Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/netflix-web-player-updated/#comments Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews

With the exception of tweaks for new features like HD video and closed captioning Netflix's Silverlight-based web player has been largely unchanged for years, but today everything is being reworked. As detailed in a post on the company's blog, PC and Mac users (no word on ChromeOS) the size of the player controls now scale to the window they're in and replace words with icons. Other new features users will notice is the ability to preview additional episodes of TV series without stopping the stream, title information that pops up when the stream is paused and that full screen viewing now has the same options as the windows player. The finale tweak is that the back to browsing button that brings viewers back to their queue has shifted from the bottom right to the top left. Hit the blog for the full breakdown, or just expect a surprise tomorrow when you're watching Downton Abbey at work Drive in the comfort of your own home during leisure time.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix web streaming interface gets a new look with bigger icons, embedded previews originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closed captioningClosedCaptioningcontrolshdhdpostcrossmacnetflixpcscalingsilverlightstreaminguiwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked Microsoft roadmap reveals Office 15, IE 10 and Windows Phone details]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/leaked-ms-roadmap/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/leaked-ms-roadmap/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/12/leaked-ms-roadmap/#comments Image
If it's accurate, then this leaked Microsoft roadmap has revealed the company's plans for many of its forthcoming products. Here's the basics: Internet Explorer 10 is due part-way through the year, at the same time that we hope to see Windows 8 appearing. Office 15 will enter beta-testing partway through 2012 and become "available" next year, but that's no sure sign of a release date. On the Windows Phone front, there's a launch expected in the summer that's labelled as "future investments," which we can only hope is a euphemism for Apollo. Oh, and any Silverlight fans better pour one out for their beloved flash-killer: nothing was marked on its timeline after the December 2011 release of Version 5. After the break we've got another shot of the internal document that Windows fans will spend the next few days analyzing with Zapruder-esque fervor.

[Images courtesy of Maarten Visser]

Continue reading Leaked Microsoft roadmap reveals Office 15, IE 10 and Windows Phone details

Leaked Microsoft roadmap reveals Office 15, IE 10 and Windows Phone details originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ApolloLeakedMicrosoftMicrosoft Office 15Microsoft RoadmapMicrosoftOffice15MicrosoftRoadmapOffice 15Office15RoadmapSilverlightWindows 8Windows Phone 8Windows8WindowsPhone8Thu, 12 Apr 2012 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Plex Media Server beta adds DLNA support, streams to PS3, Xbox 360, WP7 and more]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/plex-media-server-beta-dlna-wp7/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/plex-media-server-beta-dlna-wp7/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/30/plex-media-server-beta-dlna-wp7/#comments ImageUsing Plex as your media server software is great, with its ability to organize and transcode media for playback on a variety of devices, but what about platforms that still lack a compatible client? The freshest beta version of Plex Media Server fixes that by supporting DLNA, making it compatible right out of the box with many of the HDTVs, Blu-ray players, game consoles and other connected devices released recently. There are some limitations when it's being used this way in terms of metadata and subtitle support, but we're pretty sure being able to access Plex at all from devices like the PS3 (as shown above), Xbox 360 and WDTV Live (the profiles it's been tested with so far) is worth it. Also featured in the beta is support for Silverlight Smooth Streaming, which comes in handy for the new Windows Phone 7 client app (Update: If you're not seeing it yet don't worry you're not alone, it's been approved by Microsoft and should be live soon, check the forum thread and blog post linked below for more information). Check out the blog post for all the details or just head to the download page to try it out yourself if you're on a Windows PC or Mac -- Linux builds are still being tested.

Plex Media Server beta adds DLNA support, streams to PS3, Xbox 360, WP7 and more originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connected tvConnectedTvdlnadlna clientDlnaClienthdpostcrossmedia serverMediaServermetadatamobilepostcrossplaystation 3Playstation3plexplex clientplex media serverPlexClientPlexMediaServerps3silverlightsilverlight smooth streamingSilverlightSmoothStreamingsubtitlestranscodingwdtv liveWdtvLivewindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7xbox 360Xbox360Fri, 30 Mar 2012 05:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NBC, YouTube pair up for synchronized streaming at London 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/nbc-youtube-olympics/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/nbc-youtube-olympics/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/08/nbc-youtube-olympics/#comments
If the news that the Olympics is but 141 days away fills you with excitement, then you'll be overjoyed to know that NBC has abandoned Silverlight for YouTube, which is the network's official on-demand partner for the games. All events will be streamed live on Google's backbone (presumably via NBC.com), with replays of web-exclusive events, all the TV broadcasts and "behind the scenes" footage all available at your whim. Good luck finding the 3,000 plus hours necessary to watch it all, unless this is the reason you've been looking for to quit your job over the summer.

Continue reading NBC, YouTube pair up for synchronized streaming at London 2012

NBC, YouTube pair up for synchronized streaming at London 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012 Olympics2012OlympicsBusinessGooglehdpostcrossInfrastructureLondon 2012London2012MicrosoftNBCOlympicOlympicsPartnershipPointlessRubbishSilverlightStreamingYouTubeThu, 08 Mar 2012 14:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Time Warner Cable's TWC TV launches for PC, brings live TV streaming to the desktop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/time-warner-cables-twc-tv-launches-for-pc-brings-live-tv-strea/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/time-warner-cables-twc-tv-launches-for-pc-brings-live-tv-strea/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/time-warner-cables-twc-tv-launches-for-pc-brings-live-tv-strea/#comments After expanding its live TV streaming from iPads to iPhones, Time Warner Cable is going in the other direction and offering the service on PCs. The PC version of TWC TV launched today in beta -- still no word on streaming to Android devices or HDTVs yet -- but the Silverlight player will work on Windows and OS X, in Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari or Chrome. According to the official blog it has more than just streaming, with remote control over compatible set-top boxes and DVR scheduling also included. Of course, the same restrictions still apply here as they have on tablets and phones, with playback only while connected to your home network. If you're a Time Warner customer, hit the link below to sign in and try it out, or hit the blog for more details on what works where.

Time Warner Cable's TWC TV launches for PC, brings live TV streaming to the desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apphdpostcrossiptvpcsilverlightstreamingtime warnertime warner cableTimeWarnerTimeWarnerCabletwc tvtwcable tvTwcableTvTwcTvTue, 14 Feb 2012 17:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Bowl internet debut breaks records, disappoints some viewers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/super-bowl-internet-debut-breaks-records-disappoints-some-viewe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/super-bowl-internet-debut-breaks-records-disappoints-some-viewe/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/09/super-bowl-internet-debut-breaks-records-disappoints-some-viewe/#comments Super Bowl stream on NBCSports.comNot sure what this says about the state of streaming video online, but while the first live internet stream of the Super Bowl was watched by a record 2.1 million unique viewers, it didn't receive glowing reviews. The best indicator, though, is that the engagement for the three (plus) hour event was only 39 minutes. We think the folks over at Streaming Media got it right when they called it the Super Bowl Streaming Fail. It was bad enough that only Verizon Wireless customers could watch it on anything other than a laptop, but even those who could see it were left searching for a TV once they saw the quality. Big sports fans who might've been checking it out for the additional commentary and camera angles were also left wanting more, as the stream was plagued with lag. This meant that the other angle you were in search of was as much as a minute behind the big screen. Ultimately, we're sure everyone's glad the Super Bowl was extended to the smaller screens, but one thing sure seems true, broadcasting an event like this to millions of people is unlikely to ever be replaced by unicast internet streams.

