Developages - Development and Technology Blog

Making its first foray into on-demand video, Blockbuster has started offering customers a small box made by 2Wire that, when attached to a TV set, can play the company’s videos once they’ve been downloaded the movie over a broadband line.

The move is an attempt to blunt the success of such competitors as cable companies, with their vast on-demand offerings, and Netflix.

If you do it, let us know!

More at The Washington Post/The Associated Press.

Tags: 2wire, blockbuster, netflix, on-demand video

Related Entries
• Movie Rentals? Try a DVD Kiosk Near You -
  Sep 11, 2008
• Teaching an Old Blockbuster a New Trick -
  Aug 05, 2008
• Downloaded Movies Were Meant To Be Free -
  May 20, 2008
• Netflix Gets into Movie Downloads (Finally!) -
  Jan 16, 2007
• Netflix’s ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Problem: Worth Solving! -
  Nov 21, 2008
• Broadband-enabled Game Consoles: Bye-Bye Pay TV? -
  Nov 21, 2008
• Xbox Live Getting a Makeover -
  Nov 17, 2008
• Roku Streaming HD from Roku — Before Year End -
  Nov 04, 2008
• In Today’s News - the XBox 360 pwns the Sony PS3 -
  Jul 14, 2008
• Is There More to Netflix/Roku Than Meets the Eye? -
  Jul 02, 2008

TrackBacks
| Comments | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadgets Blog Home | Permalink: Blockbuster Sees Beauty of On-Demand

Copyright VoIP &amp Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

The Napoleon Dynamite problem is driving Len Bertoni crazy.

Bertoni is a 51-year-old “semiretired” computer scientist who lives an hour outside Pittsburgh. In the spring of 2007, his sister-in-law e-mailed him an intriguing bit of news: Netflix, the Web-based DVD-rental company, was holding a contest to try to improve Cinematch, its “recommendation engine.” The prize: $1 million. 

Cinematch is the bit of software embedded in the Netflix Web site that analyzes each customer’s movie-viewing habits and recommends other movies that the customer might enjoy.

Did you like the legal thriller The Firm? Well, maybe you′d like Michael Clayton. Or perhaps A Few Good Men.

The Netflix Prize goes to anyone who can make Cinematch’s predictions 10% more accurate. That sounds like an awfully big prize for such a small improvement. But, in fact, Netflix’s founders have tried for years to improve Cinematch, with only incremental results, and they knew that a 10% bump would be a challenge for even the most deft programmer.

They also knew that getting to 10% would certainly be worth well in excess of $1 million to the company.

The competition was announced in October 2006, and no one has won yet, although 30,000 hackers worldwide are hard at work on the problem. Each day, teams submit their updated solutions to the Netflix Prize Web page, and Netflix instantly calculates how much better than Cinematch they are. (There′s even a live “leader board” ranking the top contestants.)

More at the New York TImes.

Tags: cinematch, netflix, netflix prize

Related Entries
• Broadband-enabled Game Consoles: Bye-Bye Pay TV? -
  Nov 21, 2008
• Xbox Live Getting a Makeover -
  Nov 17, 2008
• Roku Streaming HD from Roku — Before Year End -
  Nov 04, 2008
• Movie Rentals? Try a DVD Kiosk Near You -
  Sep 11, 2008
• Teaching an Old Blockbuster a New Trick -
  Aug 05, 2008
• In Today’s News - the XBox 360 pwns the Sony PS3 -
  Jul 14, 2008
• Is There More to Netflix/Roku Than Meets the Eye? -
  Jul 02, 2008
• When One Less Gadget Is Better — Set-Top Boxes Going Bye-Bye? -
  May 27, 2008
• CinemaNow Brings Movie Downloads to Windows Media Center -
  May 23, 2008
• Downloaded Movies Were Meant To Be Free -
  May 20, 2008

TrackBacks
| Comments | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP &amp Gadgets Blog Home | Permalink: Netflix’s ‘Napoleon Dynamite’ Problem: Worth Solving!

Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

A report from research consultancy TDG predicts that portals like Microsoft’s Xbox Live and Sony’s PlayStation Network will soon become formidable competitors to incumbent Pay TV services.

Leveraging broadband-enabled game consoles as the next-generation video platforms — and bypassing cable and satellite TV operators, these companies will offer a compelling alternative to traditional TV programming by providing a more immersive, interactive video experience.

The launch of Microsoft’s Experience and the Xbox Live Netflix streaming video service is a perfect example of how potent these services will soon become. There is little doubt these services are finally ready for prime time.

Even before the launch of Experience, Microsoft’s Xbox Live had amassed some 15,000 movies (1,000 of which are HD) and some 13,000 TV shows for download-to-own. The Netflix partnership adds 12,000 movies and TV programs to the mix, all for free streaming to Netflix subscribers.

