10/30, 1:40pm
Tablet to preference movies, TV over books?
Video is likely to be the next big focus of a lot of Apple's digital content, reports RBC Capital's Mike Abramsky. The analyst recently spoke to three Apple executives, including CFO Peter Oppenheimer; the VP for iTunes and Internet services, Eddy Cue; and finally David Moody, the VP for worldwide Mac marketing. The executives note that video is seen as the next "exploding" opportunity after music, but that it is currently being hampered by several obstacles.
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10/29, 7:55pm
Compatibility extended to iTunes 9.0.2
Apple on Thursday released an update to its Remote app for the iPhone and iPod touch. Version 1.3.2 adds support for the Apple TV v3.0 firmware and corresponding iTunes 9.0.2 updates also announced on Thursday. Along with the Apple TV compatibility, the Remote download also offers several bug fixes.
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10/29, 3:45pm
Media player offers new background options
Apple on Thursday released iTunes 9.0.2, an update do its media software. The latest version adds support for Apple TV's v3.0 firmware, which features a revamped menu system and several iTunes features such as Genius Mixes, LPs and Extras. Other minor changes include a dark background option for Grid View and improved support for accessibility.
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10/29, 3:25pm
Overhauls user interface
Quickly validating rumors, Apple has officially released v3.0 firmware for the Apple TV. The core change is a new menu system, designed to make it simpler to flip between major categories; it also draws focus to particular information, such as which videos have been rented or are unwatched. New is an "Internet" category, which folds in YouTube while adding support for Internet radio streaming. Favourite stations can be tagged.
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10/29, 10:50am
Apple TV to get iTunes LP, Extras
Apple has inadvertently hinted at a major refresh for the Apple TV through an update to its iTunes Store Terms and Conditions. The new agreement, which has shown up in iTunes 9 but isn't yet reflected on Apple's website, references an as yet unreleased Apple TV 3.0 update and says it will enable both iTunes LP and iTunes Extras, both of which so far only work on a computer. The LP standard is already known by AppleInsider to be formatted for 720p and to include HDTV metatags but hasn't had any definite migration plans until today.
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09/23, 3:30pm
May have large impact on Apple investors
The Financial Accounting Standards Board has officially certified a change in GAAP accounting rules, one which could significantly influence Apple stocks, the Wall Street Journal writes. A draft measure of the change was completed earlier this month, after pressure from corporations including Apple, TiVo and Xerox. As a result, businesses selling hardware linked to subscription services should now be able to report earnings as they are produced, instead of over an extended period.
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09/22, 12:15pm
Shifting priorities at Apple
The rumored Apple tablet device is now getting the maximum possible attention from CEO Steve Jobs, accounts say. Although the claim does not differ significantly from earlier reports, new information suggests that the executive considers the tablet to be extremely important, such that it is being deliberately held back from a holiday 2009 release. The goal is to have the most exciting launch possible, and so the tablet should instead become available in 2010, in keeping with some other rumors.
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09/18, 12:05pm
Video transfers to iPod, iPhone, PSP, Apple TV
Movavi has launched a self-titled video converter, able to transfer video footage and associated audio files from one device to another. The software utilizes presets for common media players, and popular formats. The latter include AVI, MPEG, MP4, 3GP, FLV, MP3, WAV, AAC and FLAC. Some supported media devices include the iPod, iPhone, PSP, BlackBerry and Apple TV.
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09/17, 12:50pm
Firm backs importance to investors
A change in accounting rules that will favor Apple is based on the recognition of "hybrid" products, says Kaufman Bros. analyst Shaw Wu. The analyst notes that a number of companies are now dependent on vertically-integrated business models, in terms of hardware, software and services; Apple for instance not only produces the iPhone, it develops the iPhone OS, and runs the iTunes Store. Under the current incarnation of rule SOP 97-2, hybrid products must have deferred revenue recognition.
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09/14, 3:30pm
Could be aimed at support Apple TV functions
The LP and Extras features introduced in iTunes 9 are built around new JavaScript framework, probing is said to show. Called TuneKit, the standard is not only aimed at supporting interactive bonus media, but handling it without the need for plug-ins such as Flash, typically used to deal with animations. TuneKit is otherwise paired mainly with HTML and CSS code.
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09/14, 7:20am
Apple TV prices drop
Apple today quietly reshuffled the prices of the Apple TV for the first time since the 160GB model was added in May 2007. The company has reduced the price of the 160GB model to $229 (from $329) and has dropped the original 40GB model (once $229) entirely. Apple hasn't mentioned any feature set changes for the one remaining model.