Super Bowl internet debut breaks records, disappoints some viewers originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdpostcrosshdpostminiinternet videoInternetVideoNBCNFlrecordsilverlightstreamingStreaming MediaStreamingMediaSuper Bowlsuper bowl xlviSuperBowlSuperBowlXlviVerizon WirelessVerizonWirelessThu, 09 Feb 2012 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefox 10 out now: full screen apps, fewer crashes, disappearing forward button]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/firefox-10-out-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/firefox-10-out-now/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/31/firefox-10-out-now/#comments The tenth iteration of Mozilla's browser is rolling out from today and we're sat here waiting for our own go signal. As the biggest UI tweaks will arrive in v12, the majority of changes are under the hood: except that the "forward" button now only appears once you've pressed "back." New APIs provide for full-screen viewing of web apps, Anti-aliased WebGL graphics and an "extended support release" that enables enterprise customers to only download security updates. CSS 3D Transitions are now supported alongside a new CSS inspector for those digging deep into the fabric of the universe internet. Java applet and moving bookmarks crashes should be a thing of the past, but it's not all plain sailing: no new release ever is, after all. On the "to be fixed" list includes herky-jerky scrolling in Gmail, Silverlight videos not working in OS X and vertical scrolling is broken on some touch-pads. Let's hope they get the former fixed quickly, our inbox is already overflowing 'round these parts.

Update: The Mozilla blog has posted a quick demo video of how the new tools can help developers, check it out after the break.

Continue reading Firefox 10 out now: full screen apps, fewer crashes, disappearing forward button

Firefox 10 out now: full screen apps, fewer crashes, disappearing forward button originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BrowserCSSCSS 3DCss3dFirefoxFirefox 10Firefox 9Firefox UpdateFirefox10Firefox9FirefoxUpdateJavaminipostMozillaMozilla FirefoxMozillaFirefoxSilverlightvideoWebGLTue, 31 Jan 2012 12:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVI]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/totally-blow-out-the-big-game-super-bowl-xlvi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/totally-blow-out-the-big-game-super-bowl-xlvi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/30/totally-blow-out-the-big-game-super-bowl-xlvi/#comments With Super Bowl XLVI finally upon us all the pretenders have been shaken loose, leaving only the New England Patriots and New York Giants to compete for the NFL championship this weekend. While we're sure Indianapolis is lovely in February, we prefer to enjoy the game from the comfort of home where there's conveniences like affordable refreshments, central heating and of course our full loadout of equipment including HDTVs, computers, tablets and phones. Whether you're already set with equipment or are scouring the shelves looking for a new television in time for game day, we're back again in time for the 2012 game with a few suggestions to make sure you're getting the most out of what you've got -- feel free to drop in your own tips, chili recipes and the like in the comments below.

Update: We've added a few more HDTV deals from Samsung, Sears and Westinghouse, you'll find links after the break.

Continue reading Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVI

Totally blow out the big game! Super Bowl XLVI originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big gameBigGamefootballhdpostcrosshdtvnbcnew england patriotsnew york giantsNewEnglandPatriotsNewYorkGiantssilverlightsportsstreamingsuper bowlsuper bowl 2012super bowl xlviSuperBowlSuperBowl2012SuperBowlXlviMon, 30 Jan 2012 17:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Silverlight hits 5.0, Microsoft silent as to its future]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/silverlight-hits-5-0-microsoft-silent-as-to-its-future/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/silverlight-hits-5-0-microsoft-silent-as-to-its-future/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/12/silverlight-hits-5-0-microsoft-silent-as-to-its-future/#commentsLast we heard, there were whispers that Redmond's favorite runtime / framework / Flash-killer was due for a fresh release "soon." Confirming those rumors is version 5.0 of Microsoft's cross-platform Silverlight, now available for download. Headlining the release is hardware decoding of H.264 streams, improved postscript printing and a better graphics stack, replete with support for things in the third dimension. Rumors that Silverlight's own luminance is fading still go unanswered, without confirmation or denial from Microsoft -- but why let uncertainty get you down? Hit the source and turn that frown upside down.

Silverlight hits 5.0, Microsoft silent as to its future originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser pluginBrowserPlugindevelopersdevelopment environmentDevelopmentEnvironmentmicrosoftmicrosoft silverlightMicrosoftSilverlightminipostpluginrich mediaRichMediaruntimesilverlightsilverlight 5.0Silverlight5.0webMon, 12 Dec 2011 00:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Lovefilm's movie streaming will switch from Flash to Silverlight on PCs in 2012]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/lovefilms-movie-streaming-will-switch-from-flash-to-silverlight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/lovefilms-movie-streaming-will-switch-from-flash-to-silverlight/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/04/lovefilms-movie-streaming-will-switch-from-flash-to-silverlight/#comments As it prepares for Netflix's 2012 UK invasion, Lovefilm appears to be taking a page out of its competitor's strategy, and it's all because of the studios. When streaming to Windows PCs and Macs it will only support Silverlight as of the first week in January (we should mention it's coincidentally timed alongside a particular electronics show), ditching Flash encodes for its video. Like Watch Instantly, that will mean a lockout for non-Intel Macs and Linux users who don't have a player that supports the necessary DRM, but it's just those three letters that are behind this. Streaming Project Manager Paul Thompson writes on the company blog that Silverlight beat out Flash and new challenger HTML5 in order to meet studio's anti-piracy requirements, as well as take advantage of its Smooth Streaming adaptive bandwidth adjustments. Everything will stay the same on other streaming devices, while Netflix has been able to support Chromebooks via plugin and is rumored to be working on a Netflix solution, we'll have to wait and see if Lovefilm can do the same.

Lovefilm's movie streaming will switch from Flash to Silverlight on PCs in 2012 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 04 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmflashhdpostminilovefilmmacpcsilverlightstreamingukvideo rentalvideo streamingVideoRentalVideoStreamingSun, 04 Dec 2011 18:22:00 EST<![CDATA[SkyDrive juices up document sharing and uploading, grabs a HTML5 smoothie afterward (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/skydrive-juices-up-document-sharing-and-uploading-grabs-a-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/skydrive-juices-up-document-sharing-and-uploading-grabs-a-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/30/skydrive-juices-up-document-sharing-and-uploading-grabs-a-html5/#comments
Omar Shahine has sent SkyDrive off to the Microsoft gym in the hopes that it'd trim up ready for its forthcoming update. Users will soon be able to enjoy beefier document management powers, share individual files from private folders, control permissions and post files to Facebook in a couple of clicks. They'll also be able to upload groups of documents whilst navigating the site and best of all, can use the HTML5 file api to drag'n'drop documents in any standards-compliant browser. Slideshows are much improved this time out, and right-clicking fans will be able to edit individual documents and photos inline. The service will purportedly now load in around half the time it did before -- clearly it's been told to shed some of those Silverlight pounds.

