9to5 Staff

Hulu has spent the past few months in a cat and mouse game with Boxee and Plex, trying to block them from showing their content..  The Mac media centers keep finding a way around Hulu’s defenses to show Hulu content.  Then Hulu blocks them again.  etc etc.

We never understood why Hulu was so against these 3rd parties showing their content (and their commercials).  Now it all comes to light.

Hulu just put out their own desktop app.  It works with the Apple remote (and others) and only on Intel Macs over 2.0GHz with a 2Mb Internet connection.  Warning, there are some bugs and it isn’t as easy to close as it should be.  Download here.

http://www.hulu.com/embed/EgF07I6lLJ94Hqma-6Fi5w/0

Also, what will this mean for Apple TV?

Gizmodo had a chance to take a look at the Zune.  Surprisingly, they really liked it, though none of its differentiating factors were available.

http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=4889455&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1

Brian Lam said:

The device is tighter and more physically beautiful than the iPod Touch and it’s got a better UI, the main menu’s scrolling so natural through the swipe gestures. There’s a little note on the side, under the volume toggle—"Hello from Seattle." The power button is up top. The home button is nice and prominent, a bar rather than a round button on the Touch. It’s smaller. And the accelerometer is more swift in responding to repositioning; images rotate very fast.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/fop/embedflv/swf/fop_wrapper.swf?id=13706717&autoStart=0&prepanelEnable=1&infopanelEnable=1&carouselEnable=0

Palm Exec Jon Rubinstein and Elevation Partners’ Roger McName were on hand at the AllThingsD conference today to talk about the Pre, Apple and 4:20.

http://s.wsj.net/media/swf/microPlayer.swf

Maybe he needed to get the keys to the Jet? Or get his mail?  We hear the cafeteria has a solid tea selection as well.

 This news comes on the heels of Woz’s remarks.

btw, of course the picture is old – from 2007…sheesh.

I found a little something different in the latest Unibody MacBooks.  Does this make them more Pro?

It looks like that US exclusivity contract given to Sprint is about 6 months.  Verizon today announced that they too would be carrying the Pre, maybe in time for the holidays?

Oh, they’ll be selling the Blackberry Storm 2 as well.

Palm shares rise 11 pct, Sprint shares fall 3 pct, Verizon up

A MacRumors forum poster made this mockup of the new iPhone with the black bezel.  We like!

Fortune is saying that the Palm Pre will sync to iTunes just like any other iPhone or iPod would, allowing the transfer and copying of any DRM free media from desktop to Pre.   Both on Windows and on Mac.  While it isn’t stated exactly how the Pre will do this, it is thought that the Pre will emulate an iPod, rather than use of third party desktop software like DoubleTwist.

Plug a Pre into a Mac and it syncs, seamlessly, with Apple’s (AAPL) iTunes. In fact, the iTunes Store treats the Pre just as it would an iPod or an iPhone with one exception: it can’t handle old copy-protected songs. Third party programs that perform the same service for various non-Apple MP3 players — including the Palm Treo and 700p –  have been available for some time. But team Pre has apparently built the necessary code right into the device’s firmware. They certainly have the know-how. The team is chock-a-block with former Apple employees and is led by Palm president Jon Rubinstein, who built the original iPod for Steve Jobs.

It also isn’t certain how or if Apple will respond to this.  COO Tim Cook has been rattling the legal saber in Palm’s general direction saying "Apple would use whatever weapons it has at its disposal to fight companies that rip off its intellectual property".

There are few journalists as well connected as Walt Mossberg.  He’s probably had his hands on the Pre and iPhone 3.0 for weeks.   So when he talks about Steve Jobs returning or Palm Pre’s chances, we like to follow.

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/fop/embedflv/swf/fop_wrapper.swf?id=13694184&autoStart=0&prepanelEnable=1&infopanelEnable=1&carouselEnable=0

Ubisoft CEO YVes Guillemot is no stranger to the video game world.  The head of the company behind hits such as Assassin’s Creed and Splinter Cell has repeatedly addressed the topic of the next generation of consoles.  When asked by a financial analyst on a call this week he said:

"We will see more customers coming to the video game industry .. they will start also to come under the boxes you see under the TV because those TV boxes will be more powerful.. We will see more consoles on which we will be able to put products. As for the next generation of consoles we can’t give you a date but from what we see there is a lot of energy to improve the consoles [that are out now.] We are already working on some of the elements that will appeal in the next generation."

