Verizon adds multiroom DVR

The new multiroom DVR, made by Motorola, lets customers view recorded programs on up to three TVs at once. The media hub, called the Home Media DVR, also functions as a dual-tuner DVR, which allows customers to watch one program while recording another. Customers using the multiroom DVR will pay $19.95 per month, plus $3.95-per-month for each standard-definition set-top box that will be used to receive recorded video from the DVR.

Verizon has bundled the recording function with software it calls Media Manager, a new feature that lets customers access photos and music stored on their personal computer and play them on their TVs. Currently, copyright-protected content, such as movies and music, will not be accessible through the Home Media DVR.

But Verizon expects in future releases to add playback of protected content. Verizon also plans to increase the number of set-top boxes that can simultaneously access the Home Media DVR to watch recorded programs and to permit playback of home videos stored on PCs. [News.com]

This sounds like a great deal – though the actual DVR cost seems high. If nothing else, I hope it pushes Cablevision to finally release the 8300MR which would enable the same function. I like the way FiOs sounds, but think in the end my cable connection will continue to offer a higher speed and lower cost internet connection and a more robust HDTV option.

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Nokia to buy Loudeye

News.com reports on Nokia’s plan to acquire Loudeye.

“By acquiring Loudeye, Nokia can offer consumers a comprehensive mobile music experience, including devices, applications and the ability to purchase digital music,” Nokia said in a statement.

Seems that the momentum around enhanced multimedia is strong within Nokia and they are assuring that they can extend their current success with devices like the N91 and 3250 through the existing ecosystem Loudeye has established. Sounds quite a bit like an iPod / iTunes model actually and one that makes a lot of sense to me.

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Is Green

So AMD is running a pretty intense campaign which you might have seen all about their claim of power efficiency which is clearly targeting Intel. As someone who actively works on the Intel business from the agency side I’ve clearly been seeing quite a bit of this stuff.

Last week I happened to be walking back with my lunch in hand and caught this Out of Home execution which I’ve got to believe was designed to get the good people of the agency’s attention as it’s a block away from our office. I like it since I’m in the photo and, well Greene.

OH and btw – The Core2Duo will absolutely kick the pants off anything AMD has in the works for quite a while.

Is Green

AOL — Amazingly Free

I don’t actively use AOL but have had an account since the early nineties and have had a ding on my monthly credit card bill since out of some twisted nostalgia perhaps… Since they now offer it free, I switched over (you do have to do it manually or they will gladly continue to collect your money). It’s like an era has officially passed.

Ad Overload


I was just reading a piece on Forbes.com and was caught by sneak attack ad two different expanding ads opened on me at the same time. This is the worst ad-based user experience I’ve seen in quite a long time.

The remaining content is only about 20% — 80% is ad. I was watching a slide show and found that on the image prior, a Pfizer ad had been playing and was actually trying to expand on me as well. When I clicked to view the next image I thought things would improve, but as you can see it clearly got worse!

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Google Mobilizing

Google Mobile is starting to come together…

They currently reformat pages automatically when you simply type in Google which is handy for Search on the go, but had not enabled the Personalized portal until today.

You can login through the same URL (http://www.google.com/ig) you use on the desktop and if you’ve logged in on the desktop today, you may have noticed the invitation to personalize your mobile site. I find the experience pretty lukewarm to be honest. It’s nothing compared to way in which Yahoo has grasped mobile content (not even counting the actual applications!) and I really don’t like having to see all the “Add This” BS at the top of my screen. When I am using a mobile device, I want information as quickly as possible and well formatting for the screen. Google gets a B – I’d give Yahoo an A for their http://mobile.yahoo.com (better URL strategy as well)

What Google has done a great job with is mobilizing their Maps application which can be accessed with a click to http://www.google.com/gmm. Today’s update (need to download again) includes real-time traffic information to locations or routes if you choose. This is a great tool and works quite well on my phone. My only real ask here is for GPS integration so the routes can be recalculated as you go. It’s not very handy to manually step through directions as you need to drive. B+

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BMW Audio Books

BMW Audio Books

BMW has launched a site promoting 4 new audiobooks, which I’ve just downloaded.  This is a joint promotion from Random House, though BMW retains the branding on things… I’ve yet to listen, but am syncing to my iPod for the train home.  This seems like a nice brand extention idea – mobile content to enjoy while driving or just on the go.

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Radar

Radar: Welcome

Just joined Radar.net. If you know me and want to share access to photos, drop a line.

Radar is a private photo sharing network for friends. By default, all your images are set to private and only viewable by Friends you set.  The Java app rocks on my N91…

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Blockbusted – Online data management at it’s best

Blockbuster has really done a stellar job at mis-managing someone’s account and merging their data into my email address this week. I’ve never rented from Blockbuster Online, but I do recall registering to check it out when they launched to compare against Netflx… since then I have no recollection of using the system whatsoever. This week, however, I’ve received several emails from them regarding my alleged account.

First I received a message on Wednesday night addressing me as Patti and telling me first that the movie I’d rented (Legend) had shipped. I thought – OK it’s just a mistake so I unsubscribed through the link in the message and also hit reply noting that I was not Patti. I was informed by Customer Associate Grazel Joy, that while they were sorry for the inconvience, this matter could not be resolved over email and I should call them at 800…. I replied that I would not and that instead they should just remove me.

Tonight I received a note saying that my queue was empty so I figured with a few spare minutes I could look into this a bit further and I am stunned and how bad this is – and more for Patti than for me. By clicking on the “My Account” link, I was able to reset the password on this account by simply dropping my email back into the form with forgot password… low and behold a reset link came through that has allowed me to change the password and given me access to the user control panel. While I have no malevolent desires here, it’s pretty easy to see how badly this might work out assuming there are others like Patti (or perhaps Nathalie) who have had their accounts altered. Here’s a screen shot of the account system for Patti / Nathalie:

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Drive – Custom Track for Nike + iPod

The Crystal Method have released a track designed for runners and the new Nike – iPod system.  Obviously anyone can listen and buy the music, but I think it really speaks to the commitment of both companies to this partnership.  Custom content with a focus on the application of what they  both bring is an excellent move and hopefully we’ll see more stuff like this.

Eventhough I don’t currently run for exercise, it’s quite tempting to want this type of connection between my Nano and a pair of sneakers (or Trainers for UK readers).

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Netsape reborn as a Digg-type news site

So Jason Calacanis (Weblogs Inc) has been hard at work on a stealth project within AOL which rears it’s head today as Netscape Beta. It’s essentially DIgg, plus editors, but for much more than simply tech news. It looks interesting… I am not sure that I’ll be that intrigued to use it more than today to be honest – I mean there are already way too many news sources. If nothing else, I’ll probably add some RSS feeds once I explore a bit more.

Digg is actually supposed to be launching it’s new site for all news next week and Vallywag has screenshots.

If you like community driven editor supported news there’s also Newsvine.

Quite a bit happening in this space… Digg appears to be the leader, but personally I think Newsvine is the most interesting for now – I’m sure Digg is up to the challenge.

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