Continue reading SkyDrive juices up document sharing and uploading, grabs a HTML5 smoothie afterward (video)

SkyDrive juices up document sharing and uploading, grabs a HTML5 smoothie afterward (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 14:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ChromeCloudCloud StorageCloudStorageCSS3File APIFileApiFirefoxHTMLHTML5HTML5 DesignHTML5 File APIHtml5DesignHtml5FileApiIE10Internet Explorer 10InternetExplorer10MicrosoftminipostOmar ShahineOmarShahineRedmondSafariSilverlightSkyDrivevideoWed, 30 Nov 2011 14:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Talk mounts that version 5 could be Silverlight's last, might only work with Internet Explorer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/talk-mounts-that-version-5-could-be-silverlights-last-might-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/talk-mounts-that-version-5-could-be-silverlights-last-might-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/09/talk-mounts-that-version-5-could-be-silverlights-last-might-on/#commentsCould Microsoft's Silverlight soon be following in the footsteps of Adobe's Flash Player for mobile devices? That's still unconfirmed by Microsoft, but ZDNet's Mary-Jo Foley is reporting that she's heard from several sources who say that Silverlight 5 will be the last version of the rich media platform, and that it's not clear how long it will be supported after it's released later this month. What's more, another source tells Foley that the final version of Silverlight 5 itself might only work with Internet Explorer on Windows, as opposed to earlier versions that have also supported Chrome and Safari on both OS X and Windows. As ZDNet notes, however, the end of Silverlight wouldn't necessarily mean an end to all of the work Microsoft has done on Silverlight -- we've already heard about a Silverlight-like app framework that's coming in a future Xbox update, and many of the same principles can also be found in the Metro-style apps for Windows 8.

Talk mounts that version 5 could be Silverlight's last, might only work with Internet Explorer originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser plug-inBrowserPlug-inmicrosoftplug-inrich mediaRichMediarumorsilverlightsilverlight 5Silverlight5Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft releases Bing app for Android, iOS, not Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/04/microsoft-releases-bing-app-for-android-ios-not-windows-phone/#comments In a move that can be simultaneously described as puzzling and pragmatic, Microsoft has decided to bring its Bing for Mobile app to Android and iOS before launching it on its very own Windows Phone platform. The company announced the release in a blog post this week, highlighting the app's most noteworthy features, including a revamped maps module, a new deals service and real-time transit feeds. Interestingly enough, Redmond also based its app on HTML5, rather than Silverlight, in the hopes of providing greater continuity across mobile browser and app interfaces. Only at the very end of the post did Microsoft mention Windows Phone 7: "We're working to release the same consistent experience for RIM and Windows Phone 7 devices in the future, and will share more details as they become available." At first glance, this decision may seem somewhat counterintuitive, but it also makes a lot of sense, considering the fact that Android and iOS comprise the bulk of the consumer market (and, of course, the fact that Bing is already integrated within Windows Phone 7). It appears, then, that Microsoft is simply trying to get Bing out to the widest initial audience, which seems pretty logical. Android and iOS users can grab the app now, at the coverage links below.

Microsoft releases Bing app for Android, iOS, not Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid marketAndroidMarketappapplicationbingblackberryHTML5iosiphoneitunesmicrosoftmobilepostcrossoperating systemOperatingSystemOSRIMsearchsilverlightsmartphonewindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Fri, 04 Nov 2011 04:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/10/microsoft-reportedly-preparing-silverlight-like-app-framework-ah/#comments Earlier this month, Microsoft announced a new slate of Xbox Live partnerships with Verizon, Comcast, and a host of other content providers. Now, the company has unveiled new details about the code upon which these new apps will run. Sources close to the situation tell GigaOM that the new framework, code-named "Lakeview," will be based on Silverlight, but will also bring a few new features from Xbox Kinect, including voice recognition and gesture-based controls. More intriguing, perhaps, are insider claims that Microsoft's new content partners stream video using Apple's HTTP Live Streaming, rather than Redmond's Smooth Streaming. GigaOM's sources went on to say that Microsoft has been introducing major changes to the platform over the past few weeks, in the hopes of having it ready for third-party developers once the Xbox Live update rolls out. Spokespersons for Xbox and Silverlight said they have "nothing to announce" about the new framework, though GigaOM reports that Redmond is aiming to release the update on Black Friday.

Microsoft reportedly preparing Silverlight-like app framework ahead of Xbox Live update originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationBlack FridayBlackFridaycodecomcastcontentframeworkgestureGesture ControlGestureControlhbo goHboGohdpostcrossHLShttp live streamingHttpLiveStreamingkinectlakeviewmicrosoftproviderrumorsilverlightSmooth StreamingSmoothStreamingverizonvideovoice recognitionVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360xbox kinectxbox livexbox live updateXbox360XboxKinectXboxLiveXboxLiveUpdateMon, 10 Oct 2011 06:41:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mediaroom clients to bring Microsoft's TV platform everywhere this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/new-mediaroom-clients-to-bring-microsofts-tv-platform-everywher/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/new-mediaroom-clients-to-bring-microsofts-tv-platform-everywher/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/09/new-mediaroom-clients-to-bring-microsofts-tv-platform-everywher/#comments Windows Media Center using Mediaroom 2.0 The days of being tied to a traditional TV to watch your favorite shows is becoming less and less of a dream -- at least for Mediaroom 2.0 users, like those who subscribe to AT&T U-Verse. It hasn't even been a full year since Xbox 360 owners were first able to launch a U-Verse blade to watch TV, but it has been about nine months when we first heard rumors of Mediaroom clients for Windows Media Center (aka Monaco), Silverlight (aka Taos) and Windows Phone (aka Rome) would see the light of day. A recent post on William Zhang's blog, a Microsoft employee, confirms the rumored code names in addition to giving us reason to believe those using Mediaroom 2.0 software might still realize the three screen dream by the end of 2011 after all.