Sony’s PlayStation Network has collected close to 1,000 movies and hundreds of TV programs for download-to-own. It has also announced plans to expand dramatically its video library in the next few months in order to compete with Xbox Live. 

Many thanks to Advanced-Television.

Tags: download-to-own, experience, microsoft, netflix, playstation network, sony, xbox live

Related Entries
• Xbox Live Getting a Makeover -
  Nov 17, 2008
• Life Got You Down? Buy a Video Game Console -
  Nov 13, 2008
• Nintendo Gets New DSi Ready -
  Oct 31, 2008
• Less Merry Xmas: Sony Keeping PS3 Pricing As Is -
  Oct 13, 2008
• Is There More to Netflix/Roku Than Meets the Eye? -
  Jul 02, 2008
• UK court rules Modchips do not circumvent copyright protection -
  Jun 13, 2008
• When One Less Gadget Is Better — Set-Top Boxes Going Bye-Bye? -
  May 27, 2008
• CinemaNow Brings Movie Downloads to Windows Media Center -
  May 23, 2008
• Bye Bye Unlimited Flat-Rate Internet -
  Jan 18, 2008
• Is the Wii the Center of the Media Universe? -
  Jan 18, 2007

TrackBacks
| Comments | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadgets Blog Home | Permalink: Broadband-enabled Game Consoles: Bye-Bye Pay TV?

Copyright VoIP & Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

Get ready for a new look for Xbox Live this week when Microsoft debuts a completely new look for its gaming platform.

The date: November 19.

The new look will include customizable avatars, an iPod-like display and easier viewing of Netflix downloads.

According to Microsoft, the upgrades are meant to turn a somewhat static user interface into “a social media entertainment hub.”

So tune in later this week and let’s hear how you like it (or how you don’t).

Get more at USA Today.

Tags: avatars, ipod, microsoft, netflix, xbox live

Related Entries
• Wireless Zune on the Way -
  Sep 11, 2008
• Microsoft Debuts Its Surface 30″ Interactive Screen at Sheraton -
  Aug 20, 2008
• Is There More to Netflix/Roku Than Meets the Eye? -
  Jul 02, 2008
• CinemaNow Brings Movie Downloads to Windows Media Center -
  May 23, 2008
• Zune Marches On! -
  May 06, 2008
• Bye Bye Unlimited Flat-Rate Internet -
  Jan 18, 2008
• Microsoft plays nice with Apple iPod - no more corruption -
  May 09, 2007
• 100 million iPods sold -
  Apr 09, 2007
• Apple vs. Cisco over iPhone -
  Jan 11, 2007
• An Apple a Day Doesn’t Keep the Doctor Away: iPods with a Virus -
  Oct 19, 2006

TrackBacks
| Comments | Tag with del.icio.us | VoIP & Gadgets Blog Home | Permalink: Xbox Live Getting a Makeover

Copyright VoIP &amp Gadgets Blog

Original post by nafiz

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

We knew the SlingCatcher was sneaking out into the wild, and hey — we just snagged one at retail in Chicago. We’re busy tearing into all the projector, Sling streaming, and media streaming features, but we figured we throw up the unboxing photos right away so you can get a feel for Sling’s latest, long-awaited box.

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

Original post by Nilay Patel

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment

It’s been over a year and half since Sling first announced the SlingCatcher, but the mythical streamer is finally, finally here — it’s now officially for sale on Sling’s site and at other major retailers. You already know most of the details about the $299 box — Slingbox playback, SlingProjector computer streaming, extensive codec support including XviD, eventual Sling.com content delivery — so we’ll just let you hit the order page, but rest assured we’ll be tearing this thing apart when our test unit arrives.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Nilay Patel

Filed under: Cellphones, Home Entertainment, Portable Video

In case you haven′t noticed, today’s a pretty big day for Sling Media. Not monumentally large or anything, but decently sized, we reckon. Of course, if you’re a placeshifter and a UIQ user, you may disagree vehemently. Announced today, said company has unveiled a SlingPlayer Mobile version compatible with the UIQ interface on Symbian OS phones from Motorola and Sony Ericsson. For those out of the loop, said app will give Slingbox users the ability to “watch and control their home TV from a network-connected mobile phone.” In related news, the freshest SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 has launched as a public beta, and with it comes a live video buffer, “The Guide,” SlingRemote and a bevy of different viewing modes. Take advantage of that broadband connection while you still can — get to downloadin′!

[Via SlingCommunity]
Read - SlingPlayer Mobile for UIQ
Read - SlingPlayer for Windows 2.0 public beta

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Here’s one straight from the far left corner of left field. Microsoft has not only filed for, but actually received a patent that essentially amounts to Page Up / Page Down functionality. More specifically, the patent covers a “method and system for navigating paginated content in page-based increments,” and it goes on to cite an example of “pressing a Page Down or Page Up keyboard key / button [that] allows a user to begin at any starting vertical location within a page, and navigate to that same location on the next or previous page.” Brilliant, or just plain spiteful?

