4oD Android app finally arrives, streaming limited to Wi-Fi

Channel 4 has finally brought a dedicated 4oD app to Android, a whole 16 months after making its grand debut on iOS.

The app is extremely similar to the iPhone version, and lets you locate and stream programmes from Channel 4's hoard of shows, including but not limited to, The Undateables, 8 out of 10 Cats, How I Met Your Mother, Utopia (above) and Black Mirror.

You also get access to older shows like Black Books or Brass Eye (yes, the list was alphabetical, what of it?), so you should find plenty to keep you entertained.

Like the iOS version however, the app won't let you stream video over 3G, instead limiting you to viewing over a Wi-Fi connection, like the one you probably have at home. Where you probably also have a telly. Hmm.

There's no live TV, or the ability to download shows and watch them offline, both of which are present in the BBC's iPlayer app. Channel 4 has promised that those features will be coming to both iOS and Android in early 2013, so stay tuned for an update.

The app will work on "most Android devices running version 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and above," Channel 4 says, and is apparently optimised for popular 'droid devices like the Nexus 7,Nexus 4 and Samsung Galaxy S3.

The app gets around the thorny issue of recent Android gadgets having trouble running Flash. If you've got an older Android gadget (as many people do), then your only hope for now is to use the in-browser viewer, which you can find here.

The app has frustrated some early downloaders, with some complaining about only being able to view video over Wi-Fi, glitches spoiling their fun, or an inability to make the app play via a TV. "'Video not available. Please try later' on every single video," one review reads. "'Makes no sense... one star until it works properly," says another.

[Source: CNET]

Instagram now has a full web feed to compliment its mobile app

Since its launch in 2010, Instagramhas remained an almost entirely mobile-only experience, only recently bringing a profile page component to the web. That changed today with the now Facebook-owned company introducing a full web-based image feed, including commentating and sharing options, for viewing your photos and those of your friends from within any browser.

Instagram co-founder Kevin Systrom announced the admittedly major step for his brand via its official blog, stating that it comes as the result of user demand. While the web feed mimics its in-app counterpart very closely -- particularly when viewed in mobile Safari or Chrome for iOS -- it most notably lacks the option to upload photos from within your browser. Systrom remarked that the feature was left out because the core of Instagram remains "about producing photos on the go, in the real world, in realtime."

[Source: TUAW]

SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Frost Blue Edition now available

The award-wining SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] mouse is now available in a new Frost Blue Edition. Matching the color combination found on the SteelSeries Siberia v2 Frost Blue Edition Headset, the mouse is glossy white and rubberized gray with bright, blue illumination in three locations – at the scroll wheel, CPI toggle light and the SteelSeries logo.

As a refresher, the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Mice features the core essentials of a premium-quality gaming mouse, but for users that may not require all of the customization that the 32-bit ARM processor inside of the world's most customizable gaming mouse,  the SteelSeries Sensei, has to offer. The Sensei [RAW] provides users with:

• BEST-IN-CLASS HARDWARE: From tournament-grade switches for intense clicking, to a pro-grade laser sensor and a CPI range from 1-5,700, the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] delivers the best in gaming performance. Flip it over to find XL-sized UPE material feet for a smooth and consistent glide.

• FROST BLUE ILLUMINATION: Its bright-blue LED illumination is featured in 3 zones and can be configured with multiple levels of pulsation. Powered by the SteelSeries Engine software suite, users are equipped with advanced customization options and the ability to create and store an unlimited number of profiles.

Additional details for the SteelSeries Sensei [RAW] Frost Blue Edition can be found here: http://steelseri.es/rawfrost  while high-res images of the mouse can be found at the following link: http://d.pr/f/bSp6.

Nexus 10 launches in Japan

Some two and a half months after the original launch, Google and Samsung's Nexus 10 is now available in Japan. The high-resolution, 10-inch Nexus tablet is on sale through the Japanese Google Play Store, where it's priced at ¥36,800 (around $400) for the 16GB model, and ¥44,800 (around $480) with 32GB.

[Source: AndroidCentral]

Could Google be working on a unified messaging platform?

The screenshot above, while not Android, is extremely interesting regardless because of what it may be showing off. Posted by developer François Beaufort, what's seen here is a Chrome OS desktop with both a new notifications system and more interestingly a new app icon that we've never seen out of Google before. The "rich notifications", which show messages, calls and Google+ activity all in-line and within one pane are displayed in a new Jelly Bean and Google Now design. The new icon, to the right of the Google Drive app in the dock, shows four cascading Google-themed chat boxes.

This screenshot raises a whole lot more questions than it answers, and instantly gets us speculating as to whether or not this new notification system and app are a sign of something bigger than just Chrome OS notifications. Could this finally be a unified messaging service from Google? This could quite easily be just Google+ notifications -- missed hangout calls, Google+ Messenger messages and picture shares -- but we surely hope it's more than that.

Now of course this isn't Android, but it could have a huge impact on Android users if this turns out to be a true unified messaging service from Google. A unified messaging system that brings together Google Voice, Talk, Google+ and others would be a huge step forward for the integration of Google's often-disjointed services.

[Source: AndroidCentral]

Confirmed: Jelly Bean update planned for BlackBerry 10 Android runtime

It's official: BlackBerry 10's Android runtime layer will be updated to Jelly Bean. Reports of the announcement, which should please users looking to shore up the platform's app selection, surfaced this morning, apparently stemming from the company's developer-focused BB Jam Europe event in Amsterdam. We've since reached out and received confirmation that it is indeed true, although no timetable has yet to be announced. In the meantime, current Z10 owners can continue to sideload Gingerbread-based apps -- which the runtime layer currently supports -- while they wait for those big name, third-party apps to land in the BlackBerry World store.