New Mediaroom clients to bring Microsoft's TV platform everywhere this year originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATT U-VerseAttU-versehdpostcrosshdpostminiIPTVMedia CenterMediaCenterMediaroommediaroom 2.0Mediaroom2.0Microsoftset top boxSetTopBoxSilverlighttvU-VerseWindowsWindows Media CenterWindows PhoneWindows Phone 7WindowsMediaCenterWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Xbox-360Fri, 09 Sep 2011 23:24:00 EST<![CDATA[NVIDIA CEO sees major growth in mobile processing, quad-core tablets coming this year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/nvidia-ceo-sees-major-growth-in-mobile-processing-quad-core-tab/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/nvidia-ceo-sees-major-growth-in-mobile-processing-quad-core-tab/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/07/nvidia-ceo-sees-major-growth-in-mobile-processing-quad-core-tab/#comments During a sitdown with reporters yesterday, NVIDIA Chief Executive Jen-Hsun Huang discussed his company's near- and long-term financial outlook, while providing some insight into the chipmaker's quad-core future. According to Huang, NVIDIA expects to rake in between $4.7 and $5 billion in revenue during fiscal year 2013, with revenue from its mobile chip unit projected to mushroom tenfold by 2015, to a whopping $20 billion. Huang acknowledged that these predictions could be affected by external factors, including the ongoing patent wars between tablet and smartphone manufacturers, but didn't seem too concerned about their immediate impact. "At this point, it looks like it's much ado about nothing," he said. In fact, Huang foresees rather robust growth in the mobile processing sector, estimating that there are about 100 million devices that will need chips this year -- a figure that could soon rise to one billion, on the strength of more affordable handsets, efficient ARM processors and the rise of ultra-thin notebooks. And, despite his recent disappointment, Huang expects Android tablets to comprise a full 50 percent of the market in the near future, claiming that NVIDIA's Tegra chips can currently be found in 70 percent of all slates running Google's OS, and about half of all Android-based smartphones.

In the short-term, meanwhile, NVIDIA is busy developing its quad-core mobile processors -- which, according to the exec, should appear in tablets during the third or fourth quarter of this year (quad-core smartphones, however, may be further down the road). Huang also sees room to develop wireless-enabled, Snapdragon-like processors, thanks to NVIDIA's recent acquisition of Icera, but he hasn't given up on GPUs, either, predicting that demand for graphics performance will remain stable. The loquacious CEO went on to divine that Windows 8 will support apps designed for Windows 7 (implying, perhaps, that Microsoft's Silverlight platform will play a major role in future cloud-based developments), while contending that smaller, "clamshell devices" with keyboards will ultimately win out of over the Ultrabook strategy that Intel has been pursuing. For the moment, though, Huang seems pretty comfortable with NVIDIA's position in the mobile processing market, citing only Qualcomm as primary competition. "We're the only people seriously on the dance floor with Qualcomm," he argued, adding that companies without a solid mobile strategy are "in deep turd." You can find more of Huang's insights at the source links below.

NVIDIA CEO sees major growth in mobile processing, quad-core tablets coming this year originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTabletappbusinesschipclamshellearningsfy-2013GPUgraphicsgraphics processorGraphicsProcessorgrowthiceraintelJen-Hsun HuangJen-hsunHuangmarketmicrosoftmobilemobile processorMobileProcessormoneynvidiaprocessorquad corequad-coreQuadCorequalcommrevenuesilverlightsmartphonetablettegra 2Tegra2ultrabookwindowswindows 7windows 8Windows7Windows8Wed, 07 Sep 2011 03:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Watch Instantly streaming now works on ChromeOS, when it's working]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/09/netflix-watch-instantly-streaming-now-works-on-chromeos-when-it/#comments It didn't make launch as was originally promised, but today the Netflix Twitter account officially announced streaming access is operational on Chromebooks (when it's not suffering an outage, like it was last night during Amazon's cloud server troubles). The Netflix ChromeOS plugin jumping to 1.0.2 a few days ago was a good indication it was on the way, but now you can take your CR-48s, Series 5s and the like straight to the Chrome Web Store and get outfitted for some Watch Instantly streaming. Unfortunately, despite rumors that it's on the way in the next year or so, there's no change for other environments outside of Silverlight-compatible OS X and Windows, but Linux users can always dream, right?

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Netflix Watch Instantly streaming now works on ChromeOS, when it's working originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chromechrome oschromebookChromeOsgooglenetflixpluginsilverlightstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyTue, 09 Aug 2011 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7.1 is the likely name for Mango OS update]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-7-1-is-the-likely-name-for-mango-os-update/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-7-1-is-the-likely-name-for-mango-os-update/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/24/windows-phone-7-1-is-the-likely-name-for-mango-os-update/#comments Microsoft's proper preview event for the next big release of Windows Phone may be mere hours away, but there's still time for a bit of good old fashioned web sleuthing before then. Latest on our radar is this Microsoft Developer Network page listing out all the APIs in Silverlight for Windows Phone 7.1. That's right, your eyes do not deceive you, there's a whole extra decimal added to the OS number, ostensibly signifying the move to the Mango update we're all so hungry for. We'd previously heard the moniker of Windows Phone 7.5 bandied about, but that was based on supposition more than anything else, and a .1 upgrade makes sense in light of the curent 7.0.7 version number. Fuller details will be forthcoming later on today, but for now, pencil in the number 7.1 alongside the dream specs of your next Windows Phone.

[Thanks, Garret]

Windows Phone 7.1 is the likely name for Mango OS update originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 May 2011 05:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mangomicrosoftmobile osMobileOsmsdnnameofficialoperating systemOperatingSystemossilverlightupdateupgradewindows phonewindows phone 7.1WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7.1wp7wp7.1Tue, 24 May 2011 05:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Silverlight coming to Xbox, bringing WP7 games along with it?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/silverlight-coming-to-xbox-bringing-wp7-games-along-with-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/silverlight-coming-to-xbox-bringing-wp7-games-along-with-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/05/silverlight-coming-to-xbox-bringing-wp7-games-along-with-it/#commentsSilverlight coming to Xbox, bringing WP7 games along with it? Silverlight started as just a humble Flash competitor and now, well, it's all grown up. Almost, anyway. It's a fundamental part of the Windows Phone 7 ecosphere and word on the street is that it's about to become a fundamental part of the Xbox 360 world as well -- or a part, at least. Microsoft's MIX 11 developer event kicks off next week and rumor has it that Microsoft will unload a new tier of Silverlight compatibility enabling apps on the company's console and there's the potential for writing apps that could run both on phones and on the console. That sounds like some utopian dream-world of the future, where wavey-arm Kinect antics replace touchscreen swipes, but the bigger question is does the Xbox 360 really need another app store? Will this co-exist with the XNA-developed titles or supersede them? Is this why Xbox developer boxes just got a lot cheaper? Might we finally get Angry Birds on our HDTVs? Such delicious ponderings.

Silverlight coming to Xbox, bringing WP7 games along with it? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftsilverlightwindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7xboxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 05 Apr 2011 10:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Nokia to developers: no Qt for Windows Phone development]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-notifies-developers-that-qt-is-out-for-windows-phone-devel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-notifies-developers-that-qt-is-out-for-windows-phone-devel/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/nokia-notifies-developers-that-qt-is-out-for-windows-phone-devel/#commentsNokia's been beating the Qt warpath for years after purchasing the developer framework from Trolltech back in January of 2008. In fact, Nokia just made the switch to Qt exclusively back in October in a sign of its unrelenting support for the unified development environment. That, like all previous Nokia strategies, is in for a big change today. While Qt will continue on as the development framework for Symbian and MeeGo, Microsoft will provide its free Windows Phone Developer Tools (Visual Studio 2010, Expression, Silverlight and the XNA Framework) to developers interested in developing for Nokia Windows Phones (get used to that phrase) while providing "guidance" to anyone wishing to port their apps to WP7. In other words, Qt will not be adapted for Windows Phone 7 APIs. Full letter after the break to what we imagine is a very disgruntled and previously loyal Nokia developer community.

