Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com Download Squad http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Download Squad http://downloadsquad.switched.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[IMDb app for iOS adds Watchlist, magical search, AirPlay for trailers, and more]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/imdb-app-for-ios-adds-watchlist-magical-search-airplay-for-tra/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/imdb-app-for-ios-adds-watchlist-magical-search-airplay-for-tra/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/24/imdb-app-for-ios-adds-watchlist-magical-search-airplay-for-tra/#commentsIMDb 2.1 for iOSIMDb has updated its iOS app to version 2.1. The new release has a few nice features added, along with the usual bug fixes and performance improvements.

You can now create and maintain a Watchlist, to which you can add movies and TV shows that interest you. The aptly-named 'magical search' behaves in the way Google Instant does, showing results while you type. There's also added support for viewing trailers via AirPlay, and IMDB is one of the first apps to take advantage of the third-party AirPlay support built into iOS 4.3. It lets you wirelessly send video from your iDevice to your Apple TV or a compatible third-party app like Banana TV. In this case, you can view trailers on your TV with one tap.

Showtime listings have been improved, and you can now search for listings based on distance from your current location. IMDb 2.1 for iOS also lets you purchase movie tickets from within the app if you're in the U.S., U.K., Canada or Spain. The app now lets you access your IMDb ratings history, viewing all the movies and TV shows you've ever rated on IMDb. And finally, there's a new Entertainment News module inside the app, which allows you to keep up with celebrities, and delivers information on the newest movies and TV shows.

Download IMDb 2.1 for iOS for free from the iTunes App Store

Download SquadIMDb app for iOS adds Watchlist, magical search, AirPlay for trailers, and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airplayappsimdbimdb for iosimdb.comImdbForIosIOSipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmediamovie listingsmovie ticketsMovieListingsmoviesMovieTicketsvideowatchlistThu, 24 Mar 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tunnel will be the first movie simultaneously released on BitTorrent and DVD]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/the-tunnel-will-be-the-first-movie-simultaneously-released-on-bittorrent/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/the-tunnel-will-be-the-first-movie-simultaneously-released-on-bittorrent/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/18/the-tunnel-will-be-the-first-movie-simultaneously-released-on-bittorrent/#comments The Tunnel movie Paramount, with its upcoming horror/thriller movie The Tunnel, is hoping to turn movie distribution on its head by offering it as a legal BitTorrent download.

This will be the first movie to be released simultaneously on DVD and BitTorrent -- legally, that is. But wait, there's more! The film's producers are "selling off" frames one by one, for $1 each, a la Million Dollar Homepage (although there are only 135,000 individual frames here) -- in the hope that they'll cover the movie's funding. There's also an online store selling Tunnel-themed apparel and posters, for those willing to buy such items.

The DVD will contain more material than what will be officially released through BitTorrent, which is how the producers hope they'll convince people to buy the DVD. Extra content and alternative endings will be on the disc, but there's absolutely no stopping the Internet's 'pirates' from making those available on BitTorrent as well.

The Tunnel's distribution mechanism is quite risky from a financial standpoint, but it will be interesting to see how it will all pan out in the end. Bankrupt producers? Or perhaps a happy end that will entice more film makers to try such alternative distribution methods? Until we find out, you can watch a video teaser for the movie (as the word "trailer" seems to have become uncool) after the break.

Continue reading The Tunnel will be the first movie simultaneously released on BitTorrent and DVD

Download SquadThe Tunnel will be the first movie simultaneously released on BitTorrent and DVD originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentdistributionfile sharingFileSharinghollywoodmediamovie industryMovieIndustrymoviesp2pparamountthe tunnelthe tunnel movieTheTunnelTheTunnelMovietorrenttorrentingvideoFri, 18 Mar 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Hollywood film made for the Internet premieres on YouTube]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/first-hollywood-film-made-for-the-internet-premieres-on-youtube/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/first-hollywood-film-made-for-the-internet-premieres-on-youtube/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/14/first-hollywood-film-made-for-the-internet-premieres-on-youtube/#comments Girl Walks Into A Bar Now playing in the YouTube Screening Room, 'Girl Walks Into A Bar' is the 'first ever' Hollywood film created specifically for the Internet. Brought to you for free in partnership with Lexus, the Sebastian Gutiérrez-directed film is a comedy charting the events of a single night involving a seemingly unrelated group of people, including a desperate dentist, an undercover private detective, a pickpocket, a gangster, and an exotic dancer, at ten different bars throughout Los Angeles.

Starring some pretty big Hollywood names, including Carla Gugino, Zachary Quinto, Danny DeVito, Rosario Dawson, Josh Hartnett, and Emmanuelle Chriqui, among others, the film is available in both chaptered installments or in its entirety via YouTube's Screening Room in resolutions up to 1080p.

Does this mark a turning point in Hollywood's interactions with the Internet, moving away from being considered a threat, to more of an opportunity? Let's hope so.

Download SquadFirst Hollywood film made for the Internet premieres on YouTube originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Girl Walks Into A BarGirlWalksIntoABarHollywoodInternetmediamoviesvideoWebYouTubeYouTube Screening RoomYoutubeScreeningRoomMon, 14 Mar 2011 06:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Apple releases Garageband and updated iMovie for iOS]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/apple-releases-garageband-and-updated-imovie-for-ios/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/apple-releases-garageband-and-updated-imovie-for-ios/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/11/apple-releases-garageband-and-updated-imovie-for-ios/#comments GarageBand and iMovie for iOS To coincide with the release of the iPad 2 today, Apple's let loose both an update to the iOS iMovie app, supporting Apple's newest tablet, as well as a brand new GarageBand app for iPad. Released yesterday, both apps can be had for $5 a piece, and with some positive reviews coming in already, $4.99 seems quite a deal for the amount of utility you get, especially with GarageBand.

Both apps support the iPad 2, with iMovie also supporting the iPhone 4 and 4th generation iPod touch running iOS 4.2.6 or higher. GarageBand supports Apple's first-generation iPad too, but Apple has chosen not to support the original iPad with iMovie. The original iPad can run the application if you can get it installed however, and we've got a quick guide to show you how to just that without jailbreaking your iPad.

If you're an iPad owner and you've ever wanted to edit video on that 9.7-inch screen whilst out and about, or fancy yourself a budding musician, then iMovie and GarageBand are well worth checking out.

Download SquadApple releases Garageband and updated iMovie for iOS originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleappsiOSiPadmoviesmusicutilitiesvideoFri, 11 Mar 2011 05:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Warner Bros. renting movies on Facebook for $3]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/08/warner-bros-renting-movies-on-facebook-for-3/#comments The Dark Knight rental on Facebook Warner Bros., finding yet another corner piece of the Social Networking Jigsaw, has begun renting movies on Facebook for 30 Facebook Credits, or $3.

The films are packaged as apps -- like FarmVille and CityVille -- but it really is as simple as heading to a page, using 30 Credits, and watching the movie. You can watch the movie as many times as you like for 48 hours, after which the rental terminates. You can stop and start the movie whenever you like, too.

Facebook Credits, if they somehow passed you by (there must be a few people who don't play FarmVille, right?) are Facebook's new all-encompassing currency. Every virtual good transaction (such as in-app purchases, or renting a movie) must use Facebook Credits. Facebook, like Apple, takes a 30% cut of all purchases with Credits.

For now, the only movie available to rent on Facebook is Batman: The Dark Knight, but more should begin to appear soon. If you 'Like' a movie, you should see a status update when it becomes available to rent (see the Dark Knight page for an example).

Download SquadWarner Bros. renting movies on Facebook for $3 originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanfacebookfacebook creditsFacebookCreditsmoviemovie rentalMovieRentalmoviessocial networkingsocial-networkingSocialNetworkingthe dark knightTheDarkKnightvideovideo on demandvideo rentalVideoOnDemandVideoRentalvodwebTue, 08 Mar 2011 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix iPad app updated improved UI, loses disc management]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/netflix-ipad-app-updated-improved-ui-loses-disc-management/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/netflix-ipad-app-updated-improved-ui-loses-disc-management/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/04/netflix-ipad-app-updated-improved-ui-loses-disc-management/#comments Netflix for iPad updated The Netflix iPad app got a back-end update yesterday that pushed out a new iPad-optimized interface replacing the previous lightly customized version of the standard Nexflix site. In doing so, Netflix has removed the ability to manage your disc queue from the app, limiting you to browsing just the Home, Genres, Search, and Instant Queue areas of the site. This brings the app into line with the modified Netflix TV streaming front-ends that were introduced back in January.

While the faster and better optimized site is a boon for the iPad experience, removing disc management from the app, plus some of the more detailed movie info, is a bit of a step back in terms of functionality. Unfortunately, unlike most other native iOS apps, you don't really have a choice whether you upgrade or not as it's all done server-side. The good news is that the Netflix site still works fine in Mobile Safari, so if worst comes to the worst you can always manage you queue through the browser.

Download SquadNetflix iPad app updated improved UI, loses disc management originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appsiOSiPadmoviesNetflixutilitiesvideoFri, 04 Mar 2011 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[iMovie app heading to iPad on March 11th with universal update]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/imovie-app-heading-to-ipad-on-march-11th-with-universal-update/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/imovie-app-heading-to-ipad-on-march-11th-with-universal-update/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/03/03/imovie-app-heading-to-ipad-on-march-11th-with-universal-update/#comments iMovie for iPad Last night at Apple's March 2nd iPad 2 unveiling, the Cupertino-based company showed off an iPad-optimized version of iMovie. Ever since the introduction of the iPhone 4, iMovie has been available for said device, now the app will be going universal, supporting both the iPad and the iPhone.

Apple's added a few things into the mix for the larger screen too. A precision track editor was shown off with multi-track audio recording. More than 50 new sound effects have also been included, along with the addition some new themes, AirPlay support, and HD movie uploads direct to YouTube, Facebook, Vimeo and CNN iReport, as well as a 'Send to iTunes' button if you just want to export your creation locally.

Apple is bringing more and more of the extremely popular desktop experience of iMovie to the touchscreen, which can only be a good thing for any Apple user looking to edit video on the move. With Google showing off an Android Honeycomb video editing suite, Apple would have been foolish not to have pushed something similar to its tablet offering.

Look for the update landing at the same time as the iPad 2 on March 11th, or download the iPhone version now for $4.99.

Download SquadiMovie app heading to iPad on March 11th with universal update originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleappsiMovieiOSiPadmoviesproductivityutilitiesvideoThu, 03 Mar 2011 04:35:00 EST<![CDATA[IMDb Android app update brings major redesign, trailers, global showtimes, and more]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/18/imdb-android-app-update-brings-major-redesign-trailers-global/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/18/imdb-android-app-update-brings-major-redesign-trailers-global/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/18/imdb-android-app-update-brings-major-redesign-trailers-global/#commentsIMDb Android app The official IMDb app for Android just got a big update, and it does not disappoint. Along with a complete design-overhaul, the app has been stuffed full of IMDb goodness to the point that it's now more enjoyable to use than the actual website itself.

The redesign is very sleek. They've basically taken the original palette and layout, expanded it all, and turned up the sexy. As nice as it looks though, the biggest thing I noticed was that everything about the app is blazingly fast. It's so fast that it's a bit off-putting, because using IMDb.com has always felt to me like an exercise in extreme patience.

Movie trailers now take center stage, literally, which makes sense since they're one of the big reasons that people like going to IMDb in the first place. The fully revamped app makes trailers, and other media, a priority now with the very first screen you see a springboard for viewing trailers of upcoming and top new movies. The trailers themselves play better than I had anticipated, and like the rest of the app, they load quickly.

Between the design and the new features, including international movie showtimes, the app is extremely functional. I was able to sprint through several movies, TV shows, actors, and news stories in seconds -- which is far more than I can say for trying to load the website in a mobile browser.

Gallery: IMDb for Android - Updated February 2011

Main Screen/MoviesTVCelebritiesShowtimesShowtimes/Location Settings

Continue reading IMDb Android app update brings major redesign, trailers, global showtimes, and more

Download SquadIMDb Android app update brings major redesign, trailers, global showtimes, and more originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AmazonAndroidAppsCelebritiesCellphonesHandsonImdbMobileMoviesNewsReviewsTvFri, 18 Feb 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Genius recommendations come to the iTunes mobile store]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/07/genius-recommendations-come-to-the-itunes-mobile-store/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/07/genius-recommendations-come-to-the-itunes-mobile-store/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/02/07/genius-recommendations-come-to-the-itunes-mobile-store/#commentsmobile Genius recommendationsGenius recommendations have now made it onto the mobile version of the iTunes Store. Though present in the desktop version of the store for a long while, recommendations had been notably absent from the iPhone and iPod touch experience.

To get to the Genius recommendations in the iTunes Store on your mobile device, tap on More once you've launched the iTunes app. You'll then see the new feature alongside the usual options. Genius recommendations work exactly like they do on the desktop. You can view recommendations based on your purchase history for music, movies, and TV shows (assuming your local iTunes Store sells them). You can preview recommendations, as well as rate them by using a 'thumbs up'/'thumbs down' system. Music recommendations can be filtered to show only songs, albums, or a specific genre.

As with the case of the addition of search filters to the iPad's App Store, there's absolutely nothing you need to do to get this new functionality onto your iDevice. The update happens at the back end, which means that the next time you open the iTunes app the Genius recommendations will just magically appear.

