Archives For Mobile

Xfinity Instant Could Be Verizon Viewdini Competitor

Mari Silbey —  May 29, 2012 — 2 Comments

Comcast Xfinity Instant mobile video app 1

With all the promotional buzz around Verizon’s viewdini mobile video portal last week, it was easy to miss Comcast’s new video app, Xfinity Instant. To be fair, Comcast’s mobile app isn’t a commercial product yet, but it was on display right beside viewdini in the Comcast booth at this year’s Cable Show in Boston.

Right now, Xfinity Instant is a project out of Comcast Labs with no set launch date. However, at least in concept, it bears a striking resemblance to viewdini. With a magazine-like layout for tablets, the Comcast app lets users filter video content by actor, genre, title or network. It also provides recommended titles based on your viewing habits, and highlights featured videos in editorial fashion. You can launch a video selection directly from the app and rate content when you’re done watching it.

Comcast Xfinity Instant mobile video app 2

What’s most interesting about the app, though, is that according to the demo guys at the booth, Xfinity Instant was developed with no knowledge that viewdini was in the works. In fact, one Comcast employee explained that the development team hadn’t even heard of viewdini until it was announced at the show. Apparently in the rush to cozy up to Verizon as a viewdini content partner, Comcast senior management didn’t get around to telling its own developers about the potentially competitive product. Continue Reading…

In Broadband, Industry, Mobile, Movies, TV Shows
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Verizon Launches Viewdini with Xfinity, Netflix and More

Mari Silbey —  May 22, 2012 — 10 Comments

viewdini 1

Verizon Wireless CEO Dan Mead launched viewdini this morning, a new mobile video portal that sources content from different providers and lets users stream video, search, share and more. Early content partners include Comcast Xfinity, Hulu Plus, mSpot and Netflix. No FiOS TV video yet (ironic), but it’s reportedly on the way.

The concept here is very similar to offerings out from companies like Fanhattan and Clicker, but of course Verizon has a little more heft in the marketing department. Verizon says the app will be available on LTE Android devices later this month, and an iOS version is in the works.

In Industry, Mobile, Netflix, TV Shows
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One Cable To Rule Them All

Dave Zatz —  May 12, 2012 — 8 Comments

The Unwired has taken a quick look at the Innergie Magic Cable Trio (~$20) and concludes that it’s ”a little bit pricy but definitely a recommended accessory for travelers.” And, from the description, I might have to concur… as these days the bulk my mobile syncing and power cable needs would be covered by Innergie’s USB-to- Apple Dock and microUSB connectors – that third miniUSB is bonus. In addition to offering three connection options, the “tips” don’t actually come off so there’s no possibility of leaving one on a table or losing it in a bag. Instead, they pull forward and flip back for access. Clever. Unfortunately, and probably a deal breaker for me, is the minimal length of the cable which clocks in at under 8″. Perhaps v2 could feature a longer retractable cable and spindle?

In Accessories, Apple, Gadgets, Mobile
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Dyle Plans Mobile TV Launch with 17 More Stations

Mari Silbey —  April 18, 2012 — 6 Comments

The mobile TV service Dyle was originally scheduled to go live last year, but in a follow-up to its showcase at CES in January, Dyle’s Mobile Content Venture backers want us to know the service hasn’t lost its momentum. Dyle has added 17 more stations to its line-up and is planning for a 2012 launch. Rounding out the 70+ channels already on its roster, Dyle will now include new stations from Belo, Cox Media Group, Fox, Gannett Broadcasting, ION, Post-Newsweek, Meredith, Raycom, CBS Television and LIN Media.

Dyle is showing off its wares this week at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show. In addition to announcing an expanded channel list, the company is also reportedly demonstrating its broadcast service on a new LG Android phone. At launch, Dyle says it will cover 35 markets and reach more than 55% of U.S. homes.

So what’s the real deal with Dyle? In short, the venture is designed to pick up where FLO TV left off. If all goes according to plan, Dyle will broadcast live news, sports and entertainment over the air to mobile devices. OTA means no carrier intervention and no data caps. However, it also means availability is subject to markets where the broadcast signal is strong enough. And we’re talking live video, no on-demand. Dyle also says it will launch as a free service, but it doesn’t promise to stay that way. Continue Reading…

In Industry, Mobile, TV Shows
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Jawbone Preps Jambox Smartphone Apps?

Dave Zatz —  March 26, 2012 — 1 Comment

jambox-app

The latest Jawbone Insiders survey appears to foreshadow a Jambox smartphone app:

Imagine if there was an app for your smartphone that added features and controls for your Jambox…

Jawbone is floating all sorts of features from the proposed app including audible sports scores, firmware update notifications, reading of text messages, and email & Facebook notifications. Given Apple’s iOS lockdown, some of this functionality doesn’t seem as likely on the iPad or iPhone as it would on Android devices.

Of course, the Jambox is a compact and stylish Bluetooth accessory that already connects to one’s handset (or other devices) as both an audio speaker or speakerphone. Pricing seems a bit steep, retailing for $200, which is why I opted for a $130 refurb. I’ve been relatively pleased with its performance, but don’t always remember to plug it in for charging — and would appreciate any Jambox 2 include a dock of some sort as iHome provides with the iW1. And it’s one reason why I voted for the potential smartphone app to include a battery indicator.

In Audio, Gadgets, Mobile
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