Continue reading Nokia to developers: no Qt for Windows Phone development

Nokia to developers: no Qt for Windows Phone development originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 04:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital markets daycapital markets day 2011CapitalMarketsDayCapitalMarketsDay2011developersdevelopmentmeegomicrosoftnokianokia windows phoneNokiaWindowsPhoneqtsdksilverlightsoftware developmentSoftwareDevelopmentsymbianwindows phoneWindows Phone Developer ToolsWindowsPhoneWindowsPhoneDeveloperToolsFri, 11 Feb 2011 04:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Mediaroom rumors could put Microsoft IPTV on the fast track to success]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/mediaroom-rumors-could-put-microsoft-iptv-on-the-fast-track-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/mediaroom-rumors-could-put-microsoft-iptv-on-the-fast-track-to-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/27/mediaroom-rumors-could-put-microsoft-iptv-on-the-fast-track-to-s/#comments We're hearing rumors today that Microsoft's already hardworking Mediaroom could be putting in overtime in the near future. According to ZDNet, not only is Microsoft working on a Mediaroom client for Windows Phone (aka Rome), but it's also got a Silverlight-for-Mediaroom project (aka Taos) in the pipeline, with a possible Silverlight-for-Mediaroom STB (aka Santa Fe) also on the way. As if it didn't already have a heavy workload, the platform is also up for a possible tie-in with Windows Media Center (aka Monaco). All this comes on the heels of chatter that the software giant is considering a new Xbox 360 TV service, incorporating Mediaroom, and news of a Silverlight SOC that could be worked into an STB like Santa Fe. All code names and acronyms aside, it looks like Microsoft is gearing up to give Apple and Google some serious internet TV competition, which means Mediaroom's going to have say goodbye to happy hour and hello to some serious all-nighters.

Mediaroom rumors could put Microsoft IPTV on the fast track to success originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Internetinternet tvInternetTvIPTVMedia CenterMediaCenterMediaroomMicrosoftmicrosoft mediaroomMicrosoft silverlightMicrosoftMediaroomMicrosoftSilverlightset top boxset top boxesSetTopBoxSetTopBoxessilverlightstbsystem on a chipSystemOnAChiptvWindowswindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterXbox-360Thu, 27 Jan 2011 00:31:00 EST<![CDATA[WP7 Game Boy emulator demoed, soon you can show your Pokemans in Silverlight (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wp7-game-boy-emulator-demoed-soon-you-can-show-your-pokemans-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wp7-game-boy-emulator-demoed-soon-you-can-show-your-pokemans-in/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/24/wp7-game-boy-emulator-demoed-soon-you-can-show-your-pokemans-in/#commentsWP7 Game Boy Color emulator demo'd, soon showing your Pokemans will be that much easier (video) Classic gaming on the go is more or less old-hat for many smartphone platforms, but Microsoft's Windows Phone 7 is still playing catch-up. Latest addition is this Game Boy emulator, running in Silverlight courtesy of Samuel Blanchard, who created the video below and then triple-letterboxed it for your squinting pleasure. Right now it is still a work in progress, unable to save your in-game progress and needing some further polish, but it certainly looks like it runs well enough -- though hopefully he gets that aspect ratio fixed before offering this up for download.

Continue reading WP7 Game Boy emulator demoed, soon you can show your Pokemans in Silverlight (video)

WP7 Game Boy emulator demoed, soon you can show your Pokemans in Silverlight (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emulationemulatorgame boygame boy colorGameBoyGameBoyColormicrosoftsamuel blanchardSamuelBlanchardsilverlightvideowindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 24 Jan 2011 09:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/paramount-rolls-out-silverlight-enhanced-movies-for-windows-phon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/paramount-rolls-out-silverlight-enhanced-movies-for-windows-phon/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/paramount-rolls-out-silverlight-enhanced-movies-for-windows-phon/#comments
Why simply download a movie when you can download a movie app? That's the thinking at Paramount, at least, which launched it's first Silverlight-enhanced movie app, School of Rock, for Windows Phone 7 devices this week. That's one of an initial batch of ten movies that will be released before the end of the year, which will also include Zoolander, GI JOE: The Rise of Cobra and Waiting for Superman, among other yet-to-be-announced titles. In addition to the movie itself, each of those will come packed with a range of extras including trailers, DVD-style special features, a Scene It? pop-up trivia mode, and the ability to create custom movie clips. As for how much they'll cost, School of Rock currently runs $10, although it's not clear if that will be the standard pricing for all releases.

Continue reading Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7

Paramount rolls out Silverlight-enhanced movies for Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappsmicrosoftmoviemovie appmovie appsMovieAppMovieAppsparamountschool of rockSchoolOfRocksilverlightwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7wp7Fri, 17 Dec 2010 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft Silverlight girl hates spicy foods, has no nose]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-silverlight-girl-hates-spicy-foods-has-no-nose/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-silverlight-girl-hates-spicy-foods-has-no-nose/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/28/microsoft-silverlight-girl-hates-spicy-foods-has-no-nose/#comments Meet Hikaru, a diminutive blonde that likes to sing, dance, and listen to music. By daytime, she's an anthropomorphic representation of Silverlight on Microsoft's Taiwanese portal, and by nighttime... well, she's still doing the same thing, it's a full time job, you know! We're just not really sure she's wearing the right outfit for the job -- it looks kinda breezy where she is.

Microsoft Silverlight girl hates spicy foods, has no nose originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animecharacterhikarumicrosoftsilverlightsilverlight girlSilverlightGirltaiwanTue, 28 Sep 2010 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft, SRS team up on surround sound for Silverlight, will this finally bring 5.1 to Netflix?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/microsoft-srs-team-up-on-surround-sound-for-silverlight-will-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/microsoft-srs-team-up-on-surround-sound-for-silverlight-will-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/09/microsoft-srs-team-up-on-surround-sound-for-silverlight-will-t/#comments Of course, this press release from SRS Labs doesn't actually say Netflix will use its technology to enable surround sound audio on Watch Instantly streams, but when you claim your tools add "easy and seamless" surround sound decoding to Silverlight apps then we have an immediate suggestion as to how they could be put to use. Whether you give any credit to (or have even noticed) the SRS stamp on a bevy of media playing software and hardware, its ubiquity certainly means that interested parties (like, say, Netflix) could be sure the audio would be supported across the multitude of platforms they stream video to. Microsoft and SRS have issued the tools for anyone (even Netflix) to support 5.1 streams just by adding this code to their apps and are demonstrating it at IBC 2010 and on a demo website, all we have to do is sit back and wait for the technology to be implemented. If only we knew of somewhere an upgrade to surround sound on streaming video was in high demand...

Continue reading Microsoft, SRS team up on surround sound for Silverlight, will this finally bring 5.1 to Netflix?

