CrunchGear

CrunchGear

Link to CrunchGear

Video: AiRScouter, Brother’s Futuristic Head-Mounted Display

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 04:42 AM PDT

We reported in July about the AiRScouter, Brother’s pretty awesome-looking "Retinal Imaging Display". The futuristic head-mounted display was first showcased in 2008, and now, thanks to our friends at Diginfonews in Tokyo, we have a video that shows the newest version in action.

And the transparent display, which projects images “directly onto the retina” and makes users think they float right in front of their eyes, still looks awesome. In the video embedded below, the Brother representative says wearers get the impression they look at a 16-inch screen that’s about one meter away from their eyes (800×600 resolution, 600cd/m2 brightness).

The company first wants to see the AiRScouter used for industrial applications, i.e. in combination with wireless video transfer, GPS or augmented reality technology, before entering the consumer market. Even linking the HMD with smartphones seems to be possible.

The video provides more insight:

Video: Sony Introduces 12 New Walkman Models

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 04:00 AM PDT

Sony Japan unleashed [JP] a total of 12 new Walkman today, split into three series (E, S, and A). Technically and design-wise, we get more of the same from the Walkman front, but some models look pretty neat. The players from the E and S series will hit Japanese stores on October 9, with the A Series following on November 13.

E Series

The E Series is Sony’s new entry model line-up. Buyers will be able to choose between the NW-E050 with 2GB or 4GB ($95/120, pictured on top of this post) and the NW-E050K with the same storage options ($120/140). The main difference is that the E050K models come with a speaker (pictured below).

S Series

There will be five models under the S series: The NW-S754 (8GB), the NW-S755 (16GB), and the NW-S756 (32GB) will be priced at $160/200/$230. The main difference between these and the two NW-S750K branded models is that the latter come with a cradle (8GB for $200, 16GB for $230). The picture below shows all colors the S series Walkman will be available in.

A Series

Sony also showed three models under the flagship A series. These are the NW-A855 (16GB/$280), the NW-A856 (32GB/$350), and the NW-A857 (64GB/$470). These Walkman sport a 2.8-inch OLED screen with 240×400 resolution. The model in black is pictured below.

No word yet from Sony if these Walkman will be sold outside Japan as well.

Here’s Sony official (Japanese) promo video:

Extrude the Light: Britons Make 3D “Holograms” With The iPad

Posted: 15 Sep 2010 01:29 AM PDT

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting from Dentsu London on Vimeo.

I know you were hoping for some real “Help me, Obiwan Kenobi” stuff but this is basically a long exposure image created by moving an iPad along a surface as it “plays” the parts of a 3D image. The result? An image that seems to float in the air like magic.

First we create software models of three-dimensional typography, objects and animations. We render cross sections of these models, like a virtual CAT scan, making a series of outlines of slices of each form. We play these back on the surface of the iPad as movies, and drag the iPad through the air to extrude shapes captured in long exposure photographs. Each 3D form is itself a single frame of a 3D animation, so each long exposure still is only a single image in a composite stop frame animation.

Created by Dentsu London and BERG, this is essentially a big ad for their creative services but gosh if it isn’t neat.

via Giz


Back To School: Printers

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:32 PM PDT


Your goal in school is to use your own printer as little as possible. Most schools have their own black and white printers on call 24/7 but sometimes you may need to print out a few snapshots for friends or a nice color cover for your last-minute essay on fish farming in ancient Mesopotamia as it relates to Shakespeare’s plays. My goal with creating this guide is to offer you a few fairly inexpensive options. I’ve also selected mostly all-in-one printers that will enable you to also scan documents and images.

Bottom line: printers are “loss leaders” for most companies. They make most of their money on the toner and ink which, in the end, can sometimes cost more than the printer is worth. Your goal, then is, to find a printer with inexpensive ink. Kodak has made great strides in this and Espson is a close second. You don’t really need to worry about pages per minute – most of these printers are fast enough to pump out a few pages between classes.

