the time. For example, the top of today’s menu has Valentine ideas for him and her and funny ads (a la the Superbowl) available online. The one downside for some people with Cooliris is that you have to download the application. Compared to Wonderwall, a little downloading is well worth the effort.

Bonus video I found on Cooliris today after the jump: a banned Canadian ad for breast exams. :)

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PlayOn Released – Netflix & Hulu Streaming

After months of testing, MediaMall’s PlayOn video streaming software has been released from beta. PlayOn pipes Hulu, Netflix CNN, ESPN and may other online content sources from a Windows PC to a Xbox 360, PS3, Popcorn Hour and many other DLNA or UPnP devices. I use it with the SageTV HD200, which isn’t officially supported … Read more