If you've ever sighed in frustration at not being able to leap straight from discovering a song to playing it ad-nauseum on Spotify or Rdio, here's a heads-up. Shazam's iPad-focused iOS update integrates both streaming services with its discovery software in addition to a new look home screen and an auto-tagging mode that'll passively observe any music in the background. The mapping service has also been tweaked, letting you search and see what songs are being tagged in your neighborhood (or anyone else's, for that matter) and if you'd like to see it in action, head on past the break.

Filed under: Portable Audio/Video, HD, Mobile, Apple

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Coming months after the feature's introduction on Android and PCs, Vudu has updated the iOS version of its app with the ability to download movies for viewing offline. Unlike the Android version, this feature is not restricted to tablets however, with downloads of your Vudu / Ultraviolet collection on iPads and iPhones. Other tweaks include making the Player "easier to use" and adding closed captions on iPhone. The Flixster app already allowed for Ultraviolet movie downloads on iOS, however Vudu has access to some movies that may not be available there. The updated version of the free app is available on on iTunes, although you will need an associated account (with updated password info) with unlocked videos to get any use out of it.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Mobile

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Source: iTunes

On April 28th, the iTunes Store turned 10. Back in 2003, Apple opened up shop for its digital goods and the impact on the industry is still quite evident today. In a new edition of our weekly, we examine the iTunes influence and whether or not streaming services could cut into its success. Eyes-On goes after a set of Ultimate Ears, Switched On spends three days without Google Glass and Fall Out Boy's Joe Trohman tackles the Q&A. Unfortunately, we couldn't include a slide of cake with each download, but you can rest assured that there's plenty of fresh-baked digital goodness via the usual repositories.

Distro Issue 90 PDF
Distro in the iTunes App Store
Distro in the Google Play Store
Distro in the Windows Store
Distro APK (for sideloading)
Like Distro on Facebook
Follow Distro on Twitter

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile

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Source: iTunes, Google Play, Windows Store

Blockbuster announced its entrance back into the video streaming game in January after pledging to exit that market late last year. Today, Blockbuster's reincarnation as a video streaming service continues, as the company rolled out its On Demand app for iOS, bringing "thousands" of movies to iPads and iPhones running iOS 4.3 and up. By adding Apple devices to the fold, Blockbuster can now shoot movies to the majority of mobile devices -- previously it was only available for Android (plus Mac, PC, Roku and Samsung Smart TVs). So, if you're looking for 1080p video with 5.1 surround streaming to your Apple-fied mobile screen, your download awaits.

Filed under: Software, HD, Mobile, Apple

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Via: 9to5 Mac

Source: App Store

As we revealed a few days ago and Time Warner Cable announced yesterday, its iOS app has been updated with the ability to stream video even when away from subscriber's home networks. There's video on-demand available from 10 networks, and ten live TV channels ready for streaming. While the company's blog post only referred to access over WiFi, its about page confirms our initial information that 3G / 4G access is limited to Verizon Wireless customers. Our tipster indicted this exclusive would run out later this year, and the feature is also coming soon to the company's Android app and web portal for PC / Mac users. Today's update on iOS also tweaks the app's guide, with a new ability to filter by category, as well as sort alphabetically by network or show title. Subscribers can grab it at the link below -- let us know how well it works and if you've run into any unexpected restrictions.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Mobile, Apple, Verizon

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Source: iTunes, Time Warner Cable

The Apple TV has seen its share of issues crop up and then be fixed by software updates, but it looks like at least some are proving to be too difficult for some fresh firmware to fix. According to a support document obtained by 9 to 5 Mac, Apple has informed employees at its Apple Stores and authorized resellers that a "very small number" of third generation Apple TVs are eligible to be replaced due to persistent WiFi problems. Those replacements will be offered for up to two years from the original purchase date (free of charge), and you can check if the serial number for your device matches up with the affected units at the links below.

Filed under: HD, Apple

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Via: Ars Technica, MacRumors

Source: 9 to 5 Mac

Now that you can finally watch HBO Go on your Apple TV via AirPlay, the premium cable network has decided to sweeten its iOS app with AirPlay multitasking in a 2.1 update. The new version of the app also offers enhancements to Game of Throne's interactive features and general performance improvements as well. We'd obviously prefer that the app offers a standalone option instead, but being able to catch up on episodes of GoT on the HDTV while looking up how to say "winter is coming" in Dothraki is good too. (It's "Aheshke jada.")