Low-End:

Kodak ESP 5250 All-in-one – $129 – Although it got bad reviews on the Kodak website, this cheap all-in-one got a fairly high score from Computer Shopper which is why I added it. I’m a fan of Kodak generally and it’s a good investment, especially if you’re not printing evey day. [Product Page]


Canon Pixma MP560 – $79 – Trying to find a sub-$99 printer worth considering is hard, but the Pixma MP560 seems to fit the bill. This all-in-one printer got good ratings and is now selling for $79 on Amazon. I chose this one over other models because Canon printers offer a bit more quality, even on the low-end. [Product Page]

Mid:

Kodak 7250 All-in-One – $199 – This all-in-one features wireless printing and the ink is cheap. My review noted that the UI was a little bit weird and the LCD screen was slightly fuzzy, but, on the whole, it was a good printer. [Product Page]


Epson WorkForce 520 – $129 – This Epson workhorse has a full scanner and a number of cool features like scan-to-memory card. Ink is fairly inexpensive and you can run a long time before changing the cartridges. [Product Page]

High End:
Samsung CLP-315 – $199 – Laser printer prices have fallen so far that it’s almost silly not to consider something like the CLP-315. I’ve used this model for two years now after writing a review and I think the real value comes in the speed and print quality. One caveat: toner for these babies can cost almost as much as the printer, which is why I’ve placed this in the high-end category. [Product Page]

See the rest of our Back To School 2010 coverage right here!

Look YouTube, No Hands! Looxcie Introduces Wearable Camcorder

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 10:23 PM PDT

Just when you thought our digital culture was bumping against the limits of oversharing, Looxcie steps in with a device that makes it even easier for oversharers to document every mundane moment of their lives. The Artiman Ventures backed startup has officially launched a wearable camcorder, that fits over the ear, which allows users to capture short clips and immediately share and publish those videos on the web via a companion mobile app. And starting this Wednesday, the device is available on Amazon.com for $199. Videos of Looxcie in action, ahead.


Hands-Off Comparison: Nikon D7000 And P7000 Vs. Canon 60D And G12

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 09:22 PM PDT


Canon and Nikon, the photography world’s Hatfields and McCoys, have both recently released new DSLRs and compact manuals. While all of them are certainly excellent cameras, they’re clearly gunning for each other and a quick perusal of all their specs seems in order.

The contenders are the Nikon D7000, released just a few minutes ago, the Canon 60D, released last week, the Nikon P7000, also released last week, and the Canon G12, released the day before yesterday. As you can see, it really is a fresh crop of photographic equipment; let’s see what these devices’ numbers look like next to each other.

Canon 60D vs. Nikon D7000

DSLRs first. The numbers, please…

No decisive winner here, but I think the D7000 is really looking pretty good. Its superior ISO range and AF system mean that it’s better suited for all-purpose photography; the megapixel difference is negligible. The video modes are comparable, and while I’d like more frame rate options on both cameras, I actually prefer the limitations on the D7000 to those on the 60D. Of course, the 60D has a better LCD in both resolution and usability, so there’s that, but consider that the D7000 has a far better body — weather sealing and a partial Magnesium alloy shell are a huge win at this price point.

Winner: Nikon D7000 (decision)

Canon G12 vs. Nikon P7000

Now for the compact manuals. Canon’s G series has historically been the go-to item for this category.

That’s a knockout, sports fans. The D7000 beats the G12 on practically every stat, at the same price, and try as I might, I could not find a serious reason to buy the Canon over the Nikon. Is Canon getting lazy?

Winner: Nikon P7000 (KO)

Keep in mind, of course, that these are all great cameras, and of course one or the other might just work better for you, so try to get your hands on one before you buy. But when the prices are so close (or identical) it’s important to do a little window shopping.There’s also competition at the $700-$800 level, but I think the Canon T2i is a pretty clear winner there for now. Another situation that’s evolving is the micro four thirds other EVIL system cameras. These, I think, are still young, and need a little time to mature before they’re worth investing in.

It’s also worth mentioning that I’m a Canon guy, so don’t even try accusing me of Nikon bias. They’re just whupping Canon with these particular devices.

Nikon’s New D7000 Focuses On The Enthusiast Market

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 09:01 PM PDT

Looking for a DSLR that pretty much does it all? Say you need great low light performance, auto-focus while shooting HD video, and a new image processing system that gives you a 6 FPS burst speed for those action shots? Nikon’s got you covered with their latest DX format camera, the D7000.

The D7000 has a new improved EXSPEED 2 processing system, which when combined with their new 39 point AF system pretty much guarantees that you’re going to get the shot you want. Along with the improved auto-focusing system, the D7000 will shoot 1080p at 24 fps, or 720p at up to 30 fps. The ISO range is pretty spectacular as well, ranging from ISO 100-6400, however it will extrapolate up to 25,600. That’s pretty much unheard of in a DX sensor. The D7000 also has an expanded scene recognition system, allowing the camera is switch between modes automatically and without requiring the user to manually choose. The scene recognition system is a Nikon exclusive, and uses a 2,016 pixel 3D color matrix meter RGB sensor, which makes it possible for the D7000 to have the most accurate white balance of any current DSLR. The best news is that the D7000 will be available mid-October for $1199 for the body only, and $1299 with an 18-105mm VR lens.

