Microsoft’s 2012 is a pretty busy one. On top of launching Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8, it’s also found time to bring about its own cross-platform Spotify rival. Xbox Music is finally landing tomorrow, but what does it actually do? Read more
This morning, Sky was very pleased to announce the arrival of Now TV, its online movie streaming service that aims to soak up some of the UK market that currently doesn’t want to lock into a Sky contract, but does want to watch a good movie.
But with some platforms not-yet supported, HD only available on the Xbox and TV and sports still to come, is this more of a soft launch? After a one-on-one with Simon Creasy, Director of Now TV, we’d say yes. Moreover, though, we can say what’s on the cards for the near future and beyond… Read more
We hot-footed it down to the launch of Now TV this morning, and weren’t disappointed by what we saw. It’s basically an online on-demand films service that promises to be Sky Movies without the contract.
You can opt for the all-you-can-eat Movie Pass option – encompassing five premieres a week along with the full catalogue of 1,000 movies – for £15 a month. Or you can rent movies from 99p to £3.49 a go. That’s in line with Netflix and Lovefilm.
The Google Nexus 7 tablet is landing later this month. It represents the best in Android for an insanely low price, but will a serious lack of content affect its success on these shores? Read more
I’ve been to see a few music streaming services recently. I’ve been a long-time user of Spotify, but in the last month I’ve gone for briefings with both Sony (for its Music Unlimited service) and now Napster, which is relaunching in the UK as a streaming service owned by US company Rhapsody.
Apparently, now’s the time to get in on the streaming action; the market is growing. But if that’s the case, what can you do to differentiate yourself from the big players? And how do you shake off such an infamous reputation as the one attached to Napster? That’s exactly what I asked Napster Europe’s General Manager, Thorsten Schliesche…
Google’s Nexus Q is a home media streamer with a very strange look. It lets you create social playlists to enjoy with friends, and watch YouTube on the big screen.
Basically, it’s Google’s version of Apple TV, with added social skills.
E3 2012’s going to be different from the years hence. It’s going to buck the usual trends in a way that’ll initially sound disappointing. ‘No new Xbox’ and ‘No new Playstation’ will be what makes most of the headlines and, under E3’s normal rules, that means a weak show.
But it won’t be weak at all – it’s just that the parameters are changing very suddenly. What do we mean? Well, traditionally E3 has acted as a big plinth on which to put new hardware, but this year the hardware already exists, and it’s already in your living room. This is the year that your TV becomes your game console. Read more