Filed under: HD

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Source: HBO Go (iTunes)

It may be April Fool's Day, but believe us when we say this is no joke -- we would never kid you when it comes to another chance to win awesome stuff. It's actually the second birthday of WalkMe, and the website guidance tool wants to celebrate by offering a 16GB WiFi iPad mini and Nike+ Fuelband to one lucky winner. WalkMe is a service that lets businesses offer a better user experience on their site by walking their customers each step of the way -- the company refers to it as a GPS navigation system for online tasks. So head to the widget below and get your entries in!

Note: Please enter using the widget below, as comments are no longer valid methods of entry. The widget only requires your name and email address so we know how to get in touch with you if you win (your information is not given out to third parties), but you will have an option to receive an additional entry by following WalkMe on Twitter if you so desire.

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile, Apple

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It's not often that we see those services present on the Apple TV get tweaked, but today Hulu announced its Plus offering has been on the receiving end of a major design overhaul. Clearly taking a cue from Cupertino's own iTunes app on the tiny media box, the Hulu Plus redesign makes perfect use of a top navigation bar, which, as pictured above, lists familiar entries like TV, Movies, Kids, Latino, Queue and Search -- a nice visual (and useful) change when compared to what we've been become accustomed to since the app first arrived on the "hobby" platform. According to Hulu, the redesign was driven by the idea to bring quick access to what subscribers are trying to watch, as well as the thought of delivering an easier discovery experience which aims to help with finding new shows and making it easier to watch recent episodes of those that are already preferred. Apple TV owners running the latest firmware can play with the fresh UI now -- of course, that's for those who are already shelling out the required $8 monthly fee for Hulu's premium ware.

[Thanks, Andrew]

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: Hulu

The XBMC crew hasn't been distracted by its early work on XBMC 13 Gotham -- it's more than willing to share the love with those who are still busy with Frodo's adventures. A just-launched XBMC 12.1 update improves the experience in several ways on Apple platforms, rolling up iOS 6 support for second-generation Apple TV boxes, making full use of the iPhone 5's expanded screen and bringing support in OS X for both the default audio device and playback acceleration from Intel GPUs. There's a number of upgrades elsewhere as well: XBMC no longer monopolizes audio in Linux, runs more reliably on the Raspberry Pi and supports more Xbox 360 controllers and HDMI-CEC devices. Android has received an audio control tweak of its own and the software is available in seven new languages We'd say 12.1 is a near-automatic download if XBMC is the cornerstone of your living room, hit the source to find out everything new that awaits, or check out the Github link.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD

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Source: XBMC

Jailbroken Apple TVs with software update 5.2 (iOS 6.1) snagged Bluetooth keyboard compatibility roughly a week ago, and now Cook and Co.'s hockey puck is in store for a heftier perk: support for XBMC. Memphiz, a developer on the entertainment hub project, has managed to tweak XBMC to run on Cupertino's TV box with its latest software release. Ready to load up your hardware with the alternative media suite? Hit the bordering source link for the download and instructions, or check out the "Manage Extras" section if you're running aTV Flash.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Via: FireCore (Google+)

Source: XBMC

Sony's now obsolete PS3 may be the Netflix streaming device of choice, but that doesn't mean the popular streaming service will ignore other platforms. The Netflix app on iOS, which saw its last big refresh back in September last year, has just been bumped up to v3.0 -- bringing with it a slew of UI changes aimed towards improving your movie-watching experience. The zoom icon that was removed previously is now back for easier access to full-screen viewing, while a tap displays video titles if you're using the app on the iPad. The three-point change log also includes a relocation of the playback controls. Nothing profound, but hey -- could be worth your while if it keeps you away from reality just a little longer.