In addition to the D7000, Nikon is also launching a couple a really nice new lenses today. There’s an AF-S 200mm f/2 VR II for $5999.95, the long awaited AF-S 35mm f/1.4 for $1799.95, and a new SB-700 Speedlight flash for $329.95. I think I see a new flash in my future.

From the press release:

EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTIONARY: THE NIKON D7000 D‐SLR IS THE PREEMMINENT DIGITAL CAMERA FOR DEMANDING PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS

The D7000 Offers Creative Freedom with Advanced Features Such as a New 16.2 Megapixel DX‐Format CMOS Sensor, Six FPS Shooting, 39‐Point AF System and 1080p HD Movie with Full Time Autofocus

Nikon Inc. today introduced the new D7000 digital SLR camera designed to fulfill the needs of passionate photographers who demand exceptional performance, reliability, and unprecedented levels of control and versatility in a compact form factor. Engineered as an ideal balance of durability and functionality, the D7000 D‐SLR features a multitude of new enhancements and updated Nikon technologies, which results in stunning photos and amazing full HD (High Definition) movies.

Continuing the tradition of innovative technology that began with the revolutionary D90, the first D‐SLR to capture HD movie, the D7000 features a new 16.2 megapixel CMOS sensor with low‐light ability never before seen in a DX‐format (APS‐C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 TM image‐processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39‐point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D‐SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.

"The D7000 D‐SLR creates a new class of Nikon camera by delivering exceptional quality, control and an innovative feature set; this is a camera that enables D‐SLR users to achieve a true expression of their creative vision, while concentrating primarily on image quality above all else," said Lisa Osorio, general manager of marketing at Nikon Inc. "When you combine the innovation of the agile D7000 with the exceptional and robust line of NIKKOR lenses and accessories, the potential for D‐SLR photographers and filmmakers is limitless."

Unparalleled Performance From Unrivaled Technologies
With its new 16.2‐megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 D‐SLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image‐processing engine combined with a 14‐bit Analog / Digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000's speedy 50‐millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frame‐per‐second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.

The D7000 D‐SLR features an all‐new 39‐point AF System, which includes nine center cross‐type sensors that operate with more than 60 NIKKOR lenses. The 39 points in the new Multi‐CAM 4800DX AF module work together to provide superior subject acquisition and fast tracking capabilities, allowing photographers to confidently capture a player stealing third from the sideline to fast‐moving wildlife. Additionally, photographers can activate dynamic or single point AF, configurable in combinations of 9, 21 or 39 or a 21‐ point ring to match a variety of shooting styles and situations. Photographers can activate 3D tracking, which continuously follows moving subjects within the 39 AF points, highlighting the activated AF point in the viewfinder.

Utilizing Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System, the camera analyzes subject information from a database containing more than 30,000 images to optimize focus, exposure and white balance. To assist in creating amazing imagery, the Scene Recognition System reads data from a groundbreaking 2,016‐pixel 3D Color Matrix Meter RGB sensor that examines the scene's brightness and color data then optimizes the camera's performance prior to the actual exposure. Another revolutionary Nikon first, this system interprets scene data for improved control of light metering and i‐TTL flash output. Additionally this new sensor allows for a new "Ambient" white balance setting which can be activated to allow warm rendering in Automatic White Balance.

Nikon Continues the Low‐Light Fight
The D7000 D‐SLR continues Nikon's tradition of providing photographers the confidence to shoot in low‐light, knowing they will capture high quality low‐noise images. The camera's native ISO range of 100‐6400 affords the versatility to photograph in challenging lighting conditions, such as when indoors or in the evening. The ISO range can be expanded to a Hi‐2 setting of 25,600, which was previously found only in Nikon FX‐format territory. The resolution of the camera renders a pixel size of 4.78 μm, which allows more light to be gathered, resulting in a correctly exposed image that has less noise and finer grain.

Full 1080p HD Movies with Advanced Video Features
Building upon the popular D90 D‐SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full‐ time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject‐tracking and normal or wide‐ area autofocus.

