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The Week In Sling (iPhone 3G, Bell TV, Remote Learning)
Filed by Dave Zatz under Apple, Mobile, Remotes, Slingbox, WebFeb 18 2010
As the bastard child of EchoStar, Sling Media no longer enjoys the same sort of blog love seen in years past. So while many learned that the 3G iPhone Slingbox client ($30) was finally approved over the weekend, you may have missed a few other nuggets of Sling goodness…
Bell TV is the first licensee, beyond the obvious DISH Network, to implement Sling Guide services. Re-branded as the more clear “Remote PVR” for Canada, Bell customers now receive:
- Personalized and integrated view of everything there is to schedule or record in a simple visual interface on a PC, Mac or compatible smartphone.
- Ability to search, browse and schedule new programming from anywhere you have an Internet connection.
- One click recording.
- Full control of the DVR and television using a computer or mobile phone.
But customers worldwide can appreciate Sling’s continued its march into the browser. Not only have they started to de-emphasize (hide) computer SlingPlayer software in favor of their evolving web player(s), they’ve unveiled a web-based remote control learning widget. (PC-only, for now.) Anyone who’s struggled with IR control of their STB will appreciate this tool to customize/create a virtual remote control by mapping IR signals from unsupported hardware:
Welcome to the Slingbox Remote Control Manager. We’ll help you set up your remote control, change it, or create a new custom one.
Back when I was employed by Sling, staying current with remotes was one of the causes I championed. And why not? The hardware supported it. I’m only bummed it’s taken Sling this long to get to a beta release.
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2 Responses for "The Week In Sling (iPhone 3G, Bell TV, Remote Learning)"
Sling Media, who? Oh you mean that company that once showed promised but now is an after-thought. That company develops at a snails pace.
I still prefer the software player. I like to run it off to the side while I browse the web or whatever. Nice feature, other than having to restore all my icons when I’m done (there’s an app for that too). Would actually be nice if the player would restore these when it was done, but whatever.
And yes I can see how a Sling Guide on my iPhone or iPad for my DVR would be useful. But since I’m using Tivo’s its probably not so likely…
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