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New Media News Every Morning

mDialog announces optimization of its video platform for Apple iPhone and iPod Touch

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mdialog.pngmDialog is introducing a version of its platform optimized for Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch devices. The new version will allow mDialog users to easily deliver and view high resolution video content on the iPhone and iPod Touch to take full advantage of those devices’ unique navigation features.

As part of its optimization for iPhone and iPod Touch, mDialog is introducing the following features to take advantage of those devices’ user interfaces and to maximize user engagement:

• Navigation that integrates the iPhone scroll wheel to enable easy selection of mDialog Super Channels or access a customer’s private and shared video channels

• Advanced social networking features that allow users to view video channels being narrowcast or privately shared, and Instant Messaging to engage users with friends who are sharing video content

• A star rating system that allows users to view, rate and comment on videos

Originally posted on January 15, 2008 @ 6:20 pm

Great expectations at Macworld

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macworld.gifAfter the buzz about CES 2008, all eyes are on Steve Jobs and his keynote speech on Macworld Conference and Expo, trade show produced by IDG World Expo dedicated to Apple, this coming January 15.

Last year, Apple unveiled the revolutionary and ultra hip iPhone in this same trade show. That’s why more than 50,000 people and 400 exhibitors are very excited to know if there are any blockbuster products and services still hidden in its product portfolio. According to a news article:

“What everyone wants from Steve is, ‘What’s next?'” said Creative Strategies’ principal analyst Tim Bajarin. “You don’t have to create a new blockbuster every year. What you have to do is make it better. … They’re looking for Apple to keep the record going.”

Based on previous reports and speculations on various publications and blogs, there are 3 major initiatives expected this year – the launch of iTunes movie rental service, an updated Apple TV set-top box and ultra-mobile laptop named Mac Mini.

Unfortunately, Steve Jobs is infamous for his secretive nature and marketing acumen that it’s really hard to surmise what’s up his sleeves until the actual presentation.

Originally posted on January 14, 2008 @ 8:20 am

Steve Jobs’ Macworld keynote revealed

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Steve Jobs’ keynote speech, that he is due to make on stage at the Moscone Centre in San Francicso on Tuesday 15th January, has apparently been leaked via Wikipedia.

With highlights including a 16GB iPhone, details of the SDK for the device, a 13-inch 0.8-inch thick redesigned MacBook and direct YouTube for Apple TV, it would not be a dull keynote if it’s all true.

Source: Pocket-lint

Editor’s note: Can’t they wait for the day itself?

Update: It’s fake according to TechCrunch

Originally posted on January 14, 2008 @ 10:25 pm

Apple, Fox to partner on online movie rental business

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apple-fox.gifThere are rumors started by Financial Times that Apple and News Corp’s 20th Century Fox have reached an agreement to develop a unique online video-on-demand service promising to alter the conventional way of paying online film content.

Under the alleged agreement, online viewers can download Fox’s latest DVD releases via iTunes but for a limited time only. Apple is also rumored talking with other major studios such as Sony, Warner Brothers, and Paramount Pictures for this same distribution agreement. With the alleged rental price set at $2.99, this is significantly lower than the regular price ranging from $10 to $15 for owning a video.

While both parties opted to keep mum on this deal, I bet the major online movie rental companies such as Blockbuster and Netflix are now trembling with fear and cracking their brains in crafting strategies to preempt the imminent assault of Apple.

Via Mashable and The Web Services Report

Originally posted on December 27, 2007 @ 7:14 am

Think Secret settles lawsuit with Apple by shutting down

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thinksecret.pngApple and Think Secret have settled their lawsuit, reaching an agreement that results in a positive solution for both sides. As part of the confidential settlement, no sources were revealed and Think Secret will no longer be published.

“I’m pleased to have reached this amicable settlement, and will now be able to move forward with my college studies and broader journalistic pursuits,” Nick Ciarelli, Think Secret’s publisher, said.

Originally posted on December 20, 2007 @ 10:27 am