Advanced movie features also allow exposure adjustment on the fly while recording. The D7000 D‐SLR offers variable frame rates and resolutions, and can record 1080p at a cinema‐like 24 fps, or a web‐friendly 720p at either 24 or 30 fps for up to 20 minutes per clip. Once recorded, users are able to edit and trim video clips in the camera to save time in post production. Whether utilizing a wireless or hot shoe mounted microphone, sound can be recorded via the stereo microphone input for professional audio results.

To further simplify movie shooting, Live View is activated by a single dedicated switch, and HD video recording is achieved by pressing a single button. The D7000 D‐SLR also incorporates a built‐in HDMI output CEC compliant (Consumer Electronic Control) that allows users to connect it to a HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controls.

By adding versatile NIKKOR lenses to the equation, photographers can create a variety of photo perspectives to video such as isolating subjects with a shallow depth of field, and recording in low‐light conditions. Combining the D7000 D‐SLR with NIKKOR lenses also delivers the sharpness essential for HD video, and Nikon's innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) II technology helps to eliminate the effects of camera shake.

Moonshine Maker Describes His Hooch Machine

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 06:00 PM PDT


“Hooch Machine” sounds filthy, and really, it kind of is. Making your own liquor looks to be as dirty and hacked-together a process as anything I’ve seen. I cracked up at this part:

The boiler is a 20L stainless steel milk pail. Got it on eBay. I had a metal shop cut a hole into the lid and asked them to weld a threaded coupling to the opening. I told them I was building a robot.

Get the whole story over at BoingBoing. Good readin’.

Toyota Will Launch Six New Hybrids By End Of 2012

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 05:27 PM PDT

For some, the end of 2012 bring upon us, well..the end. For Toyota, the end of 2012 marks the beginning of their conquest to build the largest fleet of hybrid vehicles. With six new hybrids coming, Toyota has stated that hybrids are here to stay and their benefit to us will be great. All of the hybrids will be totally new models.

Of the new hybrids, two will display the L for luxury emblem of Lexus and the other four will be Toyotas. Toyota’s spokesperson said the competition is heating up for green transports, especially since vehicles like Nissan’s Leaf and GM’s Volt are gathering a lot of attention since the introduction of the environmentally friendly electric vehicles. Toyota thinks that offering options in the market will capture the audience better than one single vehicle.

Like the Prius, some of the models will be hybrid-only while others will have the gasoline counterpart. Expect a fully electric version of the Toyota RAV4 SUV, which was developed with their new partner Tesla, to debut this November at the LA auto show.

Glass Speakers? What Are You, Crazy?

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 05:08 PM PDT


We’ve seen mini speakers, ceramic speakers, pig speakers, and jet engine speakers, but I’ve never seen anything like these glass speakers, if they’re for real. These speakers appear to use glass as a resonator, creating 360 degrees of sound.

I’m concerned that they misspell “decibel” and use “thru” instead of “through” on their main page, but hey, as I’ve always said, if the glass speaks, buy it. Video here (thanks, Buster).

[via Technabob]

Another Display Size For Acer’s Tablet?

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 04:37 PM PDT

We know that Acer has been planning on the release of two tablets, 7 and 10-inch form factors, but now there’s new details about a third form factor. That’s right, another size, smaller than earlier mention; a 5-inch Acer will now join the lineup.

The smallest model will targeted at consumers that are in between needs for smartphone and tablet. The processor for the models running Android 3.0 is still to be determined–either Qualcomm’s Snapdragon or Nvidia’s Tegra 2. The processor for the x86 model will be an Intel running Windows 7; this model to be built by Compal will ship in small volumes.

This new tablet should be pretty cool for those who want all the features of a phone, don’t need a super mobile device, but still want more features and greater screen real estate. Hopefully it can catch on with the telecom providers. Anyone hear subsidies?

Dell’s Convertible Netbook-Tablet Actually Looks Really Cool

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 02:58 PM PDT


I have to hand it Dell for this one. That design is killer, even if it’s running Windows 7 on an Atom. Sure, it looks incredibly breakable, and it’ll never be as sleek as a dedicated tablet, but damn, that’s a great way to do a convertible.

The demo was at the Intel Developer Forum, and this design uses a 10″ screen. One trouble: lots and lots of bezel. Seems like they might want to slim that down a bit. But seriously, Dell, that’s nice. Now give me my choice of OS when I order it!