He then dropped a little bomb:

“There’s a new entrant in the business – Apple, with the iPhone. And we don’t think they will stop there.”

We’ve talked about our vision for an AppleTV gaming device before.  In essence, the ARM-based iPod Touch platform could be ramped up to take the duties of the HDTV portion of the device while at the same time offering the same games that are now on the iPhone and better ones that will come along in the future.

Gaming is a family affair for the Guillemot family.  His older brother Michel runs GameLoft, one of the most aggressive developers of games for Apple’s iPhone.

Kokatu Via Distorted Loop

Matt Hamblen over at Computerworld has been pondering whether or not the iPhone 3.0 will have video conferencing capabilities amongst its other Photo and Video tricks.

The MMS software reports indicate to some observers that the next iPhone (due out July 17, according to some speculation) could support iPhone video chat, which would be possible with a good camera and microphone and a fast wireless connection.

Apple has filed a patent that certainly makes the case.   They also might have moved the speaker over in the new iPhone design to facilitate the camera.

There are some other factors to consider.  First, the iPhone would need to have either a front-facing camera or a "periscope" type of mirror to bring the camera view over the top of the iPhone.  Next, the hardware for video encoding/decoding would have to be pretty significant.  You’ll recall that even some older Macs have trouble with the more advanced features of iChat Video (below).  We expect to see a faster processor and new architecture in the upcoming iPhone, but aren’t sure that it will be able to produce the kind of quality encode/decode that Apple would expect.

Also, while AT&T’s network has the capability for high download speeds and is even moving to double-fast 7.2Mbs speed, video chat also requires significant upload bandwidth.  It is already being done on various platforms but Apple, being Apple, would want a higher quality experience with higher quality video.

HSDPA, the wireless standard that AT&T’s 3G uses, stands for High-Speed Downlink Packet Access.  The current uplink speed is 128K.  While this is theoretically able to handle 160×120 video (above), we all know that theoretical speeds and real-world speeds often don’t mesh.  We also know how much AT&T likes video applications on its network (see Sling).  In this regard, Apple could make a service that only worked over Wifi.  Like Sling’s dilemma, this would eliminate the whole purpose of having an "anywhere device".

Lastly, does it fit within Apple’s strategy?  Perhaps long term, yes.  But Apple hasn’t even brought iChat to the iPhone platform yet.  While you can IM with a number of third party applications, Apple hasn’t made even the first move to bring its own client to the iPhone.  An iPhone iChat client would be the first step in setting up a video conferencing ecosystem that allowed you to video chat with people on Macs (Apple would have to include this, right?).

The Computerworld articles mentioned third parties.  Perhaps Cisco or Skype or some jailbreakers will make an effort to build video chatting into an application (remember Cisco is part owner of the iPhone trademark and has promised to take advantage of software development on the iPhone). But without Apple’s blessing both in building a front-facing camera and allowing video chat capabilities into the App Store, it likely won’t go far.  In fact, there are already video chat apps floating around on jailbroken iPhones.

So video chat on the iPhone?  In our opinion, not likely, but we’d love to be surprised.

From the 9to5Mac/Toys department:

We know you Final Cut Pro Jockies have been itching for some more information about Final Cut Pro Studio 3.  Beyond FCP S 3’s existence, we are now hearing that you’ll be able to edit full 1080P HD video in realtime.  No more rendering.

While we don’t have specifics, it sounds a lot like Snow Leopard’s harnessing of those GPU cycles is going to pay big dividends for video editors. Apple’s technology for using GPU’s to perform traditionally CPU-intensive jobs is called OpenCL. 

OpenCL (Open Computing Language), makes it possible for developers to efficiently tap the vast gigaflops of computing power currently locked up in the graphics processing unit (GPU). With GPUs approaching processing speeds of a trillion operations per second, they’re capable of considerably more than just drawing pictures. OpenCL takes that power and redirects it for general-purpose computing.

You are probably going to need a pretty hardcore rig to take advantage of this speed as well.  Don’t expect to pull a 2 year old iMac out and edit HD video on the fly.

Gizmodo has found a few parts being advertised as 3rd Generation 2009 iPhone parts coming out of Hong Kong and delivered "within 5 to 12 working days."  If that is true, you could order up a whole iPhone and piece it together before they are released next month!  Well, at least a black bezel.  iLounge reports that the speaker position is moved up a bit and the bezel is now black, meaning the outside strip around the iPhone will be black…if this is the real deal.