Microsoft, SRS team up on surround sound for Silverlight, will this finally bring 5.1 to Netflix? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 13:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1audiomicrosoftnetflixsilverlightsrssrs labsSrsLabsstreamingsurround soundSurroundSoundwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyThu, 09 Sep 2010 13:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Page-turning 'Macallan' UI will hit a Windows 7 tablet this year (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/01/page-turning-macallan-ui-will-hit-a-windows-7-tablet-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/01/page-turning-macallan-ui-will-hit-a-windows-7-tablet-this-year/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/01/page-turning-macallan-ui-will-hit-a-windows-7-tablet-this-year/#comments There's not much to your average prototype Windows 7 tablet -- just a netbook running the vanilla OS with a touchscreen instead of keyboard -- but if you've been wondering why you might care to buy one, just get a load of this Macallan UI. Developed by a third-party firm named UI Centric specifically for Windows tablet devices, it features a clean, finger-friendly interface capable of Adobe Flash and Microsoft Silverlight, and uses the crowd-pleasing page flip gesture for multitasking functionality. Perhaps most importantly, however, UI Centric claims it will actually appear on a real slate -- come Q3 2010, a "major manufacturer" will debut the first Macallan-topped device. We're curious to see how it (and a bottle of fine scotch) will stack up against September's ExoPC. Video after the break.

Continue reading Page-turning 'Macallan' UI will hit a Windows 7 tablet this year (video)

Page-turning 'Macallan' UI will hit a Windows 7 tablet this year (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 01 Aug 2010 12:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Adobe FlashAdobeFlashFlashMacallanMacallan UIMacallanUiMicrosoft silverlightMicrosoftSilverlightSilverlighttablettablet pcTabletPcUIUI CentricUiCentricuser interfaceUserInterfacevideoWindowsWindows 7windows 7 tabletwindows 7 tabletsWindows TabletWindows7Windows7TabletWindows7TabletsWindowsTabletSun, 01 Aug 2010 12:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Ballmer: Silverlight 'certainly doesn't run on the iPhone!']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/ballmer-silverlight-certainly-doesnt-run-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/ballmer-silverlight-certainly-doesnt-run-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/03/ballmer-silverlight-certainly-doesnt-run-on-the-iphone/#comments
Walt: Does Silverlight run on Android or the iPhone?

Steve: It certainly doesn't run on the iPhone! My guess is if it did it would be blocked! That's just my guess!

Read more of what Ballmer had to say in our D8 liveblog.

Ballmer: Silverlight 'certainly doesn't run on the iPhone!' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Jun 2010 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all things dAllThingsDballmerDD8iphonemicrosoftsilverlightsteve ballmerSteveBallmerThu, 03 Jun 2010 12:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/netflix-turns-on-hd-indicator-queue-for-pc-including-wmc-and-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/netflix-turns-on-hd-indicator-queue-for-pc-including-wmc-and-ma/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/17/netflix-turns-on-hd-indicator-queue-for-pc-including-wmc-and-ma/#comments Not that there was any doubt left, but we're getting numerous reports of users seeing the "HD" indicator appear while watching Netflix streams through the Silverlight player for PCs and Macs. Also, a special queue indicating the subset of content available for off-TV HD streaming is live now so users can see what is and isn't on the list (the HD is available boxart popup notifications are there as well, but don't appear to be entirely accurate.) Media Center streamers are in luck as well, as posters on The Green Button have noticed, although there's no indication within the client or queue itself in the WMC frontend the 3800kbps HD streams come through just fine. Unfortunately, we don't recommend anyone else watch Lost season one right now -- after last week's Across the Sea debacle it's just too painful.

Continue reading Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers

Netflix turns on HD indicator, queue for PC (including WMC) & Mac Watch Instantly streamers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdhd streamingHdStreamingnetflixsilverlightstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlywindows media centerWindowsMediaCenterMon, 17 May 2010 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaked Netflix blog post indicates official HD streaming to PC launch soon]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/leaked-netflix-blog-post-indicates-official-hd-streaming-to-pc-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/leaked-netflix-blog-post-indicates-official-hd-streaming-to-pc-l/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/15/leaked-netflix-blog-post-indicates-official-hd-streaming-to-pc-l/#comments Still not seeing any HD Watch Instantly streaming on your PC or Mac? Don't worry, as all indications point to a full rollout sooner rather than later, the most recent being this post that momentarily popped up on Netflix's official blog long enough to be caught by Google. We've asked about any upgrades for the Media Center plugin but haven't heard anything back yet, but for now it's just a matter of "when" will everyone see the HD icon light up on that Silverlight player.

Continue reading Leaked Netflix blog post indicates official HD streaming to PC launch soon

Leaked Netflix blog post indicates official HD streaming to PC launch soon originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 May 2010 19:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hdNetflixnetflix watch instantlyNetflixWatchInstantlysilverlightsilverlight 3Silverlight3watch instantlyWatchInstantlySat, 15 May 2010 19:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix stealth launches HD streaming to PC and Mac]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/netflix-stealth-launches-hd-streaming-to-pc-and-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/netflix-stealth-launches-hd-streaming-to-pc-and-mac/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/12/netflix-stealth-launches-hd-streaming-to-pc-and-mac/#comments It appears HD Netflix Watch Instantly streams aren't just for living room set-top boxes anymore now that Netflix is streaming more than half of its 720p-encoded titles to Macs and PCs (through the Silverlight web player, no word on the Media Center add-on.) According to Hacking Netflix, you can tell which ones are ready to go by checking the mouseover box for the (HD Available) tag as seen above. Our experience matches several other reports that not everyone is seeing the tag on all the same titles, so until it's rolled out fully, YMMV. It's not the new release flicks or surround sound add-ons that many are waiting for, but it could slide PQ up another notch for HTPC owners and everyone who just has to watch Killer Klowns from Outer Space at work -- but you'd never do that.

[Thanks, @DaveZatz]

Netflix stealth launches HD streaming to PC and Mac originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 May 2010 16:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hd stremingHdStreminginternet videoInternetVideomacnetflixpcsilverlightstreamingwatch instantlyWatchInstantlyWed, 12 May 2010 16:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's 'Menlo' working towards a mobile future without Windows CE?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/microsofts-menlo-working-towards-a-mobile-future-without-wind/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/microsofts-menlo-working-towards-a-mobile-future-without-wind/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/05/microsofts-menlo-working-towards-a-mobile-future-without-wind/#comments Since Courier's now a mystery unearthed -- and subsequently sent six feet under -- it looks like we need new secret Microsoft projects to pique our curiosity. Enter the ever-connected Mary Jo Foley with some investigative notes into "Menlo," which seems to be a future replacement of Windows CE "with Windows NT inside of mobile devices." The associated graphics platform would be "Experiment 19" (not quite as interesting a codename, we agree). Presumably heading up Menlo is Galen Hunt, a researcher from the Singular project, joined by other Microsoft brains Ruben Olinsky and (at least at some point) Kerry Hammil. It's always surprising how much info we can glean from LinkedIn, but we digress: Hunt's associated profile says Menlo "[combines] OS, UX, and applications research to explore the future of computing when mobiles becomes users primary PCs." Some bigger picture conjecture seems to center around Menlo having a Silverlight-based UI and boasting improved compatibility between itself and Windows desktop apps. Lots of food for thought, and if you're interested in what might come out of Redmond many, many years down the line, head on past the read link for all the juicy tech gossip.