[image credit and via: CNET]

Video: Parallels 6 Mobile App Has Windows Software (Including Flash) Running On The iPad

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 01:30 PM PDT

Parallels 6 for Mac OS X launches today. You knew that, yes. But did you also know the Parallels Mobile App [iTunes link] found on the iTunes Store now plays nice with your iPad? Think of the possibilities: Windows software, now on your iPad. Yes, that means you can now run Flash on your iPad. Why you’d want that processor-melting software ruining your iPad experience, I don’t know, but options are always welcome.

The App, which is free (but requires Parallels 6 to function), made its debut at the DEMO conference earlier today.

Parallels has a quick little video showing off the App.

Back To School: Play Back Your Media Wherever You Are

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 01:00 PM PDT

Forget cable TV at school. Your dorm or fraternity likely pipes basic cable to your room, but you don’t want to be stuck in there, watching Gray’s Anatomy every Thursday night. No, you need to be out, enjoying your collegiate experience so take all that media with you. Or, hook something up to your TV that allows you to play back anything you want. That’s how the cool kids do it.

On the go

Your phone

There’s a good chance that your phone can also double as a quality media player. Perhaps all it needs is a large Micro SD card for a bit more storage. But even most feature phones support at least the popular media files while some smartphones can playback nearly everything. You often sacrifice battery life in exchange for the convenience, but it’s also cheaper. Just think of all the beer you could buy not spending $100 on a media player.

SanDisk Sansa Fuze +

There is so much to like about this PMP line. They’re relatively cheap, have expandable memory, FM radio, and supports nearly every media format man has ever created. On the downside, the screen is a tad small for videos, but it should work in a pinch. But one of it’s biggest draws is that it’s not an iDevice. Anything with an Apple logo tends to mysterious disappear during parties and events. They seem to scream “Steal me and sell me for book money!” The Sansa Fuze + doesn’t have that feature.

iPod touch

Word of advice: You can totally con your Mom into buying you a new iPod touch if you promise to have some quality Facetime with her once a week. You can also probably tell her that you need one for a certain app like, say, for your medical terminology class. But you need to guard said iPod touch with your life. Buy one of the sports arm bands and strap it to your inner thigh because people will try to steal it especially if they know it’s one of the fancy new camera models.

In your room

Your computer

The majority of TVs and computers these days have an HDMI jack, making connecting the two rather easy. Just head over to Monoprice and pick up a long cable. This is by far the easiest and least expensive way to playback all of your media on your TV. It isn’t, however, neccesarly the best. HD playback often suffers at the hands of the graphic processor and it’s not at all convenient without a remote or interface designed for a TV. But it works and that’s all that matters.

The WD TV

Geeks love the WD TV. It’s supported by a large development community and plays back everything. Content can either be feed via a network or USB drive. Best of all, it’s small, portable and can be found for under a $100 online.

The Boxee Box

You’re going to have to ask Santa for this one. It doesn’t come out until November, but when it does, it will no doubt be the defacto standard in media streamers. The Boxee software utilizes an Atom platform paired with an Webkit browser running an HTML5 interface to serve up one of the classiest UI’s ever. It connects with all the major and minor video sites from ABC, NBC, Revision3, YouTube, Netflix and all the rest and streams the content right to your TV bypasing all the annoying Internet noise. Oh, and it has a QWERTY remote. Until it drops, though, you can always download the software and put it on your PC that’s connected to your TV anyway.

See the rest of our Back To School 2010 coverage right here!

MakerBot Releases First DIY 3D Scanner Kit, The Cyclops

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 12:27 PM PDT

Priced at $40 – not including projector and camera – this kit allows you to create your own 3D scanner. The system projects a series of lines on the object and the camera then takes a series of images. The results can be used in 3D design or for rapid prototyping.

This is obviously a little complex but if you’d like to check out the specs, Bre has created a series of documents about the system.

The technology behind this device is known as Structured Light 3D Scanning. This kit is for 3D scanning experimenters, as you will need to be a bit savvy to get the best results. If you dont feel comfortable manipulating 3D point clouds, look through the documentation to see if this project is over your head.

You can check it out here.

Breguet Type XX Aéronavale Limited Edition Watch

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 12:19 PM PDT

50 years ago Breguet delivered to the French Naval Airforce 500 Type XX Aéronavale watches made on special order. Actually, they were ordered in 1958, but it took Breguet 2 years to make all the pieces. The French Naval Air force (known as the Aéronavale), wanted easy to ready flight watches with flyback chronograph functions. Still to this day, all Breguet Type XX watches have a flyback chronograph. The watch had a special engraving on the back which read: Breguet Marine Nationale Aeronautique Navale." According to Breguet, the watches were still being used in service by pilots until the early 1980s (and collector's love them today). Breguet has actually been working with the French Navy since 1815 supplying pocket watches.