[Source: Engadget]

PlayStation Home Arcade brings parts of Sony's Second Life-esque world to PlayStation Vita

You like the games in Sony's PlayStation 3-based social network, Home, but not the endless Quincying? We can fully respect that, and we're glad to tell you that Sony's doing something specifically catered to your wants, fictional person -- today, PlayStation Home Arcade launches on the PlayStation Vita, bringing arcade games from the network to Vita with none of the awkward virtual dancing found on PS3. The software previously popped up on the Vita's store, but Sony wasn't saying a word at the time -- and now we know why. To access PlayStation Home Arcade, grab the free download from the Vita's PlayStation Store gateway; we're not seeing it pop up in the store just yet, but keep your eyes peeled! When it is available, to access the games, open up the application and download away -- they range from free to $1.49. For a full list of titles and the official word from Sony, head past the break. For a horrifying demonstration of Quincying, watch this.

[Source: Engadget]

Will Viewers Pay Subscriptions to Watch YouTubers?

Rumours have it that later this year, YouTube will start charging for paid subscriptions. Sources say that YouTube is already meeting with some big channels to gather ideas, such as Machinima and Fullscreen. If all of the rumours are valid, then YouTube will probably launch their new product sometime during Spring or Summer 2013.

YouTube would initially probably only launch twenty five paid channels. A Google spokesperson said

"We have long maintained that different content requires different types of payment models. The important thing is that, regardless of the model, our creators succeed on the platform. There are a lot of our content creators that think they would benefit from subscriptions, so we are looking at that.”

How much will it cost to pay for a subscription? Just like all rumors, we can't confirm anything. However, the general hypothesis is that each channel would cost $1.00 - $5.00 for you to watch. If you convert that into GBP, we're looking at something around £0.60 - £3.50 per paid subscription.

If YouTube does introduce paid subscriptions, I would like to see some additional features such as the ability to download for offline viewing.

Will you pay to watch YouTuber videos? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

128 GB iPads now on sale at Apple online store

Apple's new 128 GB iPads are now on sale at Apple's online store. The new iPads were announced last week and mark the first time users can buy an iPad over 64 GB in size.

The new 128 GB models begin at US$799 for the Wi-Fi version. The Wi-Fi + Cellular version will set you back $929. Currently Apple is showing a 1 to 3 day ship time for the Wi-Fi model and 3 to 5 day ship time for the Sprint and Verizon Wi-Fi + Cellular models. The AT&T Wi-Fi + Cellular model is listed as shipping in 1 to 3 days.

[Source: TUAW]

Apple shares Valentine's Day gift guide

Perhaps you haven't glanced at your calendar lately, but it's February 5 -- and Valentine's Day is just around the corner. Apple has created a Valentine's Day Gift Guide in the iTunes App Store to help you find the perfect gift for that certain someone in your life.

The gift guide is full of categories to make searching easy. Is your honey a photographer? There's a special category for that. Have a hankering for a certain hardcore gamer? No problem; there's a huge section for that, too.

The App Store curators also provide a quick tip at the top of the guide on how to send an app as a gift, so if you really want to make that someone special happy, you'll start gifting them with apps today...

Just don't forget the chocolate. Apps are no substitute for chocolate.

[Source: TUAW]

Great Offers on MoneyGaming

MoneyGaming was launched by Game Account International in 2011 and has since become host to a suite of over 300 games. Along with casino classics such as Black Jack and Roulette players can also enjoy a huge selection of bingo, slot and instant win games. All games on the MoneyGaming website run on Adobe Flash so customers can begin playing them instantly without the need to download or install any software.

The graphics and animations provided by the WagerWorks and Aristocrat software platforms are bright and impressive. Their exceptional quality of gaming earned MoneyGaming's parent company the EGR Magazine award for the Top Game Developer Company in 2011. In addition to this the website is attractive and the layout is easy to navigate, meaning players will quickly find whatever they are looking for.

Popular slot machines such as Rainbow Riches, Kitty Glitter and Cleopatra slots are all available along with some new famous names including GhostBusters, which boasts four frequent mystery features and two bonus games. MoneyGaming’s slots collection is extensive and growing fast, with the company regularly adding new slots games. Both free to play and real money games are featured on the website with mega jackpots regularly exceeding £2 million.

Along with the games MoneyGaming also offers their customers some great promotional offers. Currently new players who sign up to the website with the simple registration process will benefit from a £300 Welcome Package. First deposits will be matched up to £150 with a 50% match on second deposits up to £75. Another £75 sprint bonus can also be redeemed after playing real cash games. In addition to this MoneyGaming has also introduced a loyalty bonus scheme for cash game players. This extra boost to your player account balance can really help to stretch those winnings.

HTC promises 'new sound and camera experience in 2013'

Normally I avoid infographics like the plague. They're basically free advertising, and baby needs a new pair of shoes. But HTC just published one on a "Brief history of photography." And tucked down at the bottom is the following line:

HTC kicks off a new sound and camera experience in 2013

That's very much in the same ballpark as the supposed "ultrapixel" sensor Pocket-Lint reported will be used in HTC's next round of phones.

Only a couple weeks until HTC's Feb. 19 events in New York and London, folks. We're getting close.

[Source: AndroidCentral]