Myriad Alien Vue Brings Android to Your TV
Myriad Group AG unveiled the latest chapter of Myriad Alien Dalvik, called Myriad Alien Vue.
Myriad’s latest Alien release enables Internet access via TV allowing Android apps to run alongside existing television functions, in a unified user experience.
Myriad will be showcasing Alien Vue, demonstrating Android apps on TV for the first time at CES 2012 January 10-13. For a sneak peek prior to CES, please visit our demo video, on the Myriad YouTube channel: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FopcpZexlw
Myriad Alien Vue is a complete end-to-end solution that enables TV service providers to add apps to their existing managed service offerings, in order to respond to the threat of new over-the-top content distribution channels from Apple, Google and others.
The release, powered by Myriad Alien Dalvik technology, includes an app store developed in conjunction with AppCarousel that can be fully branded by service providers. Myriad Alien Vue also supports additional plug-in components like Myriad Connect & Share, providing multi-screen functionality for personal and premium content.
Myriad Alien Vue is unique in that not only does it allow customers to leverage their existing TV and set-top box equipment, it also works seamlessly with mobile phones and tablets giving users complete control over their TV experience. Read more
Panasonic Launched New Internet Social Network Application for VIERA Connect
Panasonic announced the launch of a new Internet Social Network application, that will be available on VIERA Connect1-equipped 2011 VIERA HDTVs and subsequent models.
The app allows one to access social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook while also enjoying programming simultaneously on their VIERA HDTV. Panasonic also announced the addition of a new gaming application from PlayJam and a movie/video channel dedicated to Bollywood, called BigFlix.
These three applications come with no additional fee. BigFlix will allow users to access Bollywood Video on Demand2, while PlayJam is a game channel with multiple game apps. Additionally, and in time for the holiday season, Panasonic will be introducing a promotion that will allow users to download three games from Gameloft, including Asphalt 5, free of charge.
“Panasonic prides itself on listening to consumer opinions and acting upon those suggestions to provide the best possible entertainment experience,” said Panasonic Corporation of North America Vice President, Merwan Mereby. “Our thorough research pointed to a desire to be able to watch content on the TV, while at the same time being able to tweet on Twitter or update your status on Facebook. With that in mind, Panasonic has, with the new Social Network app, expanded and enhanced the functionality of Internet TV and provided users with functions they were looking for. Connected TV will continue to become an increasingly important feature for consumers and Panasonic is working tirelessly to build upon the already robust entertainment and connectivity experiences our VIERA Connect customers can enjoy.” Read more
One Yahoo!, Many Screens: Yahoo! Debuts New Products for Mobile, Tablet, and PC
Yahoo! Inc. (NASDAQ: YHOO) launched several new mobile, tablet, and PC experiences that empower its 700 million monthly visitors to seamlessly discover, engage, and share the media and content that’s most important to them.
From a new tablet app that tailors news, sports, and entertainment publications, to new ways of connecting with friends while watching TV, Yahoo! is delivering products that enable people to have more deeply personal digital experiences.
“Hundreds of millions of people rely on Yahoo! every day, yet no two users are alike,” said Blake Irving, EVP and chief product officer at Yahoo!, from a press event at the company’s Sunnyvale headquarters.
“Today’s product launches reaffirm our commitment to personalize experiences across devices. By building these products on top of our powerful platforms with beautiful interactive design, we are getting closer to a truly ‘personal Web’ for every Yahoo! customer.”
The products introduced today bring together years of Yahoo!’s scientific research, technical innovations, and cutting-edge platforms with compelling new design formats: Read more
Consumers Are Cautious About Being Online But Need More Vigilance When Protecting Privacy
Online consumers are increasingly savvy about being online, but many still do not employ all of the right tools to protect their privacy according to the results from Anonymizer second annual online privacy and security survey.
While nearly all respondents took precautions to protect their privacy online (95%), the two most popular methods – running anti-virus software (77%) and enabling a firewall (60%) – do not provide adequate safeguards against online privacy and security risks. These measures only protect a consumer’s computer system, not their privacy or identity.
When it comes to social networking, more than half of respondents (56%) are aware that being on Facebook means compromising their privacy. Despite these concerns, 29% had no plans to leave the popular social networking site.
“With celebrity hacking scandals and social media exposures grabbing headlines, it’s not surprising that consumers are increasingly aware of the privacy risks that come with our Web-powered world,” said Chaminda Wijetilleke, president of Anonymizer, Inc. “During National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we want consumers to re-think what they’re doing to protect their privacy online and to take proper action.”
An infographic highlighting the dangers of not properly protecting your online privacy and safeguarding your data can be found in Anonymizer’s Knowledge Center, http://www.anonymizer.com/knowledgecenter/archive/anonymizer-virtual-private-network. Read more
New Facebook App Lights the Fuse for a Full-Blown Music Revolution
Beat-Play, a technology start-up committed to providing the ultimate music experience and social network, has announced its official launch.
By connecting music lovers directly with independent artists and with each other, Beat-Play empowers consumers to choose music for themselves without influence of labels and industry. Likewise, Beat-Play provides independent artists with a level playing field to gain fans, recognition, generate revenue and respect for their music on its own merits.
Music fans can now download the free Beat-Play Facebook application or visit http://Beatplay.comto discover a rich library of independent artists representing every genre imaginable and network with other like-minded fans.
“Beat-Play lights the fuse for a full-blown music revolution that finally allows consumers to choose their own music without the influence of labels and industry executives controlling their choices and telling them what music they should like and listen to,” said Dante Cullari, Beat-Play CEO. Cullari cited popular platforms like YouTube and American Idol as the first waves of this movement. ”Beat-Play’s technology finally and fully delivers the open music forum that fans and artists have long desired and demanded. Communities of music fans, enabled by Beat-Play, now have a firm hand on the steering wheel. This change in how consumers discover and experience music is inevitable.” Read more