Lots going on in the industry today with AllThingsD on the East Coast and Google I/O on the West Coast.  At Google I/O, Sergey Brin gave the state of Chome on a Mac.  Spoiler: no broad release soon, he uses Safari/Firefox on Mac…but uses it on Linux.  You can get the latest build here.

#1 Question: Why is the number one reason why people decide not to get the iPhone … AT&T’s service?  Nice one Walt.

http://online.wsj.com/public/resources/media/swf/atd/microPlayer.swf

The guy may be 20 feet taller than Mossberg but he just got served.

According to Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak, Steve Jobs sounds like he’s doing well, according to the WSJ.

Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak said Steve Jobs sounds “healthy, energetic” a month before the CEO is expected to return to the company. On the sidelines of the All Things D conference, Mr. Wozniak said Mr. Jobs “doesn’t sound like he’s sick,” nor did he seem to be in a health crisis. Mr. Wozniak said, however, he has never directly asked Mr. Jobs how he is.

The statement was made at the AllThingsD conference in New York.  Jobs is expected to resume his role as CEO in a month.

Google Latitude is an application that has been promised for the iPhone for awhile now. It allows you to broadcast your GPS location and at the same time allows you to follow the locations of your friends. Obviously, there is both concern for abuse as well as excitement over this ability.  Google has released versions for the Blackberry, Symbian, Windows Mobile and, of course, Android. 

For whatever reason (App Store regulations?), Google has decided to skip over the iPhone as an native app and release Latitude as a Web App on iPhone 3.0.  With HTML 5 and Apple allowing Safari to access the GPS location in 3.0, apparantly it makes more sense to build a web app.  We aren’t quite sold on that yet but we are willing to try (Anyone got a URL for us?). 

This idea would be even better if Safari could continue accessing the GPS information in the background, for this to work.  More picts below.

Photos via Techcrunch

Google just gave everyone at the Google I/O show at Moscone a free Android phone with Cupcake and unlimited 3G data for a month.  Some observations:

• We are going to the next Google I/O show
• Tmobile service in the Bay area is going to suck for the next month
• Google is probably helping Tmobile unload extra inventory before the next round of Android phones show up
• Hopefully Apple takes a page from this playbook.  Those lame promotions with AT&T aren’t doing it for us.    Anyone got an extra WWDC ticket to spare?

Update, it looks like Google is giving away the G2s…before they even hit the shelves. That is a smooth move Google.

The iPhone’s sole US carrier, AT&T,  today made some pretty significant announcements at the AllThingsD conference. They will continue to roll out 3G to more markets (20), upgrade to 7.2 Mbs equipment and begin deployment of 4G LTE networks in 2011.  AT&T is also doubling its spectrum and adding more towers to cover more areas including the inside of buildings.  AT&T’s 2009 initiatives also include:

• Near-Doubling Radio Frequency Capacity. In 2008 and 2009 to date, high-quality 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed in more than half of AT&T’s 3G network footprint to improve overall coverage and in-building reception, with additional markets planned for later in the year.
• More Bandwidth to Cell Sites. We are adding fiber-optic connectivity and additional capacity to thousands of cell sites across the country this year, expanding the critical connections that deliver traffic from a cell site into the global IP backbone network. These upgrades will support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by both HSPA 7.2 and LTE.
• More Cell Sites. Deployment of about 2,100 new cell sites across the country.
• Wi-Fi Integration. Many AT&T smartphones will be able to switch seamlessly between 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. AT&T customers with qualifying smartphone and 3G LaptopConnect plans have access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network – more than 20,000 hotspots, including locations in all 50 states – at no additional charge. AT&T’s global Wi-Fi footprint covers more than 90,000 hotspots, and AT&T also can create permanent or temporary extended Wi-Fi zones in areas with high 3G network use, like a grouping of hotels or a festival.
• MicroCells. Customer trials leading toward general availability of AT&T 3G MicroCell offerings, which utilize femtocells to enhance in-building wireless coverage.

Press Release follows:

AT&T* today announced plans to upgrade the nation’s fastest 3G network to deliver considerably faster mobile broadband speeds. The network upgrades are slated to begin later this year, with completion expected in 2011.