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09/08, 12:10pm
Denies some expected features
Apple is unlikely to turn the Apple TV into a DVR set-top, despite analyst suggestions and hints in patents, says research firm Caris & Company. Analysts from the firm are said to have met recently with Apple CFO Peter Oppenheimer, who immediately tried to dispel rumors. "While some have wondered whether Apple might ultimately try to integrate traditional cable set-top box (decoding) functionality into its Apple TV product," a Caris investor note reads, "Mr. Oppenheimer pretty much killed that concept and said that it just doesn't fit Apple's business."
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09/02, 6:10pm
Apple TV announcement at Sept event? Not quite yet
Despite analyst speculation that Apple might be preparing to launch an update to its Apple TV device at the upcoming media event, sources familiar with the matter claim the company will not diverge from its focus on music-oriented products. The "very reliable" sources told The Loop that Apple TV will definitely not be included in the announcements.
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09/01, 8:55pm
Apple TV at Sept event?
Piper Jaffray senior research analyst Gene Munster believes Apple may have more to announce than just iPods at its upcoming media event scheduled for September 9th. He believes the company may also include a surprise announcement for an updated Apple TV device.
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08/20, 4:25pm
Piper on future Apple TV
Apple will probably launch a new Apple TV within the next several months, argues Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. In July's Q3 results call, COO Tim Cook stated that Apple would "continue to invest" in the Apple TV. The company could also have strong incentive to build a new set-top, says Munster, if it decides to offer a subscription service for iTunes video.
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08/20, 3:15pm
Apple photo rights lawsuit
Apple is once more being sued over the misuse of the same photo, says Dow Jones. Louis Psihoyos, a National Geographic photographer, specifically alleges that Apple has again infringed on the rights to an image called The Information Revolution, 500 Monitors (seen below), depicting a man surrounded by a curved wall of displays. The new incident is attributable to a third-party iPhone app, i.TV, which is claimed to use 500 Monitors without permission.
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08/18, 6:55pm
Rowmote Pro 2.0 released
Regular Rate and Rhythm has released v2.0 of its Rowmote Pro iPhone app. The software utilizes an iPhone or iPod touch to control a Mac and Apple TV, similarly to Apple's hardware remote. The latest version adds direct control over Elgato EyeTV, mPlayer, Safari, Songbird, and equinux The Tube. The update also improves the control speed of the keyboard and mouse.
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06/25, 10:10am
Remote 1.3 update
(Updated with feature information) Apple is now distributing an update to the Remote iPhone app, bringing it to version 1.3. The app lets users control music playback on a computer or Apple TV, whether through basic play, pause, skip and shuffle commands, or the creation of custom playlists. Users can additionally control speakers connected through AirTunes.
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06/18, 12:10pm
Apple 3D remote patent
Apple has invested serious attention in the possibility of a 3D motion-control remote for the Apple TV, a newly-published patent application reveals. Backing up a later filing, the application once again describes a remote which would let users navigate an interface by pointing to objects, as well as making specific gestures. The remote would communicate with an Apple TV using IR, Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
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06/16, 4:20pm
aTV Flash 3.6 update
Life Core has announced aTV Flash 3.6, the latest version of it Apple TV enhancement software. aTV Flash adds a series of features, including video playlists, additional file formats, and the ability to drag-and-drop media. Among the supported file formats are DivX, XviD, AVI, WMV and VIDEO TS. Further tweaks allow the use of an external USB hard drive.
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05/29, 6:25pm
XenDesktop on Apple TV
In brief: Tekkeon has released a new iPhone case which also integrates a built-in battery. The battery is said to double the life of the iPhone and is directly integrated into the leather exterior of the case. Craneballs studios has announced that its new iPhone game, Blimp: The Flying Adventures, should be available next week. The game takes players on a journey where they must protect their planet from an invasion. Meanwhile, Citrix has posted a new video which briefly outlines how to use an Apple TV to remotely access a computer. The video is fairly brief but shows the basic functionality of an Apple TV running XenDesktop such as running PowerPoint and Windows Media Player.
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05/21, 4:15pm
Apple voice remote patent
Apple has been considering voice recognition as an option for future TV remotes, most likely for the Apple TV set-top, a newly-published patent application hints. Titled Context-aware unit selection, the filing describes a "pointing device" associated with a computer, dubbed a "Web TV" system. Embedded in the remote would be a microphone, capable of accepting commands such as "open iTunes."
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05/13, 2:15pm
VUDU Ad Backed Media
VUDU today signaled a partial change in direction with word that it will start offering ad-supported music and video through its service. Once limited to renting as well as selling movies and TV shows, the company is tapping Brightcove to provide ads for a free Sony music video service. It also plans to expand this to include other services but hasn't set out its plans to date, including whether or not it may extend this to TV and other long-form content.
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04/28, 4:20pm
Apple refurbs: Apple TV
Right now Apple.com has a variety of refurbished Apple products at reduced prices. Apple TV is available in both 40GB and 160GB configurations for $199 and $279. Accessories include the wireless keyboard for $69, the AirPort Express Base station for $85 and refurb. Time Capsules in both 500GB and 1TB options for $239 and $399 respectively. Recently the iPod nano in both 8GB and 16GB configurations were reduced to $99 and $149 correspondingly. Unibody MacBooks are also offered starting as low as $1099 for the 2.0GHz model with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive. A selection of MacBook Air models are being featured as well with prices ranging from $999 to $2149.
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04/07, 10:35pm
Acer AspireRevo
Acer tonight launched a slew of systems that include the first desktop based on NVIDIA's Ion graphics and system controller platform. The AspireRevo is based on a low-performance, low-cost 1.6GHz Intel Atom processor but draws on the 9400M-based graphics to run apps and content that are ordinarily impossible on Intel's reference hardware. Built-in decoding lets it play 1080p video at a full frame rate and even play some modern games at reasonable performance, such as Call of Duty 4 or SimCity 4.
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04/07, 9:05am
Blockbuster may Exit
Blockbuster yesterday submitted a US Securities and Exchange Commission filing that reveals the company doesn't believe it can continue business. The video store is no longer certain that it can remain a "going concern" and may have to stop operations and close its doors if its financial situation doesn't improve in the near future. The warning comes in spite of a $250 million refinancing loan having been put in place just last week; Blockbuster now says there is "no assurance" that it can meet the requirements of the transaction before it's completed on May 11th.
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04/02, 7:10pm
MS hints at future of Zune
The first hints of Microsoft making good on its promise of bringing the Zune platform to other devices than the current portable media players have come in the form of two job postings discovered today. The first is seeking a software development engineer for the Zune team to help deliver digital entertainment into the living room, while the other is hinting at the Zune service and Zune Marketplace extending globally.
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03/25, 7:45am
Blockbuster Movies on TiVo
Blockbuster today said it would start delivering movies and TV shows over TiVo's DVRs. The tie-in will give users about 10,000 combined movies and TV shows that can be purchased or rented from any Series 2, Series 3 or HD series device. The company is offering movie rentals for between $2 and $4 and permanent movie purchases between $15 and $20. As part of the deal, Blockbuster says it will also start selling TiVo units in its retail stores.
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03/23, 4:45pm
Vuze update
Vuze has released an update to its BitTorrent client and media player. Version 4.2 can now be used to automatically convert videos to formats required for the iPhone, iPods, Apple TV, PS3 and Xbox 360. iTunes, PS3 and Xbox 360 are each auto-detected, showing up under a list of devices in a new sidebar. Video files can then be dragged and dropped from the library or desktop and onto the appropriate device.
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03/19, 5:30pm
iTunes HD movies
Following the release of iTunes 8.1, Apple has announced that it will allow customers to download HD-quality movies. The content will be available to download or rent within 30 days after release. Users can view the movies on Mac or PC systems, televisions, Apple TV and in standard-definition on the iPhone or iPods with video support.
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03/19, 4:10pm
Elgato H.264 Turbo adds HD
Elgato on Thursday announced it has added 1080p compatibility to its original Turbo.264 USB video conversion dongle, resulting in the Turbo.264 HD. The new product is now much faster than its predecessor, and still allows users to convert videos into the H.264 format that is compatible with portable electronics such as iPods, iPhones, the Apple TV and Sony's PSP and similar devices. Besides resolution, it also adds support for HD camcorder formats such as AVCHD as well as MPEG-2- and MPEG-4-encoded HD content. The Turbo.264 HD automatically detects AVCHD camcorders and moves the recordings in standard- or high-definition to selected source devices.
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03/12, 12:40pm
Apple remote patent
Apple may have much more complex interactions in mind for future versions of the Apple TV remote, a new patent application suggests. While the current remote is no different from the models used to control Front Row on Macs, a future version may function similarly to the controllers for Nintendo's Wii console, which allow precise pointing and motion-sensing actions. The Apple hardware would rely on IR sensors and/or an accelerometer or gyroscope.
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03/06, 3:20pm
VUDU Media Extender Rumor
VUDU's next major firmware upgrade to the VUDU Box could give it and its sibling devices a greater role as a local media hub, according to a new rumor. Networked set-top box observer Dave Zatz hears that the next version of the firmware after this week's 2.2 update will add the option to use the VUDU Box as a media extender for computers on the local network. It's not known if this would include Windows Media Center PCs, DLNA or other formats.
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03/06, 10:25am
Boxee video RSS update
Boxee, the developer of its namesake media player front-end, has released a new alpha version of the app with a built-in RSS reader. The software is installed onto Mac and Ubuntu Linux systems as well as Apple TVs, and provides more elaborate support for downloaded media as well as direct web streaming of shows on ABC and CBS. The Boxee RSS reader is optimized for video, and can feed clips from YouTube, Yahoo and several other sources.
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03/03, 11:55am
Roku Amazon VOD
Roku today gave its Roku Player support for Amazon's Video on Demand service. The feature gives the networked media hub its first non-subscription video model and lets owners both rent movies on a title-by-title basis as well as buy them; as Amazon allows online streaming, movies and TV shows can be seen without needing permanent storage as on the Apple TV or VUDU Box. Roku's interface for Amazon also trumps the Netflix solution by letting owners browse and buy directly from the TV interface rather than require users add titles separately on a website.
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02/25, 4:50pm
Apple TV 2.3.1 update
(Update with response from Boxee) Apple has quietly released a software update for the Apple TV, its media-streaming set-top box. A list of changes made in the v2.3.1 update is currently unavailable, but it is known that the code breaks Boxee, a popular third-party software client which provides functions such as better format support, access to online streaming services and various social networking options. Earlier updates have also broken Boxee, though this is not believed to be intentional.
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02/24, 8:10am
VUDU HD Movie Sales
VUDU on Tuesday staked out its position network media hubs by becoming the first to sell permanent downloads of movies in HD for its own device. The VUDU Box, XL and XL2 can now keep full-length titles in either the company's regular HD as well as in its 1080p HDX format rather than having to rent them. The initial lineup will include movies like Man on Wire and War, Inc. and should see every future movie made available to buy as well as rent in HD on the same day as it's available on DVD.
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02/09, 12:05pm
TVs in Apple's future?
Apple is headed in the direction of producing a genuine TV, claims Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster. Though the company already produces the Apple TV set-top, which has in fact been enjoying brisker sales, it is thought that the company may be interested traveling further in the direction of consumer electronics, spurred on by the success of the iPod and the iPhone. A true Apple TV could let the company merge existing functions with live broadcasts and extra Internet services, Munster suggests, and make Apple synonymous with the world of electronics and "lifestyle" accessories.
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02/04, 11:20am
TWC Data Caps Spread
Time Warner during a financial results call today revealed that its experiment in metered data use on its cable Internet service should expand to new areas in 2009. Without entering into specifics, the company's cable chief Glenn Britt says that more cities will be subject to the program, which charges users for usage at fixed intervals up to a 40GB cap. It's unknown whether the feature represents a larger trial or a formal rollout.
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01/23, 9:05am
Boxee adds ABC to TV
The creators of the Boxee media streaming software have expanded network coverage to include ABC, according to an announcement. The addition is designed to coincide with the season premiere of Lost, and brings with it episodes from a number of other ABC shows such as Scrubs, Desperate Housewives and Grey's Anatomy. Other studios on Boxee include CBS, NBC and Fox, the latter two coming by way of Hulu.
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01/21, 8:00pm
Apple TV sales jump
During Apple's Q1 financial conference call, COO Tim Cook noted that sales of Apple TV devices have surged three-fold from last year's quarter. The company plans to continue investing in the technology, despite the suggestion that it is still considered a "hobby." Cook also credited the rental movie business with boosting the strong performance. "We are going to continue to invest in it because we fundamentally believe there is something there for us in the future."
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01/15, 3:20pm
YouTube for Television
YouTube today extended its features with the launch of YouTube for Television. The site is specifically reengineered for media hubs and other web-capable TV devices with an interface designed to be viewable at living room distances and controlled through a remote rather than a mouse. The portal is available right away in 22 regions and is initially confirmed to work with the PlayStation 3 and Wii.
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01/05, 8:10am
LG Netflix TVs
LG on Monday marked a first for TVs by saying that it will unveil a line of TVs at CES this week that have built-in support for Netflix viewing. The feature will let anyone with a $9 or higher Netflix subscription stream an unlimited number of movies from their Watch Instantly queue, including HD; while creating the queue is dependent on web use outside the TV, the set can rate movies and otherwise has full control over playback. Each of the relevant sets will have an Ethernet jack built-in to make the connection.
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01/05, 12:35am
Macworld forecast roundup
Despite the rumors of an iPhone "nano" and a tablet sized iPod touch, Apple is more likely to use the Macworld expo to announce updated versions of several existing products, according to a variety of sources. Analysts' forecasts have focused on a new line of iMacs and a refreshed 17-inch MacBook Pro utilizing aluminum unibody construction. The company could also be prepared to launch a new Mac mini and Apple TV, along with the latest versions of Time Capsule and iWork.
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12/30, 4:30pm
Apple refurbs: Apple TV
Today at the Apple store there is a vast selection of refurbished products that include Apple TV, iMacs and the aluminum cased MacBook. Apple TV in both 40GB and 160GB configurations are available for $199 and $279 respectively. Two MacBook models are currently being offered: the white 2.4GHz MacBook with 2GB of memory and 160GB hard drive is $949 and the aluminum 2.4GHz MacBook with 2GB of memory and 250GB hard drive is priced at $1,399. Three iMac models are featured: the 20-inch, 2.66GHz model has 2GB of memory and a 320GB hard drive for $1,299; the 24-inch, 2.8GHz model has the same memory and storage specs as the first and is priced at $1,549; and the 24-inch, 3.06GHz model has a 500GB hard drive and 2GB of memory, priced at $1,899. Refurbished iPods include the 1GB iPod shuffle for $39, the 160GB Classic for $249, and the 32GB Touch for $319.
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12/30, 10:50am
Kaufman on MW09 gear
People may be able to see a variety of new Apple products at this year's Macworld Expo, despite the company's diminishing emphasis on tradeshows, says Kaufman's Shaw Wu. The analyst notes that while the focus of Apple's keynote will likely be on new Macs -- and a preview of Mac OS X Snow Leopard -- sources indicate the possibility of a new "consumer device" being announced, even if its exact identity is unclear.
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12/23, 9:40am
VUDU Christmas Sale
VUDU has quietly introduced a major discount on its networked media hubs just ahead of Christmas. The company has cut the price of the VUDU Box in half to $150 and also provides $50 in credits to buy or rent movies and TV shows. A similar deal also provides a $200 wireless bundle that includes the hub as well as an 802.11.g Wi-Fi kit that bridges the media device to a home router. The hardware itself is the same and can play movies up to 1080p in its new HDX format and has 250GB of storage to hold as many as 50 movies in 480p.
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12/19, 12:25pm
MS Zune Xbox Job Listing
Microsoft is actively pursuing its hinted plans to directly integrate its Zune players with its Xbox systems, a recently unearthed job post for a User Experience Designer shows. A recruit hired for the position would be tasked with conceptualizing and developing the interface for not only the Zune players and PC client but also "Zune Xbox," alluding to a likely playback and possible music purchasing system for the Xbox 360 or later.
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12/18, 10:15pm
Apple TV infringement suit
In Apple's latest legal battle, a wireless-entertainment company has sued the computer-maker for patent infringement, according to InformationWeek. EZ4Media submitted the filings to a Louisiana court, claiming that Apple TV, Airport Express, and even Mac computers infringe on a number of its patents. The company had originally purchased the patents from Universal Electronics (UEI) in March and alleges that three UEI employees left to work for Apple approximately a year before the launch of Apple TV.
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12/16, 11:10am
VUDU RIA Platform
VUDU today staked out a potential edge in networked media hubs on Tuesday by launching a new platform specifically tailored to normally web-oriented services. The RIA (Rich Internet Application) standard lets developers write and users download add-ons that convert web games, photo and video services into a native program for the VUDU Box rather than have to use a special web browser or make special arrangements for app development. The implementation will make it relatively straightforward to integrate web content while still having a "lean-back" interface with remote control, the company explains.
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