Microsoft's 'Menlo' working towards a mobile future without Windows CE? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 May 2010 04:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cefoleygalen huntGalenHunthammilhuntkerry hammilKerryHammilmary jo foleyMaryJoFoleyntolinskyrubin olinskyRubinOlinskysilverlightwindowswindows cewindows mobilewindows ntwindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsCeWindowsMobileWindowsNtWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 05 May 2010 04:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft weighs in: 'the future of the web is HTML5']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/30/microsoft-weighs-in-the-future-of-the-web-is-html5/#comments Where Steve Jobs leads, Microsoft follows -- how's that for shaking up the hornet's nest? It's said in jest, of course, but we've just come across a post from the General Manager for Internet Explorer, Dean Hachamovitch, and the perspective expressed by him on the subject of web content delivery broadly agrees with the essay penned by Jobs yesterday on the very same subject. Echoing the Apple CEO's words, Hachamovitch describes HTML5 as "the future of the web," praising it for allowing content to be played without the need for plug-ins and with native hardware acceleration (in both Windows 7 and Mac OS X). He goes on to identify H.264 as the best video codec for the job -- so much so that it'll be the only one supported in IE9's HTML5 implementation -- before turning to the dreaded subject of Flash.

This is where it gets good, because he literally repeats one of Jobs' six pillars of Flash hate: "reliability, security, and performance" are not as good as Microsoft would like them. Where Hachamovitch diverges from Apple's messiah, however, is in describing Flash as an important part of "a good consumer experience on today's web," primarily because it's difficult for the typical consumer to access Flash-free content. Still, it's got to be depressing for Adobe's crew when the best thing either of the two biggest players in tech has to say about your wares is that they're ubiquitous. Wonder how Shantanu Narayen is gonna try and spin this one.

P.S. : it's notable that in multiple paragraphs of discussing "the future," Microsoft's IE general fails to once mention the fabled Silverlight, itself a rich media browser plug-in. Given Silverlight's featured role in the Windows Phone 7 infrastructure and other things like Netflix, we doubt it's on the outs, but there are sure to be some sour faces greeting Hachamovitch this morning.

[Thanks, KnifeX4]

Microsoft weighs in: 'the future of the web is HTML5' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Apr 2010 04:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobebrowsersDean HachamovitchDeanHachamovitchflashh.264html5ieie9internetinternet explorerinternet explorer 9InternetExplorerInternetExplorer9microsoftrich mediaRichMediasilverlightwebFri, 30 Apr 2010 04:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix Watch Instantly adds closed captioning support for the PC, Mac]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/netflix-watch-instantly-adds-closed-captioning-support-for-the-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/netflix-watch-instantly-adds-closed-captioning-support-for-the-p/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/16/netflix-watch-instantly-adds-closed-captioning-support-for-the-p/#comments We'd like to welcome the hard of hearing to the internet delivered video party, now that Netflix has begun offering optional closed captioning on a limited number of Watch Instantly titles. Currently only available through the Silverlight player on Mac or PC, Chief Product Officer Neil Hunt promises it's in the works for other platforms and should arrive there around fall along with the long-awaited support for 5.1 surround sound. Of course we're also still waiting for HD streaming on the PC but we know this is a big deal for specific communities and situations. For now, you can test out the feature on seasons 1-4 of Lost, part of about 100 titles so far with others being filled in "over time." Now excuse us, we need to watch some old episodes with CC switched on and make sure our Lostpedia entries are correct before the finale.

Netflix Watch Instantly adds closed captioning support for the PC, Mac originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 02:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5.1closed captioningclosed captionsClosedCaptioningClosedCaptionsdeafhdinternet videoInternetVideolostnetflixsilverlightstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideowatch instantlyWatchInstantlyFri, 16 Apr 2010 02:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Skyfire boss on possible iPhone port: 'stay tuned for news']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/skyfire-boss-on-possible-iphone-port-stay-tuned-for-news/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/skyfire-boss-on-possible-iphone-port-stay-tuned-for-news/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/14/skyfire-boss-on-possible-iphone-port-stay-tuned-for-news/#comments So Opera Mini for iPhone has proved to be kind of a big deal, and that HTML-laden beacon of hope is putting a twinkle in some other developers' eyes. Take Skyfire, for instance. CEO Jeff Glueck posted this week a congratulations to the Opera team for its inclusion in the iTunes app store -- a surprise to many, us included. He also explained that "this will certainly accelerate our strategy on iDevices," and seeing as its only product is a mobile browser with Flash and Silverlight, Jeff certainly has our attention here. That said, we're not exactly getting our hopes up, especially since the App Store's rules have always forbidden any app from running a code interpreter and we don't see how SkyFire can bypass that aspect of Flash and Silverlight entirely, even though it uses a server-side rendering model similar to Opera Mini's. We'll see what happens.

Skyfire boss on possible iPhone port: 'stay tuned for news' originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adobeappleapple iphoneAppleIphonebrowserflashglueckiphonejeff glueckJeffGlueckmicrosoftmobile browserMobileBrowseroperaopera miniopera mini for iphoneOperaMiniOperaMiniForIphonesilverlightsky fireSkyFireWed, 14 Apr 2010 21:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft, Broadcom and Intel to bring Silverlight to set-tops]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/microsoft-broadcom-and-intel-to-bring-silverlight-to-set-tops/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/microsoft-broadcom-and-intel-to-bring-silverlight-to-set-tops/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/11/microsoft-broadcom-and-intel-to-bring-silverlight-to-set-tops/#commentsSilverlight logoSet-top boxes are great because they usually just work, but the downside to this reliability is that adding functionality isn't a download away --- like on a PC. So if Microsoft wants to get Silverlight content on to set-tops it needs to work with the people who make the chips, and there's no one better than Broadcom and Intel. In fact Broadcom powers more TVs, Blu-ray players and DVRs than anyone, but that doesn't mean Intel isn't trying to move in on that market. Of course you'll never know if your set-top includes the Intel BCM7420 or Intel CE4100 series chips, but you will surely appreciate the additional internet delivered HD video (like the Olympics or Netflix Watch instantly).