Filed under: Cellphones, Tablets, HD, Mobile

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Source: App Store

Cupertino finally saw fit to give users access to Bluetooth keyboards when it rolled out version 5.2 for Apple TV. It took a bit of time, but the folks at Firecore have finished up the Seas0nPass jailbreak for the new OS iteration. Along with the jailbreak, a revised version of its aTV Flash (black) software is also now available to give the new Bluetooth functionality to folks who prefer it to a stock Apple TV experience. Excited? Head on down to the source for the full how-to, and you'll have a wireless keyboard hooked up to your hacked Jobsian hockey puck in no time.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: Firecore

Plex's busy bees have sweetened the media server / client honeypot again with new updates, including a "giant, thundering" update of the Plex/Web UI featuring a redesigned home screen and easier navigation. It also has a new version of its next-gen transcoder for the Windows 8 and PlexSync apps -- with iOS, Android and Plex/Web versions promised soon -- which brings better performance and improved support for subtitle burn-in, according to the outfit. Other features include a new iPad mini sync profile, better keyboard navigation, a media info popup and numerous bug fixes. You can grab it by checking your app for updates or hit the source for the full list.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, Software, HD

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Source: Plex (1), (2)

Up until this one specific camera shot, 31 minutes and 42 seconds into the sixth episode of House of Cards, it had all been going pretty well. The endearing evil of the series' anti-hero Francis Underwood (Kevin Spacey, there on the left) had carried me through the first five installments at a brisk pace, to the extent that even the most blatant Apple and Sony product placements had largely gone unnoticed. (Underwood: "Is that a PS Vita? I oughta get one of these for the car.")

I happen to be from the UK, where paid product placements on TV shows were banned until 2011 and where we're particularly sensitive to such things, so I must have been engrossed. But then this desk shot happened. My disbelief stopped suspending and promptly clattered to the floor. It had nothing to do with Apple specifically, or even the principle of commercial gadget cameos. My paranoia runs deeper than that, and it has so far prevented me from going back to watch the rest of the series. Read on and I'll explain.

Filed under: Misc, Home Entertainment, Internet, HD, Apple

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It looks like the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch aren't the only Apple devices getting a software update today. The company has also rolled out an update to the Apple TV, which adds Bluetooth keyboard support, along with the ability to play music you've purchased from iTunes through iCloud. You'll also get a new "Up Next" feature that lets you choose what to play from the cued up music (or simply keep an eye on what's coming up).

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: 9 to 5 Mac

It's not hard to find a media app with some type of favorites system. It's tougher to find one that lets us be very specific on just what a favorite can be. The new aTV Flash (black) 2.1 update, however, will let Apple TV modders be as exacting as they'd like: they can favorite individual videos, whole seasons and even broader search terms. Catch-up viewers get their own treat in the form of TV show playlists that simplify watching episodes back-to-back. A slew of further tweaks are inside, including iOS 6 support, so there's every incentive to upgrade for those who rely on not-quite-official firmware for Apple's living room hub.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: Firecore

Sometimes minor-sounding events presage bigger things to come (and sometimes not), so Cupertino's recent addition of a new subscription service app to Apple TV in Germany, Watchever, made our ears perk up. The service -- which is still rolling out in the country and may not work on all devices, according to its Facebook page -- offers Netflix-like streaming of movies and TV shows in dubbed German or original formats for €9 ($12) per month. More significantly, it marks one of the first times Apple TV has added programming specific to a single region on its streaming service, perhaps marking a new trend we could see elsewhere, too. Apple currently has paid subscription apps like NBA, MLB and WSJ from which it gets a nice cut, so a regional expansion would make financial sense -- particularly in countries that don't know a pop fly from a pop tune.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Via: TNW

Source: Watchever (Facebook), (Twitter)

This is the mother lode, folks: we're starting off the new year by offering a brand-new iMac with 1TB hard drive, 8GB RAM and Magic Trackpad! What's more, this fully-decked all-in-one also comes preloaded with Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac, so you'll be able to run Mountain Lion and Windows 8 (as well as Win7, in case you're not in love with Microsoft's latest) simultaneously.

This week's giveaway comes to you thanks to Parallels, which is promoting its Apple-in-the-Workplace campaign. While PCs have traditionally been the computer of choice in a majority of business environments, Macs and iOS devices are starting to crash Microsoft's party -- and a program like Parallels (and Parallels Mobile) makes it much easier to accomplish everything on one computer. If you want more Apple support in your office, head to the Apple-in-the-Workplace Barometer and take a short survey to see how your company's adoption rate compares with that of others, and you can get info that will help you figure out how to make Mac adoption a reality.

