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Netflix Gives a Peek at the Testing Process for Android Devices
Mon Mar 19, 2012 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Netflix, Android, Smartphones, Streaming (all tags)
Needless to say, there’s a lot going on.
The folks at Netflix have decided to let folks in on just what goes on behind the scenes when it comes to Android. The rollout to Android devices was initially quite slow and still isn’t at the point that everyone would like it to be – especially folks that own incompatible Android phones.
There’s quite a bit of coding that has to happen to make each device work, since Android devices use different hardware, have different screen sizes and even different operating systems. Netflix uses an automated system on an array of devices to run their tests and they even make efforts to ensure that the service works on phones and devices with custom ROMs.
You can find the full details over at the Netflix Tech Blog.
(via Engadget)
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LG Launches HD and 3D Smartphones
Mon Feb 27, 2012 at 02:00 PM ETTags: LG, Smartphones, HD Phones (all tags)
The quad-core Optimus 4X HD offers a resolution of 720p while the 3D model gives you considerably less.
Phones are becoming damn impressive. What was once a device relegated to making calls and taking blurry pictures has become a handheld multimedia hub. LG’s latest Optimus phones are a prime example, offering you an HD screen, or 3D if that’s your bent.
The Optimus 4X HD is the first quad-core processor to come from LG and that power helps to deliver a crisp 720p resolution. It wasn’t long ago that we were impressed by a 720p TV – my how things have changed. It offers the latest version of Android and an extra core processor for maximum battery efficiency when the other four aren’t needed.
LG’s 3D phone is the aptly named Optimus 3D Max. It’s a glasses-free 3D device that improves on the company’s previous 3D smartphone. It adds a new 2D to 3D converter and slims up the phone a bit too.
Source: eCoustics
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Dolby Digital Plus is Coming to HBO Go, Tablets, Smartphones, and More
Wed Jan 11, 2012 at 02:00 PM ETTags: Dolby, Tablets, Smartphones, HBO Go (all tags)
This adds to the already significant deals with streaming services like Netflix, Vudu, and CinemaNow.
People tend to focus on picture quality primarily when speaking about streaming services, but video is only half the story - bad audio can make even the best looking films suffer. The addition of Dolby Digital Plus to a variety of services and devices is a move to combat the problem and provide higher quality sound to those streaming their content.
HBO Go is the latest to adopt Dolby Digital Plus to provide its customers with better sound when tuning in through connected TVs and Blu-ray players. Samsung is also adding Dolby Digital Plus to the Acetrax application that's used by European Blu-ray players.
In addition to the Acetrax app Samsung is among the companies that will be using Dolby Digital Plus in new smartphones, and tablets. Other makers incorporating the tech are Acer, HP, Lenovo and more.
Finally, L L Cool J has partnered with Dolby specifically for CES. He's promoting a new website called Boomdizzle that's meant for collaboration between recording artists and Dolby provided technical assistance to make his Dolby enabled laptop sound its best.
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Internet Based VOD numbers are Dire, but Streaming on Game Systems on the Rise
Thu Dec 15, 2011 at 07:00 PM ETTags: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Streaming, VOD, Industry Trends, Smartphones (all tags)
On average, PS3 owners are using a over a third of system time on Blu-rays and streaming.
Two studies came out recently with some very interesting information that seems conflicting at first glance. The first is that, according to the NPD, online VOD purchases are incredibly low. The second is that streaming on videogame consoles is on the rise.
Internet based VOD numbers account for all devices capable of renting a movie online. According to the NPD report, only five percent of those that can rent VODs are doing so. " It’s understandable that smartphone owners might be hesitant to watch a full-length movie with limited screens and battery life," says NPD's Russ Crupnick, "but few of the other connected devices are showing strong uptake for Internet VOD, either."
Game consoles, however, have been seeing increased usage as streaming and entertainment machines. Nilsen says that 15 percent of the time an Xbox user is on the system, they're watching streaming movies. The PS3 accounts for 15 percent as well, while Wii users devote 33 percent of their time to videos.
An impressive 22 percent of time using the PS3 is spent watching DVDs or Blu-rays, which brings the total movie watching time to 37 percent.
Source: Home Media Magazine
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DVDO Introduces the MHL to HDMI Mobile Travel Kit
Tue Nov 22, 2011 at 12:00 PM ETTags: MHL, HDMI, Smartphones (all tags)
The Mobile Travel Kit lets you charge your smartphone or tablet while sending high definition video to your TV.
One of the really annoying things about smartphones and tablets capable of playing high def video is that most of them don't have an HDMI port. Instead they use Mobile High-Definition Link, or MHL - a standard that seems as if was made for accessory companies.
If you want video from your phone on your TV, you have to pick up an adapter, like the newly launched DVDO Mobile. The DVDO Mobile can send video from your phone to your TV, but unlike some other adapters it can keep your phone charged too by plugging in the included USB cord into a computer or AC adapter.
Additionally, you can use compatible TVs and projectors to control your device. You'll need a set that supports the appropriate CEC commands and software downloaded to your DVDO Mobile to make it work.
The DVDO Mobile is out now at a price of $99.
Source: eCoustics
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Smartphones to Blame for Low Commercial Viewership
Thu Jun 02, 2011 at 10:00 AM ETTags: Smartphones, Commercials (all tags)
It's not DVRs that advertisers have to worry about, but alternate entertainment sources.
A new study from IPG Media Lab and YuM has found that it isn't the DVR or even channel surfing that advertisers have to fear. The biggest threat to keeping eyes on advertisements is the increasingly popular smartphone.
The study tracked 48 adults who were asked to watch 30 minutes of TV in a living room style setup and 30 minutes of TV in an office-like environment. They watched content that they'd normally watch and were asked to bring whatever devices they normally have handy when watching television.
It was found in the study that more people turned their heads away from the screen to use their smartphones than anything else. Those fast forwarding content with a DVR may have skipped through the ads, but they kept watching the screen during that time. Those using smartphones simply turned away and tuned out.
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