Microsoft, Broadcom and Intel to bring Silverlight to set-tops originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Apr 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BCM7420BroadcomCE4100hdIntelMicrosoftSilverlightSun, 11 Apr 2010 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Sling working on player for iPad, Windows Phone 7 Series]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sling-working-on-player-for-ipad-windows-phone-7-series/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sling-working-on-player-for-ipad-windows-phone-7-series/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/30/sling-working-on-player-for-ipad-windows-phone-7-series/#comments
Looks like Zatz got the goods from the folks at Sling, who have a few interesting tidbits currently in the development pipe. Zatz not Funny is reporting that Sling's Mobile Product Marketing Manager, Dave Eyler, has told him that the company is "actively moving towards H.264" and Silverlight support, as well as delivering streaming with resolutions beyond the current 320x240. Though there are no firm details or timelines yet, this means we should definitely be expecting SlingPlayer Mobile versions for the iPad and Windows Phone 7 Series. While Sling says it won't have anything ready for the iPad's launch, we've got our fingers crossed that we'll see it soon.

Sling working on player for iPad, Windows Phone 7 Series originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 10:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleipadMicrosoftsilverlightslingsling mediaSlingMediaslingplayer mobileSlingplayerMobilewindows phone 7 seriesWindowsPhone7SerieszatzTue, 30 Mar 2010 10:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Silverlight beta comes to S60 5th Edition]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/silverlight-beta-comes-to-s60-5th-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/silverlight-beta-comes-to-s60-5th-edition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/20/silverlight-beta-comes-to-s60-5th-edition/#comments Microsoft naturally spent the overwhelming majority of its breath chatting up Windows Phone 7 Series at MIX10 earlier this week, but buried beneath the fanfare was a little morsel for a distinctly different platform. That's right, Symbian fans, you've now got a Silverlight runtime (for a few devices, anyway) some two years after Nokia announced that it'd be coming. Support right now is limited to S60 5th Edition -- that is, touch-enabled Symbian devices -- with both in-browser and standalone Silverlight apps available for the taking. It's just a beta right now, so don't have too much faith in the stability or feature-completeness of this thing -- but it's a start.

Silverlight beta comes to S60 5th Edition originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmobilenokias60silverlightsymbianSat, 20 Mar 2010 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 Series T-shirt cannon gets detailed, redefines 'mobile warfare']]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/windows-phone-7-series-used-to-control-t-shirt-cannon-redefine/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/windows-phone-7-series-used-to-control-t-shirt-cannon-redefine/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/19/windows-phone-7-series-used-to-control-t-shirt-cannon-redefine/#comments Microsoft's MIX 10 Windows Phone app demos were highlighted by a robotic t-shirt cannon entirely controlled by a WP7S app, and the code monkeys behind the project are now back with a full breakdown of how things were achieved -- the bot was built on a standard battle-bot chassis, which was then modded with the cannons and an HP Envy laptop for control purposes. Just to drill in the point about how familiar development for the new mobile OS will be, the MS guys point out that outsider assistance on the project was recruited under the pretext that what was being built were "out of the browser" Silverlight apps for the desktop. Very crafty. We've got video of the cannon in action waiting after the break, along with an image of the Phone controls.

Continue reading Windows Phone 7 Series T-shirt cannon gets detailed, redefines 'mobile warfare'

Windows Phone 7 Series T-shirt cannon gets detailed, redefines 'mobile warfare' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 09:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appapplicationapplicationsbotcannoncoding4fundronemicrosoftmixmix 10mix 2010Mix10Mix2010msdnrobotsilverlightt-shirtt-shirt cannonT-shirtCannont-shirtswindows phonewindows phone 7windows phone 7 seriesWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7Serieswp7wp7sFri, 19 Mar 2010 09:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft tells its Windows Phone 7 Series developer story, tools available today]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/15/microsoft-tells-its-windows-phone-7-series-developer-story/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/15/microsoft-tells-its-windows-phone-7-series-developer-story/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/15/microsoft-tells-its-windows-phone-7-series-developer-story/#comments
 At its dev-focused MIX10 event kicking off today, Microsoft's closing the loop on some of the Windows Phone 7 Series third-party development details it started sharing in the days leading up to GDC last week -- and as you might expect, Silverlight and XNA are the stars of the show. XNA will naturally be the core, critical element of Redmond's gaming story while Silverlight is serving as a catch-all for the "rich internet applications" that make up much of your other mobile activities for those rare moments when you're not... you know, blowing up aliens or navigating a race course littered with your opponents' destroyed vehicles. To that end, Microsoft is kicking things off on the right foot by offering a free package of developer tools to would-be WP7S coders that includes both Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone and the Silverlight-focused Expression Blend for Windows Phone, pretty much everything you need to start building apps in preparation for the platform's anticipated launch toward the latter part of the year. The beta dev tools are available today.

Developers are going to be treated to a host of must-have services out of the gate, including accelerometer support, location-based APIs using Microsoft's own Location Service, a newly-announced Microsoft Notification Service for pushing notifications regardless of whether an app is running (sound familiar?), hardware-accelerated video with integrated DRM and support for Microsoft's Smooth Streaming tech, multitouch, and camera / microphone access.

On a related note, Microsoft has shared some important details on the revised Windows Phone Marketplace (notice the subtle name change) for WP7S-based devices today. The revenue split remains unchanged -- 70 percent goes to the publisher, 30 percent to Microsoft -- but the developer portal for managing submissions has been "streamlined" and some of the incremental costs associated with it have been killed off; what's more, students enrolled in the DreamSpark submission will have their registration fees waived altogether. The Marketplace has evolved from an app store to a content "destination," housing apps, casual and premium Xbox Live games, music, and customized carrier stuff in one spot. We'll be wandering MIX10 throughout the day, so stay tuned as we get more of the story.

Microsoft tells its Windows Phone 7 Series developer story, tools available today originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsdevdeveloperdevelopmentexclusiveexpressionexpression blendExpressionBlendmarketplacemicrosoftmixmix10silverlightwindows marketplacewindows phonewindows phone 7windows phone 7 serieswindows phone marketplaceWindowsMarketplaceWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7SeriesWindowsPhoneMarketplacewp7sxnaMon, 15 Mar 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Windows Phone 7 Series demo video reveals new apps, screens]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/windows-phone-7-series-demo-video-reveals-new-apps-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/windows-phone-7-series-demo-video-reveals-new-apps-screens/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/05/windows-phone-7-series-demo-video-reveals-new-apps-screens/#comments
Microsoft may be saving most of its Windows Phone 7 Series news for MIX the week after next (at least that's what we've heard whispers about), but it looks like it's still dishing out a few more details beforehand, as evidenced by a short demonstration Microsoft's Charlie Kindel gave to CNET. Nothing major like a confirmation of HD2 support, but we do get a glimpse of a few apps we haven't seen before (including a flashlight, level, and weather app -- all supposedly "trivial" to build thanks to XNA and Silverlight), and a look at some new screens for various applications we have seen, including a better look at the Xbox Live hub. Head on past the break to check out the video for yourself.

Continue reading Windows Phone 7 Series demo video reveals new apps, screens

Windows Phone 7 Series demo video reveals new apps, screens originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charlie kindelCharlieKindelmicrosoftMIXmix 2010Mix2010silverlightwindowswindows phonewindows phone 7windows phone 7 seriesWindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7WindowsPhone7Serieswp7wp7sxnaFri, 05 Mar 2010 21:04:00 EST