DIAL support from Netflix, YouTube helping merge content delivery devices, take on AirPlay

by Jeff Causey on
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In case you haven’t noticed, in the world of consumer electronics there is a continual effort going on to enable consumers to share content between their mobile devices and non-mobile devices like TVs. An example of this is Apple’s AirPlay system that gives users the ability to mirror iPad or iPhone content to their Apple TV. Apple’s solution enables some other features as well like initiating playback of remote content. Key to this is the ability to discover AirPlay capable devices. Great if you are part of the Apple ecosystem, not so great if you use other solutions or have hardware from other manufacturers. Netflix and YouTube hope to provide an alternative for non-Apple consumers and have launched DIAL with the backing of several other parties. Companies like Samsung, Sony, Hulu and the BBC are backing the effort to develop and implement the DIAL protocol. » Read the rest

Hulu Plus Gets Updated To Bring Improved Support To 7-Inch Tablets And High-Res Screens

by Roy Alugbue on
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Hulu Plus was recently updated to make it just a smidge better than it already is. The biggest addition is the improved support for devices— namely 7-inch tablets such as the popular Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0. Not to be forgotten is improved support for devices with high-resolution screens, which means we can look forward to items such as higher quality video. This is definitely an opportunity for existing Hulu Plus members to grab the app in order to enjoy all those delicious episodes of The Office.

You can grab the app by hitting the Play Store link below or scanning the QR code.

Play Store

Hulu Plus Finally Shows Some Love To The DROID RAZR and RAZR MAXX, Available For Download In The Google Play Store

by Joe Sirianni on
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If you’ve been one of the many disgruntled Droid Razr and Razr Maxx owners due to the lack of support for Hulu+ action on your device, rest easy now as your day has come.  The link is available on the Google Play Store for you to begin watching all of your faviorite episodes and movies.  However, there’s still no support for the Galaxy Nexus so bare with them.  In the meantime, enjoy your new found support and don’t forget to let us know what you think of it in the comments below.

 

 qrcode

Play Store Download Link

 

Thanks Evan!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comcast Looking To One-Up Netflix And Hulu With Their Very Own “Xfinity Streampix” Streaming Service

by Joe Sirianni on
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Netflix and Hulu have basically cornered the market and Comcast can stand by and watch no more.  The company has announced that it will be entering the mobile streaming market with its new service dubbed “Xfinity Streampix“.  I”ll reserve the right to not have to comment on a name like that and just focus on the particulars.  The company is looking to kick off the service this Thursday and will potentially offer new episodes of content as it airs, something Netflix isn’t doing right now.  In addition, the company may bundle the service with a number of other packages offered as well.  No word yet on when and if an Android application is in the works, but we suspect one will be.  So, stay tuned as more news unfolds regarding the up and coming streaming service and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments below.

source: Comcast
via: Phandroid 

Google Bids to Acquire Hulu, Traditional Media Networks to Suffer Possible Aneurism

by Mitch Wright on
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Google acquisitions are nothing new and anyone keeping a somewhat vigilant eye on the company knows that they’re not afraid to spend big money to bring high profile companies under their overarching umbrella. That said, if sources are to believed, Google may be making a bigger splash than normal with an attempted acquisition of Hulu. To find out more, click in after the break. » Read the rest

Why I don’t Need Netflix

by Joe Sirianni on
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Is it just me or does it feel like Netlix believes they have the online streaming market so cornered that they can just change price plans, yet again, and no one would even think of leaving?  I got news for you Netflix, though I love the service, there are alternatives.  For now, since I pretty much just stream Netflix on my Wii there may be no need to have dvd’s sent to my home.  And especially with the five different locations of Redbox rental units surrounding my area, this option just seems like a better fit.  If you’re not familiar with Redbox, the company has dvd vending machines at most 24 hr establishments and grocery stores and you can rent a movie for only 99 cents a day plus tax.  There’s an Android app for the service as well and they’ve even moved up to adding Blue-Ray and video games to their machines.  In my opinion, this is perfect timing if you ask me, with the recent fold of Blockbuster and all.

However, in addition to being able to rent dvd’s from your nearest Redbox location, consider renting a movie from your local cable provider.  Where I live, Service Electric cable TV offers a great selection of video on demand (VOD) options and when new releases are available they pretty much show up on the service several hours later.  You also might want to keep in mind your local library.  One of the best kept secrets in most towns is their public library.  The public library where I live offers tons of dvd’s which you can sometimes rent out up to three at a time at no cost to you.  In addition, if you’re like me and you just mostly like watching dramas, there’s always Hulu+ for Android.  Hulu offers a huge and wide selection of TV shows like Law & Order, CSI and Dexter. All you need is an existing Hulu account and you’re off.  These are just some minor alternatives to Netflix so you don’t feel obligated to stay with the perpetually changing service, subsequently forking out for the new hike up in price.  Let’s remind Netflix that we don’t need the service as badly as they think and we’re willing to go wherever the deals are.  What do you think?  Feel free to rant and rave in the comments below.

Blu-ray digital download movies coming to Android from 20th Century Fox

by Jesse Bauer on
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With services like Netflix and Hulu making their way to Android devices, even if its only a small amount so far, it’s no wonder that other distributors are looking to make mobile apps for their services. 20th Century Fox may be the next in line to bring movies to the small screen, by releasing an app that allows you to download a digital copy to your device from Blu-Ray titles it offers.

Those who take advantage of the service should be warned that downloading an entire movie, never mind a Blu-Ray title will use up a significant amount of bandwidth, and thus, recommended it be done over Wi-Fi, not 3G or 4G connections (unless of course you pay for unlimited use, or a large amount of bandwidth). When Fox launches this app, let’s hope they are learning from Netflix and Hulu’s limits, and launch the app for compatibility to any Android device over Android 2.2 at the very least.

[via slashgear]

Hulu Plus won’t play nicely with rooting

by Robert Nazarian on
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Last month, Hulu Plus launched on Android, but we were disappointed because it was only available on a handful of phones. Shortly after, they added additional devices, which gave us promise. Now we are back to disappointment again as it turns out that if you are rooted, you won’t be able to use the popular streaming service.

This is not surprising because Google movie rentals and Blockbuster are already doing it. For the short-term, some rooted users are able to run the app which might be related to what version of Android you’re running.

[via pocketnow]

Hulu Plus for Android lands on 4 additional phones

by Robert Nazarian on
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Last month Hulu Plus arrived in Android world, but only 6 phones were compatible. Last night they announced that four more phones have been added which all happen to be manufactured by HTC: EVO 4G, Thunderbolt, myTouch 4G, and the G2.

It is not clear why these phones were not on the first list. Many will blame fragmentation, but I think streaming services like these are just trying to make sure things are working smoothly before allowing everyone access to it. Another example is Skype video calling, which recently launched with support for only 4 devices.

[via engadget]

Hulu Plus comes to Android, Only 6 devices compatible with more to come [Video]

by Robert Nazarian on
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Hulu Plus is now available on Android, but it is only available on the following devices: Nexus One, Nexus S, HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola Droid 2, Motorola Droid X, and the Motorola Atrix.

“Additional device announcements” are due later this year. Hopefully the hackers can get more phones going because there are a lot of flagship phones that are missing from the list. Hulu Plus is $7.99 a month and you can get a one week free trial.

Hit the break for the video and market links

» Read the rest

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