TV

Google roundup: Android Lollipop, Nexus 6 phone, Nexus 9 tablet and Nexus Play streamer

Christian Zibreg ∙ October 15, 2014

With less than 24 hours left until Apple's “It's been way too long” iPad and Mac media event, the Internet giant Google in a pre-emptive strike Wednesday officially unveiled the next major version of its mobile operating system, Android 5.0, along with the newest Nexus-branded hardware devices: a Motorola-made smartphone, a HTC-made tablet and an Asus-built game console and media streamer.

“A sweet new take on Android,” Android Lollipop is actually the Android L software the search giant teased at its Google I/O conference back in the summer. Containing over 5,000 new APIs for developers, Lollipop has been designed to be flexible to support all screen sizes and devices while taking Android's customization to the next level.

HBO relents, says standalone HBO Go subscription streaming service launching in 2015

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated May 10, 2017

Cable cutters, rejoice! HBO has relented and will go forward with plans to enable a standalone streaming service in 2015, Re/code reported Wednesday.

Though details are scarce, the forthcoming service will allow people to watch HBO's original programming, TV shows, movies, documentaries and more, but without pay TV subscription.

According to HBO CEO Richard Plepler speaking at Time Warner Inc.’s investor day meeting on Wednesday, the company is indeed planning to launch a “standalone, over-the-top” subscription offering at some point next year. The disruptive move couldn't be overstated as it's going to be a major blow to the complacent American cable industry.

Xbox One SmartGlass app now lets you record game clips and more

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Less than two weeks following an update which has enabled Xbox One owners to install games on their console remotely, using their iOS device, the Windows giant Microsoft today pushed another update adding nearly a dozen cool new features.

For starters, the free iPhone and iPad application now allows you to record game clips remotely, too.

And in a series of social improvements, the app now lets players share and post activity feed items and post status updates to their activity feed, as well as browse through their activity feed directly on their profile page.

‘NFL Now’ lands on Apple TV with news and highlights

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

As expected, the National Football League launched the Apple TV client for its new 'NFL Now' service this morning. The service went live earlier this month on mobile and various streaming devices, and today it comes to Apple's set top box.

While the NFL Now channel won't deliver streams of live games (see NFL Sunday Ticket for that), it will provide a plethora of content for football fans. That content includes classic and recent highlights, breaking news, press events and more...

Xbox One SmartGlass now lets you install Xbox games remotely, live TV streaming due soon

Christian Zibreg ∙ Updated April 18, 2016

Software giant Microsoft today pushed a nice little update to its Xbox One companion app for the iPhone and iPad, SmartGlass.

Version 2.8 is now available in the App Store, providing a handy new feature letting you buy and install Xbox games and other content remotely, from your iOS device.

Moreover, the application now supports in-app browsing of new and popular games, add-ons and bundles.

You can even rate your favorite Xbox game clips and activity feed entries, as well as view shared Activity Feed and Game Clips — all within the app. And in a future SmartGlass update due later this year, Microsoft will add ability to stream live TV locally to your iPhone or iPad...

Shazam launches new always-on menu bar app for Mac

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 18, 2018

Popular audio identification service Shazam launched a new application for the Mac this morning. It lives in the operating system's menu bar, and offers a lot of the same features seen in its iOS counterpart, with a few new tricks.

Because it resides in the menu bar, Shazam for Mac is always-on and constantly running in the background listening for audio to identify. Once it recognizes a track, the app offers quick access to lyrics, song info and downloads...

Telltale confirms third season of ‘The Walking Dead’

Cody Lee ∙ July 27, 2014

Folks worried that the final episode of The Walking Dead: Season Two will be the end of the series can rest easy. Developer Telltale Games has confirmed this weekend that the story of the dead will live on in season 3.

The studio made the announcement yesterday at Comic-Con, during a panel hosted by Skybound Entertainment. It publishes The Walking Dead comics, of which both the game and the popular television show are based...

AMC teases new mobile game ‘The Walking Dead: No Man’s Land’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

AMC and Finland-based Next Games have announced an upcoming mobile title called 'The Walking Dead: No Man's Land.' The partners say the game will feature gameplay exclusively developed for smartphones and tablet devices.

This is the second mobile game we've seen for the popular zombie franchise, but unlike Telltale Games' Walking Dead series, which is based on the comic books, this game is based on the hit TV show. Check out the teaser trailer below...

FXNOW channel with Simpsons World content coming to Apple TV

Cody Lee ∙ July 22, 2014

Earlier this year we talked about an upcoming mobile app called Simpsons World that will allow users to stream all 552 episodes of the popular cartoon series. We have since learned that the content will actually be integrated into FXNOW, FX's on-demand service, and should arrive this fall.

Today comes word that a standalone FXNOW channel could be headed to the Apple TV as well, along with the aforementioned Simpsons content. TV writer Jason Lynch tweeted out yesterday that the app will be landing on Apple's set-top box, the Roku and others within the next 12 months....

Apple airs new ‘Stickers’ MacBook Air ad

Cody Lee ∙ Updated March 19, 2019

Apple tonight aired a new commercial for its MacBook Air line called "Stickers." Interestingly enough, it doesn't talk about features or specs, or even show the laptop in use. Instead, it shows an Air being customized with various decals.

Apple says the ad, which features music from Hudson Mohawke, is a "celebration of all the many ways people love the MacBook Air." And it ends with a side view of the thin computer and a powerful tagline: "The notebook people love."

Apple airs new ‘Parenthood’ iPhone 5s ad

Cody Lee ∙ June 29, 2014

Apple has this evening posted a new TV commercial for the iPhone 5s to its YouTube channel. The ad is entitled 'Parenthood,' and it touts the handset’s ability to morph into a useful tool for parents.

Set to the tune of "Life of Dreams," by Julie Doiron, the spot showcases various iPhone apps and products for parents such as Withings' Smart Baby baby monitor and the popular Draw Animal app...

Sony unveils Apple TV competitor ‘PlayStation TV’

Cody Lee ∙ Updated April 17, 2018

During its high profile E3 keynote yesterday, Sony unveiled the PlayStation TV, a rebranded version of the PS Vita TV it showed off last fall. The device is small enough to fit in your hand and costs just $99, making it a direct competitor to the Apple TV.

Like the Apple TV, the PlayStation TV will support a variety of streaming services including Hulu, Netflix, and of course Sony's own content. But unlike Apple's set-top box, it'll have a heavy focus on gaming, supporting some 1000 popular titles at launch...