[Via GigaOm]

Read&nbsp|&nbspPermalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Cellphones

Well whaddya know? The iTreo 800p is finally selling on eBay! We thought the day would never come that we could actually get our hands on this totally sweet — and absolutely real — phone. Man were we wrong. Sure, the listing says you’re selling off a Treo 800W, but given the large amount of completely reassuring blue text, scrolling text, and large font text, we’ll happily accept that we will, in fact, receive the device pictured above via UPS Next Day Air. So, yes. Yes. We will “buy it now” for $349.99, safe in the knowledge that by this time tomorrow, we’ll be the only guy on our block busting out the iTreo 800p at parties, pool halls, and any place else where all the happenin’ stuff happens. Thanks “naseemajid” — you′re A+++++ in our book.

[Thanks, Spencer]

Read | Permalink | Email this&nbsp|&nbspComments

Original post by Joshua Topolsky

Filed under: Robots

Oh Pleo, it’s been far too long since we’ve seen you out and about! Thankfully, we’ve stumbled upon a handful of Pleo news all at once, so we hope you’re ready to catch up with your favorite dinosaur. First up is a pair of useful hacks from GRIP: a spy cam hack — which transmits images from the pet to a PC sans wires — and an XBee hack, which allows users to monitor Pleo’s sensors and control its servos in real time. For those looking for less work and more laughs, you’ll definitely want to venture on past the break. Wondering what’s there? Pleo visits the day spa — need we say more?

Read - Pleo hacks
Read - Pleo’s day spa adventures

Continue reading Pleo roundup: spy cam / XBee hacks, dino visits the day spa

Permalink&nbsp|&nbspEmail this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Cellphones

It’s hard to say if the pigeon you see above actually understood what he / she was doing, but apparently these birds can be taught to at least play iPhone 3G games in a very poor manner. The creature’s owner does note that Mr. Pigeon was pretty awful at racking up high scores on Tap Tap Revenge, but the important thing to realize here is that pigeon pecks do register as presses on the screen. Now that this is all out in the open, we fully expect a follow-up video next week of someone teaching their bird to dial a number on command. Vid′s after the break.

Continue reading Video: pigeon learns to “play” Tap Tap Revenge

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Storage

Be honest with yourself: has there ever been a time when you felt like taking a hammer to a computer of yours? Yes, of course. Apparently some of the clever minds at plankton figured out a way to let people live out that fantasy without totally destroying their partially functional machine. The “nailed” USB flash drive features 2GB of internal storage, an unmistakable design and a rather huge head to ensure that even novice nailers don’t miss the target. Of course, it doesn’t take any responsibility for damage incurred by inserting said drive in the previously referenced manner, but a few light taps should suffice in most instances. Pick one up now in galvanized or blued (okay, not really) for €29.50 ($46).

[Via technabob]

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Cellphones

Unless you hit the jackpot at an Apple Store, you aren′t apt to see this many iPhone 3Gs in one place without planning a meetup. As the story goes, one particular lady picked up one of Apple’s latest handsets, took it home and began checking things out. Curiously, a trio of images were already on the Camera Roll. Upon viewing them, she noticed two snaps overcome with blur and the one you see above — likely a rare look into an iPhone 3G factory. Not that we haven′t see Apple products give away their place of origin before, but still interesting nonetheless. Now, scurry along and check out your own roll to see if any hidden treasures are waiting.

[Via TUAW]

Read&nbsp|&nbspPermalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: Storage

We’re not too sure how the advertising director that green lit Hitachi’s bizarro perpendicular recording video is still on staff, but sure enough, he / she has been cut loose again as evidenced by the latest spot. We knew the outfit was pushing this whole “Dawn of the Tera Era” slogan with the introduction of its Deskstar 7K1000.B, but this is just taking things entirely too far. Fair warning: the video hosted after the jump contains cartoon scenes that could easily be used by D.A.R.E. officials looking to keep kids from trying drugs, but somehow we get the impression its just a plug for having lots of (Hitachi-branded) storage space. Hmmph.

[Thanks, Frederick]

Continue reading Hitachi promotional video highlights Tera Era, effects of hallucinogens

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph

Filed under: HDTV, Home Entertainment, Storage

Great, just great. Soon after Western Digital made a fool of itself by introducing an external hard drive “certified” for use with DISH Network HD DVRs, along comes Seagate to further fuel the hype machine. Announced at this year’s Cable Show (after being mentioned at CES), the Showcase storage solution is “designed” to extend storage capacity of DVRs and media centers. In a similar vein, the outfit’s newest drives are “compatible with Motorola’s s-SATA-capable HD DVRs,” and they also come with USB 2.0 ports and up to 1TB of space. No word on a price or any of that jazz, but those who can′t figure out that an external hard drive is an external hard drive can look for ‘em to land in ̭.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Original post by Darren Murph