The upgrade to High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 7.2 technology is part of AT&T’s plan for continued investments to deliver the nation’s best mobile broadband experience – the ideal combination of speed, coverage and best device line-up. AT&T today has the nation’s fastest 3G network and has attracted more than twice the number of smartphone users than any other competitor.

With its network built on the 3G UMTS technology that is commonly deployed throughout the world, AT&T can boost the speed of its mobile broadband network and offer a wide variety of devices to take advantage of it well in advance of 2011-2012, when most industry observers expect 4G LTE networks and device availability to scale. AT&T plans to begin LTE trials in 2010, with deployment beginning in 2011.

In addition to the planned speed upgrade, AT&T is enhancing its mobile broadband coverage by nearly doubling the wireless spectrum dedicated to 3G in most metropolitan areas to deliver stronger in-building reception and more overall network capacity. Also, AT&T is adding thousands of new cell site backhaul connections to support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by HSPA 7.2 and LTE.

“AT&T’s network infrastructure gives us a tremendous advantage in that we’re able to deliver upgrades in mobile broadband speed and performance with our existing technology platform,” said Ralph de la Vega, president and CEO, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the array of smartphones, laptops and emerging devices taking advantage of AT&T’s 3G network today, we know that customers are excited to experience higher mobile broadband speeds, and we are deploying the right technologies at the right times to help them get the most from that experience.”

The upgraded network platform could allow for theoretical peak speeds of 7.2Mbps. Typical real-world downlink and uplink speeds experienced by customers with upgraded 3G will be less than the theoretical peak and will vary based on a number of factors, including location, device, and overall traffic on the local network at a given time.

AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband network is now available in nearly 350 U.S. major metropolitan areas, with about 20 additional metro areas planned for deployment in 2009. The HSPA 7.2 technology will be deployed widely in the network, with the benefits of the network upgrade to be announced on a local basis as the faster speeds are turned up. AT&T will introduce multiple HSPA 7.2-compatible laptop cards and smartphones beginning later this year.

The speed upgrade is one of several ongoing initiatives to expand and enhance AT&T’s mobile broadband service. Other key projects in 2009 include:

• Near-Doubling Radio Frequency Capacity. In 2008 and 2009 to date, high-quality 850 MHz spectrum has been deployed in more than half of AT&T’s 3G network footprint to improve overall coverage and in-building reception, with additional markets planned for later in the year.
• More Bandwidth to Cell Sites. We are adding fiber-optic connectivity and additional capacity to thousands of cell sites across the country this year, expanding the critical connections that deliver traffic from a cell site into the global IP backbone network. These upgrades will support the higher mobile broadband speeds enabled by both HSPA 7.2 and LTE.
• More Cell Sites. Deployment of about 2,100 new cell sites across the country.
• Wi-Fi Integration. Many AT&T smartphones will be able to switch seamlessly between 3G and Wi-Fi connectivity. AT&T customers with qualifying smartphone and 3G LaptopConnect plans have access to the nation’s largest Wi-Fi network – more than 20,000 hotspots, including locations in all 50 states – at no additional charge. AT&T’s global Wi-Fi footprint covers more than 90,000 hotspots, and AT&T also can create permanent or temporary extended Wi-Fi zones in areas with high 3G network use, like a grouping of hotels or a festival.
• MicroCells. Customer trials leading toward general availability of AT&T 3G MicroCell offerings, which utilize femtocells to enhance in-building wireless coverage.

Capital investment for these projects fits within AT&T’s previously outlined expectation of total capital expenditures for 2009, targeted toward the $17 billion to $18 billion range. AT&T matches this network investment with unsurpassed choice in the range of devices, services and applications compatible with its 3G network. AT&T offers a wide variety of devices from more than a dozen manufacturers, including handsets that are compatible with six different operating systems and five different e-mail applications. Our Media Mall 2.0 offers more than 90,000 content options, and customers can download additional applications over the Internet. Additionally, AT&T supports a community of more than 20,000 application developers via its devCentral portal.

HSPA 7.2 is part of the 3^rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) family of technologies, which include GSM and UMTS. Emerging LTE technology is also part of the 3GPP technology roadmap, enabling AT&T’s network to offer backward compatibility, or the ability for users with qualifying devices to seamlessly switch among 4G LTE, 3G and 2G service areas to maintain the fastest-available connection. This availability will be critical for customers in the early years of LTE deployment across the industry, when access to LTE service will be geographically limited.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc