Twitch introduces Pulse, a Twitter copy for gamers
Just as operating systems borrow ideas from each other, the same is true of social networks -- and just about all sites and services feature social networking elements. Twitch, the streaming video platform for gamers, is copying Twitter and launching a social media feed called Pulse.
Described as "a place where streamers can post and engage with all of their followers and the greater Twitch community right from the Twitch front page", Pulse is not just about text updates, but also sharing GIFs.
Amazon announces new pilot season for Prime video
If you happen to have an Amazon Prime account then you're aware of the benefits that come along with your annual fee. There's the free two-day shipping, the streaming video service, the music, and more.
Amazon is also producing its own original shows, several becoming big hits, like The Man in the High Castle and Transparent.
Roku hit 1 billion streaming hours in December
If you have one of the many modern and tiny streaming set-top boxes then chances are it may be a Roku. There are others on the market from Amazon, Google and Apple and plenty that have failed. Roku got in early and gained traction.
So much traction, in fact, that it has been showing some pretty serious numbers regarding how it is doing in the market.
Google to drop 30-second unskippable ads from YouTube
Ads -- be they on TV, on the web or in apps -- can be deeply annoying, hence the prevalence of ad-blocking software. But there are some ads that you can't always avoid, such as those tacked onto the beginning of YouTube videos; not all ad-blocking software is made equal, after all.
If this is a bugbear of yours, there's good news on the horizon. While YouTube is not ditching ads altogether, the 30-second monstrosities which cannot be skipped are being dropped.
Watch the Grammys show live on Roku with CBS All Access
Are you ready for one of the biggest nights in music? The Grammy awards are just hours away from kicking off and many fans are likely wondering how they can watch the festivities live. For those without cable that is a real concern.
Everything kicks off tonight at 8pm ET and it will be hosted by James Corden. If you are one of those of a growing number that don't have cable TV then there are no worries, providing you do have a Roku.
Hulu Profiles quietly arrives on the streaming service
If you have used a streaming service like Netflix then you know the value of profiles. In a household of two or more people, profiles keep things sane. Especially when two people watch the same show, but not always on the same schedule -- you can each have it in your profile to keep track of which episode you're both on.
It may seem like simple technology, but it's something Hulu has lacked since its inception. While the service has grown in both terms of popularity and shows available, separating things has never been possible.
Soon you could be able to download full seasons from BBC iPlayer before they broadcast on TV
The BBC's iPlayer proved popular very quickly, and its position as a well-loved catch-up streaming service is undeniable. But the broadcaster wants to take on the likes of Netflix, and this could mean viewers are not only able to download entire seasons to watch offline, but may be able to do so before shows air on television.
BBC director general Lord Hall is today due to speak with staff, setting out his plans to make iPlayer the UK's biggest online TV service by 2020. His tone makes it clear that the BBC realizes it is operating in an increasingly crowded and competitive market.
Tidal Masters go their own way
During Consumer Electronics Show 2017 yesterday, in licensing partnership with MQA, music streamer Tidal announced the new audio-fidelity tier "Masters", which is available for free to existing HiFi subscribers. Early album selection is extremely limited as is access option: macOS or Windows application. Both will expand in time.
But wow! I tested skeptically, wiring up my studio cans—Audio-Technica ATH-R70x—to 15.4-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar to hear the difference. Hehe, if any. I deliberately started with Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" from album "Rumors", which released 40 years ago on February 4th. Tidal claims that Masters recordings deliver "an audio experience exactly as the artist intended". The band spent nearly a year painstakingly recording and engineering the disc, making any, or all, the songs great test cases.
Netflix now supports Ultra HD 4K on Windows 10 with Intel Core processors
Ultra HD and 4K are all popular words these days. It's the latest in TV and everyone is jumping on board. It costs a bit of money, as it requires a new TV, something manufacturers have been looking for a way to push since HD became common and sales slowed down. 3D didn't work out so well, but 4K seems to be more popular.
Now Netflix, the popular streaming movie and TV show provider, as well as a purveyor of original content, is bringing it's 4K Ultra HD to Microsoft's latest operating system.
Hulu scores Walt Disney feature films in exclusivity deal
Back in the day, I had quite the CD collection. I even bought a 300-disc player to hold them all, making listening to my tunes more convenient. Not long after, online music became all the rage, making all of my compact discs obsolete. Now, I just stream songs and albums using Apple Music.
The same has happened to movies and television, thanks to streaming video services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu -- owning discs and tapes is an outdated way of consuming. Unfortunately, deciding on which service to select can be quite confusing, but ultimately, content is king. Today, Hulu scores some significant theatrical films, thanks to a new, multi-year exclusivity deal with Walt Disney Studios.
Sling TV cloud DVR beta fills up, more openings promised
Not long ago we told you that Sling TV was testing a cloud DVR, something that previously annoyed cable providers. At the time, and now, the service is in beta testing and you must sign up and be chosen to get in.
The good news is that you can still sign up, but the bad news is that it filled up pretty quickly and you may be waiting for a while.
Sling TV becomes more user-friendly
Sling TV is a name familiar to many people, especially those who no longer use cable or satellite for their TV service. The alternative brings cable-like live TV to the home, it just comes in through an internet connection. It also works with most devices you have -- phones, tablets, Roku, Fire TV and more.
Now Sling is rolling out an update designed to make things just a bit more user-friendly. It is rolling out now and includes several key items.
Google Play now offering 4K movies -- but there's a catch
If you have a 4K TV or monitor, you can enjoy Ultra HD content from the likes of YouTube, Netflix, and Amazon. You can get 4K Blu-rays, but you’ll need a compatible player, and they aren’t that cheap.
Starting today, Google is offering a new way to get your hands on the latest 4K resolution movies.
Using VP9 and H.264/AVC High codecs keeps Netflix video downloads smaller
The announcement that Netflix now allows viewers to download videos for offline viewing caused understandable excitement among subscribers. Of course, the key concern -- particularly with mobile devices -- is storage space. But thanks to a tweaked codec, Netflix has your back.
If you were worried that you might not be able to fit many episodes of your favorite shows on your phone or tablet, fear not. For Android users, Netflix opted to use the super-efficient VP9 codec, but as this isn’t supported by Apple, it had to think outside the box a little and ended up plumping for a custom H.264/AVC High codec for iOS users. The space savings are impressive.
Netflix now lets you watch your favorite movies and TV shows offline
Many people stream their favorite movies and TV shows today through Netflix. The service, which boasts around 86 million subscribers, is available on all the major platforms, making it easy for users to enjoy it pretty much everywhere and on every PC, smartphone and tablet. That is, as long as there is a working Internet connection.
That changes today, as Netflix announces that it is also making its content available offline. Users are now able to download movies and TV shows and watch them while, for instance, traveling on an airplane or in a remote area. Here is what you need to know.
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