Spotify now streaming to premium customers on TiVo Premiere boxes but no radio

Spotify is continuing its bid for electronic ubiquity, today announcing yet another device its streaming tunes will be available on: TiVo Premiere. The Premiere series of set top boxes from TiVo come in a variety of flavors, but it sounds like the service should work on any of the line -- of course, you need to be a paying Premium Spotify member to actually use the service, just like Spotify's mobile variations. There's a snappy TV-centric UI, optimized for use with TiVo's controller, and a full screen mode should you choose a more minimalist approach to your music consumption. And hey, now that Lars Ulrich is on board, you can have an all Metallica jam session, right from your living room entertainment center. Hot dog. TiVo reps tell us that the Spotify app doesn't contain the radio functionality found in other iterations of the software, and resultantly, the Spotify for TiVo app is premium member-exclusive.

[Source: Engadget]

Nikon patents digital sensor back for old-school 35mm film cameras

Can't let go of that aging 35mm SLR accustomed to a strict film-only diet? Nikon seems to be toying with the idea of feeding its older models digits instead, judging by a Japanese patent application published last week. It was filed just last year and shows a digital back designed to be swapped out easily, complete with a screw adjustment to fine-tune the all-important focal distance. The patent was scoped by prolific Japanese blogger Egami, who pointed out that a different design would be required for each of Nikon's film SLR models, which all have different backs -- but an actual product coming to market seems quite a stretch anyway, at this point. Such devices are commonplace on medium format cameras though, and Leica even offered one for its R8 and R9 35mm SLR cameras as recently as 2007. Still, a pure digital version of our classic F2? Yes please.

[Source: Engadget]

Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL - Games for all!

If you were lucky enough to get a Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL this Christmas, you might be wondering what games are available that might tickle your very particular fancy. In all honesty, there is just about something for all tastes in the full range – but here are four that will suit specific players.

For the younger gamer

The great thing about the Nintendo 3DS XL and Nintendo 3DS games that are available is that there is something for everyone – no matter their age. One of the great options for the younger gamers though is Moshi Monsters: Moshlings Theme Park. The title offers serious fun, but also tries to educate little ones a bit as they play.

For those who love a puzzle

The Professor Layton series has been great for people who love a good brain teaser and the fifth entry in the franchise, Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask, arrived towards the end of 2012. Once more, it combines story and adventure with awesome puzzles and mini-games – of which there are more than ever before. There are even daily downloadable games being made available through the Nintendo Network for a year from its October release date.

For those who like adventure

If its adventure games you’re after, there are absolutely loads to choose from. One of the most obvious though might be New Super Mario Bros. 2 as it brings back all of your favourite characters from the Mushroom Kingdom and introduces some fantastic new game modes. These include – for the first time ever – the ability to collect up to a million coins!

For the artistic type

There have been a few drawing and painting titles on Nintendo 3DS or Nintendo 3DS XL, but in 2012 New Art Academy wanted to outdo them all! The game built on what made the previous entry in the series so successful, while bringing with it all new lessons in art that users could even test out in their real world artistic endeavors.

So as you can see, Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo 3DS XL have something for every kind of gamer – and there is plenty more to come in 2013! [spon]

Tumblr Android app update brings tablet support, new 'following screen'

Tumblr users have been managing their online repositories via mobile apps for a while now, but that software has been tailored specifically for smartphones thus far. The latest version of the blogging service's Android app has changed that, however, finally adding support for tablets, as well as a new "following screen" and tweaked design. Unfortunately for iPad users, you're still stuck in iPhone / iPodview, as Tumblr hasn't gotten 'round to releasing a slate-supporting update for iOS yet. It's strange that such optimization was omitted from the recently launched native app, but for now, both platforms have exclusives to boast about -- tablet support for Android, and Tumblr's Photoset app for iOS.

[Source: Engadget]

Netflix vs Lovefilm: Television Content

For many people, the choice to go with an online streaming and DVD rental service is made for many different reasons. One of the most commonly cited ones is the extensive selection of content. These online services are able to provide more variety given their smaller overhead costs than your traditional brick and mortar rental store. Two of the most popular services today include LOVEFiLM vs Netflix.
Both services offer customers access to television series. However, they do go about it in a different manner. While both services have a wide selection of TV programmes it seems that Netflix offers more variety with its streaming service. LoveFilm does offer some streaming television shows, but many of its popular titles are found as DVD rentals. There are also some differences in that if you’re looking for a specific show you may find it streaming on LoveFilm but not on Netflix. However, even if the show isn’t streaming on LoveFilm it can usually still be obtained through the mail service.
When perusing through the television programme content for both services customers will notice they both offer many different vintage shows that are fairly old. Many people enjoy watching these older shows whether for their nostalgic value or simply to watch for the first time. Both services also offer many of the current popular television programmes as part of their offerings. However, many of these shows do not go back far enough for the satisfaction of some customers. For instance, with Netflix the popular show, Top Gear, only is available as far back as 2009.
Both services also offer stand-up comedy. The major difference is that Netflix’s comes through streaming video. LoveFilm’s selection is greatest on DVD which can be obtained easily through the mail. There is a Netflix free trial as well as one for LoveFilm that are a great way to try out the service without any obligation."