Download SquadGenius recommendations come to the iTunes mobile store originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AppleappsaudiogeniusIOSitunes storeItunesStoremoviesmusicvideoMon, 07 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[YouTube Screening Room now showing Sundance Film Festival shorts]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/21/youtube-screening-room-now-showing-sundance-film-festival-shorts/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/21/youtube-screening-room-now-showing-sundance-film-festival-shorts/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/21/youtube-screening-room-now-showing-sundance-film-festival-shorts/#commentsYouTube Screening Room screenshot
In case you can't make it to the Sundance Film Festival for some reason, YouTube's got you covered. The well-known independent film event is taking place in Park City, Utah, between January 20 and 30 this year, and the YouTube Screening Room is going to do its best to make you feel like you're there.

Over the next few weeks, the Screening Room will feature four career-starting short films from past Sundance festivals, four short films from past participants in the Sundance Director's Lab, and 12 short films from the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

This week, four new films from up-and-coming directors are ready to watch:
  • 8 Bits is about a fight between an 8-bit superhero and a high-definition boss
  • Andy and Zach is about a guy trying to set up a new life when his roommate and best friend moves out
  • Skateistan: To Live and Skate in Kabul is about an oasis that lets children be children, allowing them to build the cross-cultural relationships that may bring stability to Afghanistan
  • The High Level Bridge is about honoring the memory of those who've jumped from Edmonton's High Level Bridge
On January 27, and then on February 3, the YouTube Screening Room will make more Sundance short films available to watch.

Download SquadYouTube Screening Room now showing Sundance Film Festival shorts originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mediamoviessundance 2011sundance film festivalSundance2011SundanceFilmFestivalWebyoutubeyoutube screening roomYoutubeScreeningRoomFri, 21 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix removes 'add to DVD queue' from streaming devices]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/17/netflix-removes-add-to-dvd-queue-from-streaming-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/17/netflix-removes-add-to-dvd-queue-from-streaming-devices/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/17/netflix-removes-add-to-dvd-queue-from-streaming-devices/#commentsNetflix will remove the "add to DVD queue" button from its interface on streaming devices in order to free up resources and "improve the overall streaming experience," the company said in a blog post. The Netflix website, which is still the most popular way users manage their DVD queues, is unaffected by this change.

The blog post is vague about what's actually being removed, and which devices will experience the change. It's clear that the"add to queue" button is going away, but it's not clear whether that means the queue manager will be removed entirely, and whether search results will be limited to the streaming library only. As far as affected devices, consoles and set-top boxes seem like a no-brainer, but it's not clear whether Netflix mobile apps are also being revamped.

Download SquadNetflix removes 'add to DVD queue' from streaming devices originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DVDnetflixqueuestreamingvideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodMon, 17 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Intel to launch full HD 1080p streaming video service for its new Core 2011 processors]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/intel-to-launch-full-hd-1080p-streaming-video-service-for-its-ne/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/intel-to-launch-full-hd-1080p-streaming-video-service-for-its-ne/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2011/01/04/intel-to-launch-full-hd-1080p-streaming-video-service-for-its-ne/#commentsIntel Core 2011 Sandy Bridge DRM Intel will launch a full HD 1080p streaming video service called "Insider" in the first quarter of 2011. Deals with Warner Bros and CinemaNow have already been arranged, and it's expected that a very broad library of movies will be available at launch -- and if that wasn't exciting enough, Intel's streaming movies will be made available at the same time as Blu-ray and DVD releases!

It's a rather odd move coming from a chip manufacturer, but when you consider the hardware DRM available on Intel's new line of 'Sandy Bridge' chips, it all begins to make a little more sense. Historically, publishers have been loathe to provide high-quality streaming movies because of piracy concerns, but with hardware security from Intel, such a service becomes feasible.

There's no details on the pricing of Intel's service, but it will surely be in line with Netflix and Hulu. The only problem is, you'll need to buy a laptop or desktop with one of the new Core 2011 processors!

[The service will be branded as "Intel Insider" -- no relation to "Intel Inside", right?]

Download SquadIntel to launch full HD 1080p streaming video service for its new Core 2011 processors originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 07:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>core 2011Core2011drminsiderintelintel insiderIntelInsidermoviesnetflix huluNetflixHulusandy bridgeSandyBridgestreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideovideovideo on demandVideoOnDemandvodTue, 04 Jan 2011 07:50:00 EST<![CDATA[BitTorrent debuting second installment of Pioneer One, the made-for-torrent sci-fi drama]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/15/bittorrent-debuting-second-installment-of-pioneer-one-made-for-torrent-sci-fi-drama/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/15/bittorrent-debuting-second-installment-of-pioneer-one-made-for-torrent-sci-fi-drama/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/15/bittorrent-debuting-second-installment-of-pioneer-one-made-for-torrent-sci-fi-drama/#commentsPioneer One Alright sci-fi fans, it's that time again -- it's been a month since we last heard from the folks behind Pioneer One, and the word then was that come mid-December, there'd be a second episode. Well, it's now officially the middle of December, so let's get campy.

Support from the P2P community hasn't waned in the months since the show's premiere, and may even be stronger than before. BitTorrent -- the actual company, not the file type -- has thrown its full support behind the project, and the newest episode is currently available via the App Studio, which you can access in either BitTorrent or µTorrent. The show is also accessible by a plethora of other means, including regular torrents, Bitlet, direct downloads, and streaming video -- so if you've got an Internet connection and a will, then there's a way. Links to those methods can be found on the show's page at VODO.

This show hasn't been BitTorrent's only foray into the limelight, either. The company helped release Four Eyed Monsters last month in conjunction with its launch of the App Studio in µTorrent. Also part of the App Studio push is their Featured Artist Program, which aims to give new artists a chance at a huge audience by putting them directly in front of the P2P community and bypassing the middle-man. It's a good initiative, but it's not quite weighty enough to sway the greater public toward the light. People tend to like more singular points of focus, and that's where something like a drama series really shines.

Which is why projects like Pioneer One are quickly becoming one of the best methods for companies like BitTorrent to push file-sharing into the realm of legitimacy -- something that's sorely needed after so many years of bad press. It must be a difficult task for a tiny company that's chosen to keep its name unchanged, despite the fact that it's become synonymous with a scary pirate word.

Pioneer One is a donation-funded indie-sci-fi-drama series, which, though a mouthful, is also a breath of fresh air. It doesn't get its funding from a Sprint in return for devoting an entire scene to showing off Qik Video Chat 2-way camera calling (cough... Fringe...). It gets funded by people who simply want to watch a sci-fi show, and it's a pleasant feeling to lose the commercialism for a bit. It's also nice to see torrents used to distribute media that was meant to be distributed that way.

Download SquadBitTorrent debuting second installment of Pioneer One, the made-for-torrent sci-fi drama originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentfile-sharingindiemediamoviesp2ppeer to peerPeerToPeerpioneer onePioneerOnesci-fitorrentutorrentvideovodoWed, 15 Dec 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DivX HiQ Beta does Flash video better than Adobe]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/09/divx-plug-in-does-flash-video-better-than-adobe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/09/divx-plug-in-does-flash-video-better-than-adobe/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/09/divx-plug-in-does-flash-video-better-than-adobe/#commentsDivX

Some people say that Flash video playback can be a tad crappy at times. This is a pretty obvious business oppurtunity for competing video products, and indeed, DivX tries to one-up Adobe with its DivX HiQ Beta 2.

It's a whole (free) bundle of applications, but the interesting one is the DivX Web Player. It's basically a player that latches onto the YouTube player and a bunch of other common video players online, and offers an alternative Play button. When you hit that button, DivX takes over and plays the source video data using its own codec.

Using the DivX codec supposedly yields a bit of a performance boost on slower systems, but caveat emptor: This is still beta. When I tried it, the alternative Play button never showed up on Chrome, and when it showed up on Firefox, pressing it only caused an error message to pop up saying "the video cannot be found". Still, if you have an older computer, you might want to give this one a try (especially once it loses the Beta label).

Download SquadDivX HiQ Beta does Flash video better than Adobe originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codecdivxdivx web playerDivxWebPlayermoviesvideoyoutubeThu, 09 Dec 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Google buys Widevine video optimization and DRM company]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/04/google-buys-widevine-video-optimization-and-drm-company/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/04/google-buys-widevine-video-optimization-and-drm-company/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/12/04/google-buys-widevine-video-optimization-and-drm-company/#commentsGoogle's been on an acquisition spree lately, and their newest buy is Widevine, a company that does streaming video optimization and DRM for a slew of big companies. AT&T, Blockbuster, Netflix, and Zip.ca (the "Netflix of Canada") are among the companies that have licensed Widevine DRM for their online video offerings.

Widevine does multiplatform streaming video -- Netflix, for example, uses it for devices like the Wii and XBox 360 as well as Web-based streaming. Google says it plans to improve Widevine's products and use Widevine's tech to improve its own, while maintaining the contracts Widevine already has in place.

Download SquadGoogle buys Widevine video optimization and DRM company originally appeared on Download Squad on Sat, 04 Dec 2010 05:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DRMgooglenetflixstreamingvideowidevineSat, 04 Dec 2010 05:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Bing Movies search gets a useful update for Thanksgiving]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/25/bing-movies-search-gets-a-useful-update-for-thanksgiving/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/25/bing-movies-search-gets-a-useful-update-for-thanksgiving/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/25/bing-movies-search-gets-a-useful-update-for-thanksgiving/#commentsBing Movie Search Just in time for the holiday weekend, Bing has rolled out some useful updates to its Movies search. Now when you search for a movie of your choosing, Bing can provide movie listings close to your current location, giving you show-times, a quick synopsis and distances to the various theaters. A time-saving feature that brings Bing into line with Google's offering.

Bing also provides a revamped movie trailer section with a whole raft of new movie-related videos, including clips, trailers and interviews. Movie reviews have also been rolled in, with a feed from MetaCritic collecting opinions from critics from around the Web, all summarized in a handy panel display, with links to the full thing should the one line snippet not be enough. User reviews are also available, so you can see whether people who've already been and seen the movie agree with the critics.

Microsoft's update to Bing Movies has made it a one-stop-shop for all your movie related musings, and it's certainly worth checking out if you're after the big screen experience this Thanksgiving.

Download SquadBing Movies search gets a useful update for Thanksgiving originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 25 Nov 2010 05:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BingBing MoviesBingMoviesmicrosoftmoviessearchwebThu, 25 Nov 2010 05:20:00 EST<![CDATA[zButterfly torrent client focuses on current movie releases]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/19/zbutterfly-torrent-client-focuses-on-current-movie-releases/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/19/zbutterfly-torrent-client-focuses-on-current-movie-releases/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/19/zbutterfly-torrent-client-focuses-on-current-movie-releases/#commentsFiled under: ,

A new Windows BitTorrent client called zButterfly has a twist that sets it apart from the competition: a menu of current movie releases, including the hottest flicks that are still running in theaters. zButterfly has an easy-to-use interface for searching and browsing the releases, and operates entirely on torrentless downloading via magnet links. Even the most clueless downloader can use zButterfly to get access to recent Hollywood fare.

This is certainly going to draw angry reactions (and probably lawsuits) from the movie industry, but ZButterfly's creators think they have a solid defense. It's the old, "We're just a search engine. We don't actually host any files" defense. That'll be interesting, especially when there aren't even .torrent files hosted by zButterfly.

[via TorrentFreak]

Download SquadzButterfly torrent client focuses on current movie releases originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BitTorrenthollywoodmoviesp2ptorrenttorrentszbutterflyFri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IMDb for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, very yellow indeed (video)]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/imdb-for-windows-phone-7-reviewed-very-yellow-indeed-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/imdb-for-windows-phone-7-reviewed-very-yellow-indeed-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/18/imdb-for-windows-phone-7-reviewed-very-yellow-indeed-video/#commentsFiled under: ,

As one of the highest-rated and most-downloaded WP7 apps, IMDb might just be the most popular yellow app in the world. It's a nice yellow, though, a golden, orangey tone. Anyway, I digress: IMDb for Windows Phone 7 is excellent. It provides, with a couple of flicks, everything a film buff might need.

In the video review (after the break), I take a quick stroll through each of IMDb's main features. If you set your location, you can see the movie screening times at local cinemas. Like the IMDb website, the app's prime focus is on exploring the details of movies (and TV shows), and the app certainly doesn't disappoint in that regard; the app might actually be better than the website! You can watch trailers, browse cast photos, check out related news -- it's fast, easy and pretty.

In many ways the app mirrors the website. You can browse the top 250 films, the bottom 100, the winners of the Best Picture Academy Award, this week's top movies and TV shows... and so on. It's so good in fact that, from now on, I'll be using the app instead of the website.

The only flaw with IMDb for WP7 is that you can't book cinema tickets directly. As far as I'm aware, not even Flixster for WP7 -- IMDb's chief rival -- offers this functionality. Needless to say, the first movie app to offer such a feature will decimate the competition.

The video review is after the break.

Continue reading IMDb for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, very yellow indeed (video)

Download SquadIMDb for Windows Phone 7 reviewed, very yellow indeed (video) originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemafilmimdbmoviesutilitiesvideowindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professional-grade Lightworks Open Source video editor to be released November 29th]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/professional-grade-lightworks-open-source-video-editor-to-be-rel/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/professional-grade-lightworks-open-source-video-editor-to-be-rel/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/11/professional-grade-lightworks-open-source-video-editor-to-be-rel/#commentsFiled under: ,

editshare lightworks video edit free
EditShare -- the company who acquired non-linear editing superapp Lightworks back in 2009 -- announced a while ago that they would be releasing Lightworks as open source software. That's pretty sweet, considering Lightworks has won both Academy and Emmy awards.

If you've been waiting patiently to get your hands on a download, your wait is almost at an end. According to a letter sent from EditShare to the crew at Openite, Lightworks Open Source will be available on November 29, 2010. Lightworks is truly professional-grade stuff, with features like real-time audio and video effects, multi-track audio and voiceover tools, support for 3D projects, native 2K resolution support, and project sharing for multiple editors. The app has handled editing duties for a laundry list of big-time productions, which you can peruse over at the official site.

Initially, Lightworks will run on Windows XP or newer (both 32 and 64-bit versions). The community hopes to have a Linux port ready to go by late 2011

Download SquadProfessional-grade Lightworks Open Source video editor to be released November 29th originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editingeditsharelightworksmoviemoviesnleopen sourceOpenSourceproductionvideoThu, 11 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LoveFilm PlayStation 3 streaming now live in the UK for movies only]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/lovefilm-playstation-3-streaming-now-live-in-the-uk-for-movies-o/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/lovefilm-playstation-3-streaming-now-live-in-the-uk-for-movies-o/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/10/lovefilm-playstation-3-streaming-now-live-in-the-uk-for-movies-o/#commentsFiled under: ,

LoveFilm streaming to PS3
LoveFilm, the UK's Netflix equivalent, can now stream movies direct to your PlayStation 3, following through on the announcement from a couple of weeks ago. Streaming from the company's 'Watch Online' library is available free but with limited hours on a £5.99 per month package, which excludes games rental, or free and unlimited on a £9.99-or-more per month package. A quick look through LoveFilm's FAQs indicates that, at the moment, it's just free movie streaming, no TV or pay-per-view, and that there are currently over 2000 films available, with more added each week. Movies are streamed in 'near DVD-quality' at 1.6Mbps, not exactly mind blowing, but it's better than nothing. You can pause, rewind and fast-forward a stream, or even resume from a point where you stopped watching, handy if you need to pop to the shops for more popcorn in the middle of the movie.

LoveFilm can be accessed directly from the XMB using a brand new icon that should appear after a power cycle of a UK-based PS3. A free PlayStation Network account is required for streaming, but two PSN accounts can be used to link up two different LoveFilm accounts, while two PS3s can be linked to one LoveFilm account -- perfect if you happen to have a PS3 in the bedroom as well as the lounge.

A free trial is available for those who don't have a LoveFilm account, so there's no reason not to try it out. Fire up your PS3 now if you're in the UK, or head to LoveFilm's PS3 page for more information.

[via Engadget]

Download SquadLoveFilm PlayStation 3 streaming now live in the UK for movies only originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 10 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lovefilmmoviesPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3sonystreamingUKvideo on demandVideoOnDemandWed, 10 Nov 2010 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[IMDb iPhone app updates, brings movie rating and showtimes to 13 more countries]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/imdb-iphone-app-gets-update-to-2-0-brings-movie-rating-and-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/imdb-iphone-app-gets-update-to-2-0-brings-movie-rating-and-sh/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/05/imdb-iphone-app-gets-update-to-2-0-brings-movie-rating-and-sh/#commentsIMDB iOS updateThe IMDb has just released version 2.0 of its excellent universal iOS app for the iPhone and iPad. The update brings with it Retina Display-ready graphics and multitasking support for iOS 4.

The ability to rate movies and TV shows directly in the app by using an IMDb or Facebook login has also been added. So, after you've used the local movie showtime search, which has been rolled out to 13 new countries, you can pan that horrendous movie that you were just made to see.

If that isn't enough, you can even read all of the latest entertainment news right on your iPhone... and if you've got an IMDb Pro account, you can log in and get access to all of the Pro goods, too. Sorted!

IMDb [iTunes] - Free

Download SquadIMDb iPhone app updates, brings movie rating and showtimes to 13 more countries originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appimdbimdb proImdbProiOSiPadiPhonemoviesFri, 05 Nov 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix for Windows Phone 7 now available in the Zune Marketplace]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/netflix-for-windows-phone-7-now-available-in-the-zune-marketplac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/netflix-for-windows-phone-7-now-available-in-the-zune-marketplac/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/11/01/netflix-for-windows-phone-7-now-available-in-the-zune-marketplac/#commentsFiled under:

As Windows Phone 7 nears its North American launch date, big name apps continue to appear in the Zune Marketplace. Today, Netflix announced that its WP7 app is now live and ready to download. As with the Netflix apps for other platforms, the WP7 version is totally free and will allow you to watch streaming content on your device.

In case you're keeping tabs, the Windows Phone 7 app actually arrived before the Android version of Netflix -- which is still "coming soon."

The blog post also notes that Canadian Netflix users can now access the Watch Instantly library on their Xbox 360, which should go nicely with your shiny new dashboard.

Download SquadNetflix for Windows Phone 7 now available in the Zune Marketplace originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moviemoviesnetflixshowsstreamingtvvideowindows phone 7WindowsPhone7wp7Mon, 01 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disc-free Netflix hits the PS3 next week, with 1080p and surround sound support]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/14/disc-free-netflix-hits-the-ps3-next-week-with-1080p-and-surroun/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/14/disc-free-netflix-hits-the-ps3-next-week-with-1080p-and-surroun/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/10/14/disc-free-netflix-hits-the-ps3-next-week-with-1080p-and-surroun/#commentsFiled under:

digg
Netflix on the PlayStation 3 is finally going disc-free, with a native app due out Monday, October 18. The app will be added to the PS3's XrossMediaBar, and it features a revamped user interface, 1080p resolution, and Dolby 5.1 channel surround sound support. The new app will also offer additional subtitled content from the Netflix streaming library.

With this update, the PS3 will become a pretty decent home theater setup in a box. Now all you need is an enormous TV and some decent speakers. Just in case you don't believe this news, it's been confirmed with two official announcements: one from Sony and one joint announcement from Netflix and Dolby. Netflix also said it plans to bring Dolby surround sound to its other platforms, but it failed to offer a schedule or name the specific platforms.

Download SquadDisc-free Netflix hits the PS3 next week, with 1080p and surround sound support originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080pmoviesnetflixplaystation 3Playstation3ps3streamingThu, 14 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix now streams unlimited TV and movies in Canada for $7.99 per month]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/22/netflix-now-streams-unlimited-tv-and-movies-in-canada-for-7-99/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/22/netflix-now-streams-unlimited-tv-and-movies-in-canada-for-7-99/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/22/netflix-now-streams-unlimited-tv-and-movies-in-canada-for-7-99/#commentsFiled under:

As a Canadian living about 600 miles from the nearest metropolitan center, this is huge news: Netflix has opened its doors in Canada. The service is streaming-only -- no rentals by mail as in the U.S. -- but I'll take it.

For $7.99 a month, Canadians can watch all the TV shows and movies they want via their Wii, PS3, or PC -- Xbox 360 support is coming soon. Better still, your first month of Netflix viewing won't cost you a cent. The selection here in Canada isn't nearly what it is in the States, but that will certainly improve in time.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go watch Waterworld. No, not really.

Download SquadNetflix now streams unlimited TV and movies in Canada for $7.99 per month originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 22 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadamoviesnetflixstreamingtvvideoWed, 22 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Crackle expands, brings free movies, TV shows to Canada]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/13/crackle-canada-free-tv-shows-movies-cartoons-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/13/crackle-canada-free-tv-shows-movies-cartoons-video/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/13/crackle-canada-free-tv-shows-movies-cartoons-video/#commentsFiled under:

If there's one thing that users outside the U.S. find irritating about online video, it's the fact that we don't have access to many of the awesome services that our American chums do. Sony has struck a minor blow against geotarding today, however, with the expansion of Crackle.

Canadians can now enjoy Crackle's Sony-powered content as well. Most of it, anyway -- I'm not able to watch most movies. Mothra and Godzilla flicks do work, as do The Three Stooges. I'm willing to overlook the lack of complete access, though, since I can enjoy Patrick Warburton's antics as The Tick in the full-screen glory it deserves.

Crackle is definitely worth a bookmark if you're in Canada and looking for a place to watch free movies, TV shows, and cartoons on the Web.

[via Tubefilter]

Download SquadSony's Crackle expands, brings free movies, TV shows to Canada originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoonscracklemoviesonlinesonystreamingtvvideowebMon, 13 Sep 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SPlayer is a lean, powerful video player for Windows]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/splayer-is-a-lean-powerful-video-player-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/splayer-is-a-lean-powerful-video-player-for-windows/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/09/10/splayer-is-a-lean-powerful-video-player-for-windows/#commentsFiled under: ,

splayer

As far as video players go, I'm pretty much a VLC loyalist. (Maybe "hard-core fan" is a better title.) It seems as though VLC's simplicity is the gold standard for players, and its sensible keyboard shortcuts are embedded deep within my muscle memory.

That's why I initially regarded SPlayer with a measure of skepticism. I mean, I don't know this player. I've never heard of it before, and still, it claims to be "Neat! Safe! High Performance!" and boasts "1+ million users." As soon as I figured out it's Japanese, it all made much more sense; it's just a market that I'm not familiar with. And you gotta love the translated marketing copy -- which says, "SmartAmplify: Intelligent sound field balance of technology, sound is even more shocking." I love my videos with "shocking" sound!

Small parts of the program's UI are actually in Japanese (or is that Chinese? Tell me in the comments). But most of the interface is in English, and the player is surprisingly powerful. What you see in the screenshot was done right in the player; you can rotate and skew the video while it is playing, and it just keeps on playing with no noticeable stutter. Granted, that's a bit of a party trick, but it goes to show how powerful this thing is.

The key bindings are customizable, and there are a ton of functions available via keyboard shortcuts. There's a strip of controls both at the bottom and at the top of the window, and they're quite fetching.

I've installed this player on my "real" system (not in the VM that I use to test most of the software for DLS), and I intend to try it out instead of VLC for a while. Yup - it's that compelling!

Download SquadSPlayer is a lean, powerful video player for Windows originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>moviesmpcmplayerplayervideovlcFri, 10 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon working on Netflix-killing streaming video service?]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/31/amazon-working-on-netflix-killing-streaming-video-service/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/31/amazon-working-on-netflix-killing-streaming-video-service/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/31/amazon-working-on-netflix-killing-streaming-video-service/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to the Wall Street Journal, Amazon.com has been pitching media companies on a streaming video subscription service that would compete with Netflix. Amazon has talked to NBC, Time Warner and Viacom about a service that would work on the Web, on mobile devices, and on Xbox 360 consoles.

The service could launch in time for the holidays, and there's talk of bundling subscriptions with Amazon Prime accounts. No content providers have been confirmed for the subscription service yet, though, so that timeline is far from a sure thing. The WSJ couldn't get an official comment from Amazon, so we'll just have to watch and wait.

Download SquadAmazon working on Netflix-killing streaming video service? originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.commoviesstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideosubscriptionTue, 31 Aug 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boxee releases new beta with streaming movie library]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/boxee-releases-new-beta-with-streaming-movie-library/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/boxee-releases-new-beta-with-streaming-movie-library/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/30/boxee-releases-new-beta-with-streaming-movie-library/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Boxee, one of the best all-in-one media center apps, has just released a new beta that introduces a library of full-length streaming movies. Boxee was already famous for letting you watch and listen to streaming content on your computer, and hook the whole thing up to your TV, too, but its new partnerships with indie movie sites make it even better.

With Boxee, you already have Netflix, YouTube and other sources at your fingertips, but in terms of free full-length movies, it's been tricky for Boxee to find partnerships (there's been a long history of drama with Hulu, for example). That's why it's great to see that EZTakes, IndieMoviesOnline, MUBI, and OpenFilm have gotten on board with Boxee.

You won't find huge Hollywood releases here, but there are some hidden gems and old classics worth watching. If you're looking for some movies you probably haven't seen yet, included in an app that's worth using anyway, give this latest Boxee beta a shot.

Download SquadBoxee releases new beta with streaming movie library originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back to schoolBackToSchoolboxeemacintoshmedia centerMediaCentermovie libraryMovieLibrarymoviesstreamingwindowsMon, 30 Aug 2010 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[YouTube adds free, full-length movies]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/27/youtube-adds-free-full-length-movies/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/27/youtube-adds-free-full-length-movies/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/27/youtube-adds-free-full-length-movies/#commentsFiled under:

It looks like Google isn't stopping at free phone calls to the U.S. and Canada In their never-ending quest to win new fans. They're also going to let you watch all the free, full-length movies you can handle over on YouTube! That's good.

The selection, however, doesn't include current releases and there aren't a lot of big-name films. That's bad. But you can watch loads of classic horror films, Three Stooges, Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee, Hitchcock, and a nice selection of Bollywood titles and documentaries. That's good!

It also comes with a free frogurt! No, not really. I was just having a Treehouse of Horror flashback.

Speaking of terror, why not go watch The Brain That Wouldn't Die!?

Download SquadYouTube adds free, full-length movies originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 08:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicfreemoviesstreamingvideoyoutubeFri, 27 Aug 2010 08:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix app now available for iPhone and iPod touch -- stream TV and film to your phone!]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/26/netflix-app-now-available-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/26/netflix-app-now-available-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/26/netflix-app-now-available-for-iphone-and-ipod-touch/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The baited, belabored wait is over! After almost four months of iPad exclusivity, Netflix has done as it promised: the iPhone and iPod touch app is here [iTunes link].

The Netflix app lets you stream TV shows and movies straight to your iOS device -- and according to MacRumors, the service works over Wi-Fi and 3G. You'll need a Netflix subscription ($8.99/month), and 3G data costs will be prohibitive to most... but the ability to stream TV and movies from your local Wi-Fi-enabled Starbucks is pretty damn cool.

Now we just need a similar service here in Europe... how about it, Lovefilm?

Gallery: Netflix for iOS

Download SquadNetflix app now available for iPhone and iPod touch -- stream TV and film to your phone! originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 07:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iosipadiphoneipod touchIpodTouchmoviesnetflixstreamingtvvideoThu, 26 Aug 2010 07:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix app for Android on the way, but it could be a long wait]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/netflix-android-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/netflix-android-app/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/netflix-android-app/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're an Android user seething over the fact that the iPad and the iPhone are getting Netflix streaming before you do, seethe no more! A Netflix employee has confirmed the company is hiring developers to begin work on the Android app, and the company's job listings on Reddit corroborate his information.

As Mashable points out, Netflix's new "Android Video Playback Expert" will be someone who has experience with streaming video on "other mobile platforms," which means that the Android app might be adapted from the existing iPad and iPhone apps.

The ads imply that there's nobody in charge of the project yet, so I wouldn't expect the app to be finished any time soon. Nevertheless, Netflix is clearly demonstrating their commitment to supporting Android, so this app is more than just vaporware.

Download SquadNetflix app for Android on the way, but it could be a long wait originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidmoviesnetflixstreamingvideoTue, 10 Aug 2010 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Take.fm: the movie torrent indexer that's a little bit Netflix, a little bit PirateBay]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/take-fm-download-movie-torrents/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/take-fm-download-movie-torrents/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/08/10/take-fm-download-movie-torrents/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last year saw the arrival of Coda.fm, a torrent site which offered a different take on music downloads. It's design is more reminiscent of a music discovery site or download store than a torrent indexer like isoHunt or TPB. Take.fm offers a similar experience, but for movie downloads.

The site is relatively new, so you won't find virtual shelf after virtual shelf of titles to choose from, but it's growing steadily. Right now there are just over 1,200 movies listed. And just like video on demand sites you're able to browse by release date, genre, or popularity and there's a search option as well. RSS feeds are provided for new releases and newly added torrents.

IMDB ratings are posted (when available, of course), as is a link to the relevant IMDB page and video details like resolution, audio bitrate, and more.

Take.fm's developer (who happens to be behind Coda.fm as well) told TorrentFreak "We don't have to get used to a third-rate user experience just for dealing with torrents. I tried to build a website that I - and hopefully all the torrents community - would enjoy using." Mission accomplished.

[via TorrentFreak]
StumbleUpon.com submit to reddit Share

Download SquadTake.fm: the movie torrent indexer that's a little bit Netflix, a little bit PirateBay originally appeared on Download Squad on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bittorrentcoda.fmindexmoviesp2ptake.fmtorrentTue, 10 Aug 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Netflix ready to take off, eh? Streaming movie service heads to Canada]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/19/netflix-canada/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/19/netflix-canada/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/19/netflix-canada/#commentsFiled under: ,

If we use heat as a metaphor for access to streaming movies, Canada really IS the frozen north. No access to Hulu and Netflix means a hard life for film-hungry Canadians.

Hulu will have to wait, but Netflix has announced it's launching in Canada this fall. If you're in Canada and you want to be notified when Netflix is available, you can sign up now at netflix.ca. Canada should be getting Netflix on all of the service's existing platforms, including the mobile apps.

Netflix has never expanded outside the U.S. before, so this might be good news for more than just Canada. There's no word yet on which (if any) other countries will be next, but I assume there's plenty of demand elsewhere in the world.

Netflix also hasn't announced prices in Canada, but the cost should be similar to the U.S. plan: $8.99/mo for streaming. Yep... less than five twoonies!

Download SquadNetflix ready to take off, eh? Streaming movie service heads to Canada originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canadamoviesnetflixstreamingvideoMon, 19 Jul 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulu's ad-free app might finally be coming, for a higher price]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/08/hulu-ad-free-TV/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/08/hulu-ad-free-TV/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/07/08/hulu-ad-free-TV/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Hulu Plus wasn't what a lot of users expected: they thought they'd be able pay to watch ad-free TV shows and movies, but ended up being offered a bigger selection and more platforms for a fee, instead. Well, Hulu CEO Jason Kilar says that ad-free Hulu is still a possibility, at a higher price. In response to criticism of the subscription-plus-ads model, where users essentially pay twice, he told NewTeeVee that he didn't see a problem, because there are cable networks that show ads.

User expectations have been set differently with online video than with TV, though, and Hulu probably can't change those expectations on its own. After all, downloading TV shows from BitTorrent or watching free videos on YouTube is a lot easier than stealing cable. If the monthly cost isn't too much higher, I imagine most Hulu users would switch to a more expensive, ad-free version ... but Hulu probably should have started with that option, instead of raising the price now.

Download SquadHulu's ad-free app might finally be coming, for a higher price originally appeared on Download Squad on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ad-freehuluhulu plusHuluPlusmoviesstreamingsubscriptiontvvideoThu, 08 Jul 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MPAA starts new crackdown on movie piracy, takes down 9 sites]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/30/mpaa-crackdown-pirate-streaming-movies-sites/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/30/mpaa-crackdown-pirate-streaming-movies-sites/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/30/mpaa-crackdown-pirate-streaming-movies-sites/#commentsFiled under: ,

The MPAA is at it again, going after movie pirates. This time, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is helping out the movie industry, and they've seized nine different domains: Movies-links.TV, nowmovies.com, thepiratecity.org, filespump.com, planetmoviez.com, zml.org, tvshack.net, ninjavideo.net and thisninja.net. These were mostly ad-supported movie streaming sites that showed pirated versions of current theatrical releases.

The new crackdown, called "Operation In Our Sites" was announced at Disney (of course it was). This whole thing rubs me the wrong way. ICE is part of Homeland Security, and acting as police for private movie studios hardly seems like a Homeland Security issue. Also, shutting down streaming movie sites, even if you seize their assets (as ICE has), is almost a futile pursuit. ICE says it will take a year for a new site to grow as big as the ones they just shut down, but I'm betting at least 2 will start up for every one they close.

Apparently, pharmaceuticals, games, music and other software are next on the ICE hit list.
[via CNBC]

Download SquadMPAA starts new crackdown on movie piracy, takes down 9 sites originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homeland securityHomelandSecuritymoviesmpaanewspiracyWed, 30 Jun 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Think your YouTube video is worthy of the Guggenheim? Now's your chance]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/14/youtube-play-best-video-guggenheim/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/14/youtube-play-best-video-guggenheim/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/14/youtube-play-best-video-guggenheim/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

YouTube announced today that it's teaming up with the Guggenheim Museum and HP to put on the first "Biennial of Creative Video" -- and they're calling it YouTube Play. The project's goal is to gather the very best videos on YouTube and display the 20 best nominees in Guggenheim museums around the globe.