Blizzard: If You Cheat In StarCraft II We *Will* Ban Your Account

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 12:00 PM PDT

Let this be a warning to any of you who plan to cheat while playing StarCraft II: don’t! Blizzard has just sent a communiqué that says, in no uncertain terms, that it has zero problem with breaking out the ban hammer.

Word on the street is that Blizzard has gotten wise to cheaters out there, and being that it "takes cheating in [its] games very seriously," it has said the following.

If you’re caught cheating in StarCraft II, Blizzard, as per the terms in the EULA, reserves the right to BAN~! your Battle.net account from ever playing online again.

That’s a permaban, mind you, not a weekend in the penalty box.

The obvious less is simply to not cheat while playing the game online, but if you insist, know that you’re playing with fire.

The Kingston DT Ultimate Is A USB 3.0 Flash Drive And You Want It

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:46 AM PDT

USB 3.0 is the future, kids. At least that’s what we’re to believe anyway and Kingston apparently believes that as well because the firm just outed a USB 3.0 flash drive. This hard drive on a stick comes in 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB flavors, each capable of seeing 60Mbps write and 80Mbps read speeds. As you’d expect, these flash drives aren’t cheap, but the future rarely is. Nope, the 16GB runs $89, the 32GB $138 and the 64GB breaks the bank at $270. Try justify that purchase to the wife.

iPad Coming To All Best Buys Starting September 26th

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 11:28 AM PDT

If you’re one of the unlucky few whose local Best Buy was not one of those selected to sell iPads, weep no more. Starting September 26th, Best Buy will have iPads at every one of its 1093 stores, though it’s unclear whether they will have a whole special Apple section like many other stores do.

Go get ‘em, tiger. But skip the extended warranty, you’re probably going to buy the iPad 2 within like six months.

PlayOn Now Available for the iPad

Posted: 14 Sep 2010 10:54 AM PDT


PlayOn, an iOS app for the iPhone, has gained a major update and now allows media streaming over WiFi and 3G. This includes playon content like Hulu, Netflix, Comedy Central, and MTV. It is now available for the iPad.

The system requires a computer running the PlayOn server. Once outside of the home, the server sends content over the air in HTML5 format, allowing you to watch almost anything anywhere.

The service costs $39.99 for the first year and then $19.99. I suspect the lifetime subscription of $79 is a bit of overkill, however, considering most services will be HTML5 compatible in the next year.

PlayOn Releases Update for iPad Compatibility
Hulu, Netflix and Much More Now Available via 3G and Wi-Fi On Your iPad with PlayOn

SEATTLE – September 14, 2010
MediaMall Technologies, Inc. today announced a free software update for PlayOn™ Premium that enables media streaming to the iPad using HTML5 and Safari over 3G or Wi-Fi. Adding to the previous software release for iPhone and iPod touch support, the latest update allows iPad users to access the PlayOn media server software for optimized viewing of personal media files and the service's full library of online video content including Hulu, Netflix, Comedy Central, CBS, MTV, TV.com, PBS, SpikeTV, and The Ultimate Fighter, among others. After initially pairing the iOS device to the networked PC, users may then take the device outside of the network and stream media anywhere there is a Wi-Fi or 3G connection.

Existing PlayOn Premium subscribers will have the ability to download the update to their PC and begin streaming videos immediately to their iPad. Customers new to the PlayOn experience can try the service free for 14 days, after which a subscription will be required for only $39.99 for the first year and $19.99 for each year thereafter. A lifetime license may also be purchased for a one-time payment of $79.99. PlayOn Basic customers will be required to upgrade to Premium to take advantage of the new feature.

"The initial release of PlayOn for the iPhone and iPod touch was very well-received by consumers and existing PlayOn users, so full support for the iPad is a natural progression for us," said Jeff Lawrence, CEO of MediaMall Technologies. "Now that we've enabled all Apple iOS devices to stream everything that PlayOn has to offer in and outside of their home network, we plan to keep charging forward and work to support additional mobile platforms so that PlayOn users can access their favorite shows, movies and music anytime and from anywhere."


Posted by at

No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)