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win an iMac, courtesy of Parallels!

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile, Apple

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We've given away a few iPhone 5s in the past, but this is the first opportunity we've had to hand out a GSM-unlocked version. Also known as the A1428 model, this particular iPhone will get you HSPA+ on any GSM network around the globe as well as dual-band LTE (for use on AT&T in the US and Rogers, Telus and Bell in Canada), and it's thanks to our friends at CloudOn for offering the chance. CloudOn is a free iOS and Android tablet app that lets you create, view and edit Microsoft Office files and link them to Dropbox, Box and Google Drive, so head on over to the App Store or Play Store to check it out. Before you do, however, leave a comment below to enter! If you're looking for ideas on what to say, CloudOn wants to know what would help you become more productive on your iPhone -- perhaps you can toss them a few of your ideas. Good luck!

Continue reading Engadget Giveaway: win an unlocked iPhone 5, courtesy of CloudOn!

Filed under: Announcements, HD, Mobile, Apple

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Last week, Apple announced iTunes was coming to 56 new territories. Sadly, from that rather sizable list, only Russia, Turkey, India and South Africa launched with movie rentals and purchases in place. Now the lights are coming on in other countries as well. Reports are that a grand total of 42 new territories now have access to a selection of feature films, including some from Disney and Sony. The complete list of new countries with access to iTunes movies awaits after the break.

Continue reading iTunes video shop rolling out across Apple's new territories

Filed under: HD, Apple

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Source: Apple Insider

In a saga that makes its lawsuit against Samsung seem like only a brief moment in time, the rumors of an Apple-built HDTV are going around again. After CEO Tim Cook dropped a nugget about TV being an intense area of interest (the exact same thing he said in May) in interviews a few days ago, now the Wall Street Journal is reporting rumors from suppliers that it has, for several years, tested designs in concert with companies like Sharp and Foxconn. Of course, reading beyond the headline reveals deep caveats like "Apple ... works with suppliers to test new designs all the time" and "Apple could opt not to proceed with the device" as well as referencing older rumors about team ups with cable or satellite companies, which should let you know that really, nothing has changed.

Since this rumor will never die, and the hype will continue to flow when Apple and HDTV are mentioned in the same breath, we'll spell it out for you one more time: no matter what they say or don't say, Apple is -- like nearly every other technology company -- extremely interested in developing products for your living room. They were under Steve Jobs, they are with Tim Cook at the helm. Unfortunately, for reasons ranging from studio licensing agreements to DRM to a lack of access to pay-TV provider data/content, it's very difficult to do with the level of polish and control of experience Apple would like. Microsoft and Sony are spending billions of dollars on their Xbox 360 and PS3 just to grab a foothold in this market, with varying levels of success, while Google's TV project has experienced even tougher growing pains.

CBS executive Leslie Moonves explained on a conference call around this time last year why his company had declined to partner with Apple. Read those comments, and you'll probably feel as we do -- until the various regulatory and/or commercial gatekeepers to premium content in the living room change their minds about how the TV business works, it remains just as unlikely that we'll ever experience the products of Apple's tests for ourselves.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: Wall Street Journal

It's a hobby. That's basically what we've been told about the Apple TV since day one. Cupertino saw the device as an accessory to its ecosystem, not necessarily a marquee product. Tim Cook is singing a slightly different tune these days, though. After reaffirming the Apple TV's hobby status back in January, he recently told NBC's Brian Williams that the screen in your living room is now "an area of intense interest." The CEO isn't necessarily talking about the Apple TV as we know it today, he could be referring to the long rumor Apple-branded television set, but we wouldn't hold our breath on that one. Of course, in following the tradition set forth by his predecessor Cook left plenty of mystery for the media to poke at. The TV is stuck 30 years in the past, but if you ask what Apple plans to do about it you'll just the line about "intense interest" and a quick, "I can't say more than that." He's slippery son of a gun.

Filed under: Home Entertainment, HD, Apple

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Source: NBC