What constitutes the "best" in YouTube videos? They're surprisingly broad in that respect, stating that videos can be nominated if they are "animation, motion graphics, narrative, non-narrative, or documentary work, music videos and entirely new art forms." That potentially covers just about every video type on the site, making this project truly accessible to all tube-enthusiasts -- and that's the way they want it to be.

Anybody with a YouTube account can submit their video at youtube.com/play, but the deadline is July 31st. So, if you haven't gotten around to filming your miniature masterpiece yet -- or just need to do some editing -- you had better get on it. Oddly enough, the project is set up so that people can only submit their own videos, and each account can only submit one video for nomination. While it seems strange at first, it makes sense once you consider the usual band of hooligans that have managed to make YouTube video comments some of the most inane on the Internet.

Once the deadline hits, all the submissions will be sifted through by the Guggenheim, who will then put together a shortlist for an international "jury of experts." That jury, made up of professionals in art, design, film and video will then determine the final videos to be displayed in the museums. They're not going small-time with this either; the final YouTube Play exhibit will be going on simultaneously at Guggenheim museums in New York City, Berlin, Bilbao and Venice -- that's good stuff.

So what do you think? Do you have a video that you think could make it all the way to the Guggenheim?

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Download SquadThink your YouTube video is worthy of the Guggenheim? Now's your chance originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artfilmGoogleGuggenheim MuseumGuggenheimMuseumHPnewsvideoyoutubeMon, 14 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[HelloMovies helps you quickly find what movies to watch]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/02/find-what-movies-like-to-watch/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/02/find-what-movies-like-to-watch/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/06/02/find-what-movies-like-to-watch/#commentsFiled under: ,

hellomovies

HelloMovies is a quick and easy-to-use website for filtering the enormous glut of films into a more manageable list of stuff you might actually enjoy watching.

Using a simple sidebar filter, you can quickly whittle down the complete list of films by genre, style, approximate release date (very approximate - think "1990's"), language, and even by films that won a major award.

Once you narrow the list down to a manageable size, it's time to sort. You can sort by release date, popularity, or rating. I'm not sure how popularity is determined, but the ratings seem like a nice mashup of Rotten Tomatoes, IMDB, Netflix, and something called "The Critics' Choice" -- which originates from the Broadcast Film Critics Association. The site also has its own internal rating system that it throws into the mix.

While the site itself seems a tad lacking in suavity or design chic, don't let its simple look deceive you. The results seem very solid, and the interface is usable and fast. I will definitely be coming back to this one.

Download SquadHelloMovies helps you quickly find what movies to watch originally appeared on Download Squad on Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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moviepostersarchive

Movie Posters Archive does right what it says on the tin. Sure, there's always Google Images, but sometimes a manually-curated, neatly-labeled archive is just what you need.

The posters on the site are intentionally small, for legal reasons; you won't be able to print them out and decorate your room with them... Actually, it might be interesting to put a few of them through the Rasterbator and see what you end up with. Now there's a mash-up idea if I ever heard one!

At any rate, huge raster printouts aside, the Movie Posters Archive can come in handy in other situations. Posters are often works of art in their own right, and they can provide some really great design and typography ideas.

Sadly, the archive isn't as massive as it could be. It's missing even some familiar flicks such as Apocalypse Now and Fear And Loathing in Las Vegas. But it does contain hundreds of other movies, mainly dating from 2001 onwards (at least judging by the site's menu, which lumps all earlier films under "2000 and before").

Download SquadMovie Posters Archive lets you revel in cinematic nostalgia originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 31 May 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemacultureimage bankImageBankinspirationmoviesMon, 31 May 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hulu gets a brand new video player, still no HTML5]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/14/hulu-gets-a-brand-new-video-player-still-no-html5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/14/hulu-gets-a-brand-new-video-player-still-no-html5/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/14/hulu-gets-a-brand-new-video-player-still-no-html5/#commentsFiled under: ,

Web TV site Hulu just introduced a new video player that's frankly pretty excellent, but the new features might be overshadowed by the ongoing debate over HTML5 support. It seems they can add all the features they want to their web player, but the users' focus is on enabling HTML5 playback so Hulu will play on iPads and iPhones. The problem isn't that HTML5 vids aren't ready for users, it's that they're not up to speed in terms of advertising and analytics (which are, um, how Hulu makes money).

Okay, so, no HTML5, but the goodies in the new player will still make Hulu watchers very happy. Adaptive bitrate streaming is one of the smartest things Hulu's ever done. This feature lets Hulu dynamically match video quality to your available bandwidth, meaning that instead of stuttering or stalling when you get some lag, Hulu will just drop the bandwidth of the video so it can keep playing.

Another feature that proves Hulu is listening to users is ad volume normalization. Sometimes ads in Hulu are so much louder than the shows that it can be startling when one comes on. No more! Now the ads are in line with the volume of the show you're watching.

Navigating is easier, thanks to thumbnail previews while you're jumping around in a video, so you can see if you've found the spot you're looking for. The player even looks better. It's all chromeless now, making for a sleek look with the controls out of the way. It's also 25% bigger by default. Basically, Hulu just stepped up its game in a huge way. Personally, I think HTML5 can wait a little bit longer if it means the Hulu devs are spending their time on stuff like this.
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Download SquadHulu gets a brand new video player, still no HTML5 originally appeared on Download Squad on Fri, 14 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flashhtml5hulumoviesplayerTVvideoFri, 14 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New anti-piracy software scans and blocks illegal content from displaying on your monitor]]>http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/new-anti-piracy-software-scans-and-blocks-illegal-content-from-d/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/new-anti-piracy-software-scans-and-blocks-illegal-content-from-d/http://downloadsquad.switched.com/2010/05/10/new-anti-piracy-software-scans-and-blocks-illegal-content-from-d/#commentsFiled under: ,

A few days ago there was a smattering of reports on NEC's new pirate-detection software. In essence, this software scans the original content and creates a digital signature for each and every frame. The signature is very small (only 76 bytes) and can then be compared against videos on sites like YouTube or Vimeo. NEC touts an accuracy of 96% and only five false-positives per million.

But that's completely missing the point.

NEC makes computer monitors and TVs! They make the chips that prepare and process data before it is displayed on your screen!

Are you see what I'm getting at? This new anti-piracy software could run on your monitor. Your monitor could analyze your downloaded TV show, film (or even a video game!) and simply refuse to display it.

Even if this new software doesn't find a place embedded in your computer screen, NEC's technology has already been approved for inclusion in MPEG-7. You know how DVD players can 'decode MPEG-4'? Well, the MPEG-7 decoders in tomorrow's DVD players will have this anti-piracy measure built-in at the hardware level.

Pretty scary huh?
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Download SquadNew anti-piracy software scans and blocks illegal content from displaying on your monitor originally appeared on Download Squad on Mon, 10 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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