Leaked BlackBerry 10 screenshots reveal new UI, Siri-like voice interface

It's a little over a month until BlackBerry 10's official introduction, but that hasn't stopped leaked screenshots of the OS from circulating on the web. Some folks on the Tinhte Vietnamese forums, which also revealed hands-on video and gallery of the BlackBerry 10 L-Series, have just released pictures of RIM's revamped phone UI. Most notably, the images provide a sneak peek at a new "BlackBerry Hub" all-in-one message center along with an intriguing voice interface that reminds us a lot of Siri. We also get a preview of how apps like Twitter, Facebook and Foursquare will look; unsurprisingly, they seem pretty similar to their Android and iOS cousins. It certainly looks as if the redesign is a complete overhaul rather than just a quick paint job, but we won't know the full details until we see it for ourselves early next year. Until then, head on over to the source to get an early look at what could be RIM's savior.

[Source: Engadget]

Google Play unveils 'surprise calendar countdown' promo for the holidays

Ah, the month of December, when thoughts turn to mistletoe, eggnog and excruciatingly painful trips to the mall. However, Android users could find solace in Google's recently launched "surprise calendar countdown" giveaway program that promises a daily store offer until January 1st, 2013. Of course, this sort of promo isn't unusual this time of year -- the Mountain View company offered a ten apps for ten cents sale last year and Apple's done the freebie thing over on the iOS side -- but Google appears to be upping the ante this time with extra deals. For example, if you download the free Hotel Tonight application today, you'll also get a $35 credit to be used toward a hotel stay if you use the "Google35" promo code. Sure, that won't exactly pay for a night on the town, but it might be enough for room service. We're not sure what other offers are in store, so we suggest checking Google Play every day from now until the new year for a bit of holiday cheer.

[Source: Engadget]

YouTube launches Capture iOS app for smartphone shooting straight to the web

You might want to file this under the "why didn't we have this in 2010" category, but Google just announced a new app that'll let you fire off that smartphone camcorder and boot your videos straight to the YouTubes Curiously, the appropriately named YouTube Capture app is only available for iPhone and iPod touch at the moment -- an Android version is set to launch "in the future" -- and it should be hitting the App Store sometime today. You can shoot video directly from within the new tool, then add a caption, select to send links to Google+, Facebook or Twitter, and hit Share to upload it directly to YouTube. You can also select from private, unlisted or public sharing options, depending on your intended audience. That's about it -- a very straightforward addition to Google's app portfolio.

[Source: Engadget]

Foxconn reportedly manufacturing Amazon smartphone

Rumors about an Amazon smartphone heated up this summer, and the latest whispers -- from Taiwan Economic News -- say the e-retailer is turning to Foxconn to construct its handset. Amazon is said to have put in a five-million-unit order with the Chinese company, which we've already seen mentioned as the potential manufacturer for this device. The report also says the phone will launch in the second or third quarter of 2013, with a price somewhere in the $100-to-$200 range. Stay tuned, as more rumors are sure to come.

[Source: Engadget]

GoPro lets all Hero3 owners in on iOS, Android fun with updated app, firmware

If you splurged for the $400 GoPro Hero3 Black Edition, you'll be glad to know that it'll finally work with the Android and iOS GoPro apps, thanks to a new update. The Silver and White Edition Hero3 models will now work with Android as well, which didn't support any flavors of that camera when it first came out. You'll want to update the firmware in all three models of the talented shooter before trying to use the app, according to a tweet from the company, which will let you in on all the live preview and remote control goodies we saw earlier. Check the source to see how to grab everything.

[Source: Engadget]

Instagram lays framework for monetization, sharing info with Facebook in ToS update

Facebook and Instagram will be able to get a bit cozier under that new shared roof beginning early next year. On January 16th, the photo sharing site's new Terms of Service will go into effect, enabling the network to share information, content and usage stats with "businesses that are legally part of the same group of companies that Instagram is part of, or that become part of the same group." In a blog post, Instagram reps outlined the benefits of the revision, explaining that the site will be able to "fight spam more effectively, detect system and reliability problems more quickly, and build better features for everyone by understanding how Instagram is used."

Additionally, in the full ToS, the second item under Rights states "you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you." In short, Instagram has the right to share content that's already public with advertisers in order to generate revenue. If you're an Instagram user and you care about your rights while using the service, you'll be best served by making your way over to our source links below.

[Source: Engadget]

Facebook Nearby helps you discover your friends' hangouts, view local business ratings

You've probably managed to track down another app or two that accomplishes the same, or maybe you have no interest in a ratings-driven discovery platform at all -- either way, Facebook's decided to tap your smartphone's GPS yet again, offering up recommended venues through an updated Nearby. The new section lets you identify local establishments that your e-buds have checked into or liked. Businesses are sorted by category, so you can find a cozy coffee shop on a rainy day with ease, or stumble upon a neighborhood dog park that a special friend happens to frequent with her pooch. Perhaps most intriguing, however, is the suggestion that Facebook may "add places info from third party services in the near future," perhaps making the app a one-stop shop for all your cafe/club/shop/hotel-searching needs. You may already have a "Nearby" tab in your Android or iOS app -- Facebook has confirmed that the new tool will rollout beginning today.

[Source: Engadget]